Was not sure before watching "F.P.S" it would be up my alley. Gaming is not an area of expertise of mine and has never been much of a hobby strictly speaking, meaning that anything that has a subject that doesn't connect with me in general risks leaving me cold. 'Law and Order: Criminal Intent' was a great show in its prime though and it, and the franchise in general, is the kind of show that has always fascinated me, so there was hope at the same time.
"F.P.S" on first watch was a very good episode with a lot to love. My positive feelings didn't change at all on re-watch (have re-watched all episodes of 'Criminal Intent', some more than once), it was just as good second-time round and even better perhaps due to getting more out of the story. It was a pleasant surprise that "F.P.S" also made a very interesting episode revolving around something that is not usually my cup of tea, and allowed me to be invested a lot in it, which is not an easy feat to achieve.
Vincent D'Onofrio is wonderful as usual, especially shining at the end. And even more so when Goren makes it clear how much he misses and values Eames, something not seen before and it was very touching. Goren as ever is a fascinating character and although his and Bishop's chemistry never quite ignited with me, it is at its most interesting here in terms of dynamic. One of Bishop's best ever moments in, along with "Sound Bodies", one of her better appearances was how she reacted to Goren's demonstration re-enactment.
Their tension here is entertaining in a way not seen before and one can definitely understand Goren's frustration. The case is a very interesting one and is never what it seems to be at first glance, showing fully and accurately what excessive gaming can do to your mental health without passing too much judgement. The perpetrator is one devious piece of work and unsettlingly played. The ending is great and classic Goren, which will make Goren fans (speaking as one) squeal with delight. The episode looks good and the music fits very well without being over-used or over-dramatic. Nicely directed too.
Carver however is pretty wasted and didn't seem necessary, just there.
Maybe there are a few too many twists and turns which made the latter half of the middle act a touch over-complicated at times, more time for the viewer to fully digest what was shown was needed.
On the whole though, "F.P.S" is another very good episode. 8/10
"F.P.S" on first watch was a very good episode with a lot to love. My positive feelings didn't change at all on re-watch (have re-watched all episodes of 'Criminal Intent', some more than once), it was just as good second-time round and even better perhaps due to getting more out of the story. It was a pleasant surprise that "F.P.S" also made a very interesting episode revolving around something that is not usually my cup of tea, and allowed me to be invested a lot in it, which is not an easy feat to achieve.
Vincent D'Onofrio is wonderful as usual, especially shining at the end. And even more so when Goren makes it clear how much he misses and values Eames, something not seen before and it was very touching. Goren as ever is a fascinating character and although his and Bishop's chemistry never quite ignited with me, it is at its most interesting here in terms of dynamic. One of Bishop's best ever moments in, along with "Sound Bodies", one of her better appearances was how she reacted to Goren's demonstration re-enactment.
Their tension here is entertaining in a way not seen before and one can definitely understand Goren's frustration. The case is a very interesting one and is never what it seems to be at first glance, showing fully and accurately what excessive gaming can do to your mental health without passing too much judgement. The perpetrator is one devious piece of work and unsettlingly played. The ending is great and classic Goren, which will make Goren fans (speaking as one) squeal with delight. The episode looks good and the music fits very well without being over-used or over-dramatic. Nicely directed too.
Carver however is pretty wasted and didn't seem necessary, just there.
Maybe there are a few too many twists and turns which made the latter half of the middle act a touch over-complicated at times, more time for the viewer to fully digest what was shown was needed.
On the whole though, "F.P.S" is another very good episode. 8/10