On the most part, Season 3 was a solid enough season, almost all the episodes being good to brilliant with for me only one underwhelming. Generally have a slight preference actually for the previous two seasons, which had a higher number of great episodes, weren't quite as up and down (though all Season 3's episodes are above average and more) and didn't have any episode that belongs in the lesser 'Law and Order: Criminal Intent' category.
All the previous eight Season 3 episodes are good to excellent, with "But Not Forgotten" and "Sound Bodies" faring best. Both among the better episodes of the third season if not quite a 'Criminal Intent' classic, and even better followed. "Happy Family" is very good and very nearly great, neither one of the best or one of the worst of the season. Eames fans may find themselves a little disappointed and anybody hoping at this point to be invested more in her temporary replacement Bishop likewise. Anybody that loves Goren and a good story that is far from bland will find much to like with "Happy Family".
There is a lot more good than there is bad, and even the little not so great things were massive drawbacks. Have yet to have an issue with the visual aspect and never really did throughout the show's run, the photography having its usual slickness in particular. The music is only used when necessary and doesn't fall in my view into the trap of being too dramatic when it is used. The direction is accomodating and has urgency, even if there isn't anything innovative. Vincent D'Onofrio far from disappoints and is terrific. Not just his priceless comic timing and spot on perceptions, which is just a couple of reasons as to why Goren has always been such a memorable character. But also his interaction with the younger actors, he is firm but he is sympathetic and never preachy or intimidating, one of many episodes to show how brilliant Goren is when questioning youngsters and children.
Supporting cast are all strong and while Bishop may not have ever wowed me as a character Samantha Buck actually plays her quite well. The script is tight yet sensitive, very appropriate for the subject. The story is mostly compelling and not predictable or too complicated, complete with a shocker of an ending that was not expected at all. One of those cases where the person you actually hate is the victim. The tension within the family has both tension and poignancy.
However, once again Goren and Bishop's chemistry never did have the same spark that the one between him and Eames had and "Happy Family" is no exception. Partly because Bishop is not as interesting as a character and doesn't contrast enough with Goren, any tension between them not being as entertaining to watch.
While the story compels mostly, the early stages are a little too slight and deliberate.
Other than those two things, very good. 8/10
All the previous eight Season 3 episodes are good to excellent, with "But Not Forgotten" and "Sound Bodies" faring best. Both among the better episodes of the third season if not quite a 'Criminal Intent' classic, and even better followed. "Happy Family" is very good and very nearly great, neither one of the best or one of the worst of the season. Eames fans may find themselves a little disappointed and anybody hoping at this point to be invested more in her temporary replacement Bishop likewise. Anybody that loves Goren and a good story that is far from bland will find much to like with "Happy Family".
There is a lot more good than there is bad, and even the little not so great things were massive drawbacks. Have yet to have an issue with the visual aspect and never really did throughout the show's run, the photography having its usual slickness in particular. The music is only used when necessary and doesn't fall in my view into the trap of being too dramatic when it is used. The direction is accomodating and has urgency, even if there isn't anything innovative. Vincent D'Onofrio far from disappoints and is terrific. Not just his priceless comic timing and spot on perceptions, which is just a couple of reasons as to why Goren has always been such a memorable character. But also his interaction with the younger actors, he is firm but he is sympathetic and never preachy or intimidating, one of many episodes to show how brilliant Goren is when questioning youngsters and children.
Supporting cast are all strong and while Bishop may not have ever wowed me as a character Samantha Buck actually plays her quite well. The script is tight yet sensitive, very appropriate for the subject. The story is mostly compelling and not predictable or too complicated, complete with a shocker of an ending that was not expected at all. One of those cases where the person you actually hate is the victim. The tension within the family has both tension and poignancy.
However, once again Goren and Bishop's chemistry never did have the same spark that the one between him and Eames had and "Happy Family" is no exception. Partly because Bishop is not as interesting as a character and doesn't contrast enough with Goren, any tension between them not being as entertaining to watch.
While the story compels mostly, the early stages are a little too slight and deliberate.
Other than those two things, very good. 8/10
