Both of the previous two episodes of Season 3 are very good in my view, with a slight preference for "Undaunted Mettle". Which is also slightly more accessible, some may find "Gemini" a bit too weird and while it is a fascinating and enjoyable episode there was that element for me at times. If you liked those episodes, the case with me, and the previous two episodes, the case with me too, it is hard to not have high expectations for the season's third entry "The Gift".
Expectations generally met, but not completely realised. "The Gift" for me is a good episode, better on re-watch than when first seeing it, but not a great (and actually it easily could have been) one. Goren doesn't disappoint and neither do the little character moments, the acting and most of the writing, but a stronger case overall and if a particular character behaved more believably would have made a big difference in the episode's overall quality in my view.
Case-wise, "The Gift" is at times on the bland side aside from some intriguingly weird details of the crime. The pace could have been tighter more consistently and the episode could have overall done with more tension.
Also didn't really buy how the mother of the victim reacted to the murder and culpability, rather too cold and too accepting of the consequences and too quickly as well.
Goren on the other hand is on peak form and is both immensely entertaining in comic timing and hard-boiled edge and interesting to watch. His methods of deduction never cease to amaze and have always just loved his perceptive observations that are so bang on, his amusing dialogue and how he interacts with the other characters. Whether it's the sarcasm to the mistress, his fascination with some of the relationships and how he interacts with Julian when he is introduced.
While the story generally could have been stronger, it did compel enough and didn't seem over-simple and just about plausible, had no difficulty in understanding what was going on. There is terrific acting as usual from Vincent D'Onofrio and Bobby Cannavale is also very effective, suave and sinister. Really enjoyed the chemistry between the two. The episode is well made and appropriately scored.
Bottom line, definitely worth watching if a little bland. 7/10
Expectations generally met, but not completely realised. "The Gift" for me is a good episode, better on re-watch than when first seeing it, but not a great (and actually it easily could have been) one. Goren doesn't disappoint and neither do the little character moments, the acting and most of the writing, but a stronger case overall and if a particular character behaved more believably would have made a big difference in the episode's overall quality in my view.
Case-wise, "The Gift" is at times on the bland side aside from some intriguingly weird details of the crime. The pace could have been tighter more consistently and the episode could have overall done with more tension.
Also didn't really buy how the mother of the victim reacted to the murder and culpability, rather too cold and too accepting of the consequences and too quickly as well.
Goren on the other hand is on peak form and is both immensely entertaining in comic timing and hard-boiled edge and interesting to watch. His methods of deduction never cease to amaze and have always just loved his perceptive observations that are so bang on, his amusing dialogue and how he interacts with the other characters. Whether it's the sarcasm to the mistress, his fascination with some of the relationships and how he interacts with Julian when he is introduced.
While the story generally could have been stronger, it did compel enough and didn't seem over-simple and just about plausible, had no difficulty in understanding what was going on. There is terrific acting as usual from Vincent D'Onofrio and Bobby Cannavale is also very effective, suave and sinister. Really enjoyed the chemistry between the two. The episode is well made and appropriately scored.
Bottom line, definitely worth watching if a little bland. 7/10
