"Major Case's" biggest interest point for me was seeing how Nichols and Eames would fare together, that certainly is a change of pace though did worry that the characters would be too different in personality for the partnership to gel. It left a major impression on me certainly on first watch, thanks to the suspense, the surprisingly well matched pairing, a memorable guest star turn and some illuminating character development that was needed.
On subsequent rewatches, "Major Case" is still a very highly thought of episode from personal view. It is one of the two best episodes of Season 8, the other being "Identity Crisis" and my thoughts from first watch are very much the same here but even stronger. Would go as far to considering it a high point of 'Law and Order: Criminal Intent's' latter seasons. Everything is fantastic here in "Major Case", even the aspects that there were doubts about.
The production values are fine, have always liked the photography's intimacy and grit and the look of the show has come on a good deal over-time (and it was good to begin with). The music doesn't intrude and has a haunting quality, have not always remembered to say that the theme tune is easy to remember and holds up. The direction is impeccable.
Story-wise, "Major Case" is beautifully balanced and never lets up on the entertainment value. While also being darkly suspenseful and not being deprived (far from it) of twists. Ones that are very plausible, well paced and surprising and ones that kept me guessing from start to finish. Nichols and Eames are surprisingly a well matched pair and it was like they had actually been partners for a while before this episode.
Eames doesn't underwhelm in any way, no nonsense but not without the spark that makes her work so well with Goren and as a character, and Nichols has come on a lot as a character, showing a more mature and more determined side without being too serious. Also liked that Ross' dislike of Nichols was explained here, that was always in need of addressing and it was good to see it explained.
Performances from Jeff Goldblum and Kathryn Erbe are note perfect and Dylan Baker's guest turn is unforgettably unsettling.
Concluding, brilliant. 10/10.