The detectives probe the case of a woman thrown from her balcony, and end up immersing themselves in the world of gaming.The detectives probe the case of a woman thrown from her balcony, and end up immersing themselves in the world of gaming.The detectives probe the case of a woman thrown from her balcony, and end up immersing themselves in the world of gaming.
Photos
- Detective Alexandra 'Alex' Eames
- (credit only)
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaActor Jordan Bridges (Jack Cadogan) will go on to play Assistant District Attorney Nick Potter on the L&O spin-off Conviction (2006).
- Quotes
Captain James Deakins: This one knows about the tickets but not the money. This one knows about the money but not the tickets. These two clowns can't keep their stories straight.
Detective Robert Goren: They have access codes to hundreds of bank accounts, nearly two million dollars. And they only take $100,000.
Detective G. Lynn Bishop: Barely covers their overhead.
Captain James Deakins: Hmmm.
Detective Robert Goren: Now, $100,000 is just enough to catch our attention. Just enough to, um, lead us to these two.
Captain James Deakins: They've been set up.
Detective Robert Goren: So have we.
- ConnectionsReferences Pong (1972)
"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
- TheLittleSongbird
- Aug 3, 2020