Quite the opposite. Already knew from reading the synopsis that "Executioner" would be an at least intriguing episode, with one of the most powerful yet controversial subject matters of the season and of the post-Briscoe seasons. One of those that is easy to feel sadness and anger all at once and easy to be left in deep thought, when executed well one knows it's a good episode and that it's all what the 'Law and Order' franchise is all about.
"Executioner" to me was a great episode and one of the best of the season. After a shaky start, Season 18 hit its stride with "Quit Claim" and the rest of the episodes were solid and more (the one disappointment being "Boogeyman"). Really liked its handling of the difficult subject matter and it did have an early seasons 'Law and Order' feel to it, which was great as not enough of the post-Briscoe episodes gave off that sensation (or at least to this extent).
It begins on the ever so slightly routine and formulaic side.
Once things become more complex, the episode is anything but either adjective. The production values are suitably slick and gritty, with photography that is reliant on close ups that have an intimacy without being too claustrophobic. The music is didn't come over as too melodramatic or like it was emphasising the emotion too much. The direction is sympathetic while still giving momentum.
The script is tight and intelligent, the tone is a typically serious one but to me it didn't become melodramatic or dreary. It is particularly thought provoking in the different points of view of the defendant's character and what it has to say about botched executions fascinates. The story is continually compelling, especially in the legal scenes, the standard of which here and the previous two episodes being completely different to when the season first started. Loved the pull no punches yet sensitive and thought probing handling of the subject.
As well as that McCoy (criminally understand pre-"Quit Claim" has more to do with a meaty role in the second half, which generates a good deal of tension. The regulars are all on strong form, especially Sam Waterston and Linus Roache and while James Rebhorn effectively makes the skin crawl it's the powerful performance of Michael Rooker that shines most. As others have said, the defendant is not the character that is hated by the end.
Summing up, excellent. 9/10.
"Executioner" to me was a great episode and one of the best of the season. After a shaky start, Season 18 hit its stride with "Quit Claim" and the rest of the episodes were solid and more (the one disappointment being "Boogeyman"). Really liked its handling of the difficult subject matter and it did have an early seasons 'Law and Order' feel to it, which was great as not enough of the post-Briscoe episodes gave off that sensation (or at least to this extent).
It begins on the ever so slightly routine and formulaic side.
Once things become more complex, the episode is anything but either adjective. The production values are suitably slick and gritty, with photography that is reliant on close ups that have an intimacy without being too claustrophobic. The music is didn't come over as too melodramatic or like it was emphasising the emotion too much. The direction is sympathetic while still giving momentum.
The script is tight and intelligent, the tone is a typically serious one but to me it didn't become melodramatic or dreary. It is particularly thought provoking in the different points of view of the defendant's character and what it has to say about botched executions fascinates. The story is continually compelling, especially in the legal scenes, the standard of which here and the previous two episodes being completely different to when the season first started. Loved the pull no punches yet sensitive and thought probing handling of the subject.
As well as that McCoy (criminally understand pre-"Quit Claim" has more to do with a meaty role in the second half, which generates a good deal of tension. The regulars are all on strong form, especially Sam Waterston and Linus Roache and while James Rebhorn effectively makes the skin crawl it's the powerful performance of Michael Rooker that shines most. As others have said, the defendant is not the character that is hated by the end.
Summing up, excellent. 9/10.
