When first watching the early seasons of 'Law and Order', Season 7's three-parter (consisting of "D-Girl", "Turnaround" and "Showtime") really stood out and came over as particularly memorable. And not just because of it having the unique distinction of the story being spread over more than one part. The case itself is among the most complex up to this point of the show's run and two of the regular characters have more development given to them not seen before.
All three episodes of the three parter are hugely impressive and often brilliant. That "D-Girl" was the weakest of the three and still be excellent just goes to show how exceptionally high quality it was. Some might question why is the story in three parts and worry that it would come over as over-stretched. To me, it was a good move to spread it over three parts and the right move as it is a very rich story with a lot happening and a lot of twists that needs more than one part.
"D-Girl" doesn't really have anything wrong with it and it does a great job setting things up for what's to come and introducing everything with plenty to keep one intrigued. Just that the succeeding two parts were even better, more eventful and more complex, as well as tighter in pace.
So much is done brilliantly. 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 writing is intelligent and although, like the show in general, there is a lot of talk (as always for the 'Law and Order' franchise) it doesn't feel like there is too much or too loose. The story sounds ordinary at first but actually very quickly becomes quite twisty and intricate, with the latter stages of the episode taking an unexpected turn compared to what is seen before. Really liked learning more about Ross and the subplot with Curtis shows promise.
Furthermore, "D-Girl's" balance of case and personal life was expertly done. Ross' subplot progresses her and is not soap-operatic, it also proves itself relevant to the case which is more obvious in the next two episodes. All the regulars are typically fine, especially Carey Lowell, and the supporting cast are more than up to their level. Particularly smarmy Keith Szarabajka and pre-'Gilmore Girls' Lauren Graham.
Concluding, excellent. 9/10.
All three episodes of the three parter are hugely impressive and often brilliant. That "D-Girl" was the weakest of the three and still be excellent just goes to show how exceptionally high quality it was. Some might question why is the story in three parts and worry that it would come over as over-stretched. To me, it was a good move to spread it over three parts and the right move as it is a very rich story with a lot happening and a lot of twists that needs more than one part.
"D-Girl" doesn't really have anything wrong with it and it does a great job setting things up for what's to come and introducing everything with plenty to keep one intrigued. Just that the succeeding two parts were even better, more eventful and more complex, as well as tighter in pace.
So much is done brilliantly. 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 writing is intelligent and although, like the show in general, there is a lot of talk (as always for the 'Law and Order' franchise) it doesn't feel like there is too much or too loose. The story sounds ordinary at first but actually very quickly becomes quite twisty and intricate, with the latter stages of the episode taking an unexpected turn compared to what is seen before. Really liked learning more about Ross and the subplot with Curtis shows promise.
Furthermore, "D-Girl's" balance of case and personal life was expertly done. Ross' subplot progresses her and is not soap-operatic, it also proves itself relevant to the case which is more obvious in the next two episodes. All the regulars are typically fine, especially Carey Lowell, and the supporting cast are more than up to their level. Particularly smarmy Keith Szarabajka and pre-'Gilmore Girls' Lauren Graham.
Concluding, excellent. 9/10.
