You know something is not right when from the outset before watching you are not particularly sold on the premise. While appreciating tennis and noting its resemblance (as has been said already) to the Tonya Harding/Nancy Kerrigan story, the story never sounded that interesting. Saw it anyway as a fan of 'Law and Order' and of the franchise in its prime, and it was an episode that left me rather cold on first viewing and not an awful lot better than the premise.
Of the various 'Law and Order' episodes rewatched recently, "Doubles" still doesn't do much for me and my feelings are similar to before. On re-watches, some episodes were just as good/great as the first time, even better or a little less good, but there were very few episodes that fitted in the never cared for it that much category and "Doubles" is sadly one of them in my view. Season 4 on the whole was a good, if not consistent, season and "Doubles" is easily my least favourite of the twenty two episodes that make up the season.
"Doubles" does have good things. It looks typically slick especially in the typically intimate photography and the editing has come on a good deal. The music is used appropriately and didn't come over as overbearing. The episode does get a little better and more intriguing when things become not so obvious in the latter stages.
The performances are all fine, lead and supporting, and the character interaction likewise. John Heard and Allison Dunbar are both very good in their roles and yes it was great and quite refreshing to see Michael Moriarty smile.
Sadly, the case for "Doubles" fails to completely engage let alone excite. Far from unwatchable, but on first watch it struck me as rather dull and bland and that's still the case. There could have been more energy, all competently done but in a safe and workmanlike way, and there is a lack of tension or anything to be emotionally invested by. Much of it is too easy to figure out and quite predictable from doing little new with familiar ground and when things are not as obvious it is not easy to get one's head round at first.
Usually the dialogue is tight and thought probing, there are moments of the latter in "Doubles" but most of it is on the soapy and limp side. The early portions are too routine for my tastes. The direction is far from amateurish but never does it feel that inspired at the same time.
Concluding, disappointingly average. 5/10