As has been said by others already, the case for "Masquerade" is a "ripped from the headlines" type of case. Being eerily reminiscent of that of JonBenet Ramsey, a very shocking story and one where feelings were still very strong at the time "Masquerade" was produced and aired with it still being investigated at the time. Personally think that 'Law and Order: Special Victims Unit' and especially the original 'Law and Order' in general do a lot better at this type of story than 'Law and Order: Criminal Intent'.
"Masquerade" is neither one of the best or worst Season 6 episodes, somewhat firmly in the middle. It is a well above average, intriguing episode with a terrific guest turn, but had potential to be a good deal more. Goren's way of thinking when investigating has been a lot more interesting and better explored in other episodes, and there could have been more 'Criminal Intent' and less of a crime strongly influenced by real life case approach to the storytelling.
It's well made, intimately photographed and slick with no signs of under-budget or anything. The music didn't sound melodramatic or too constant and the direction is accomodating while still having pulse. Vincent D'Onofrio and Kathryn Erbe are typically excellent, am really enjoying Season 6 showing more development to Eames and Goren is always fascinating even when he is not at his best. They interact with and play off each other beautifully.
Liza Minnelli (a big interest point here) excels against type, was not expecting this side to her and she pitches it beautifully. Bill Irwin is also fine. The script is fun and intriguing and the structure and balance of the dialogue is just about right. The story is compelling enough and is not too predictable.
Would have on the other hand liked to have seen more of Goren's perceptions and his mind games, that's what makes him a great character and other episodes before and since have done this aspect. Did feel that there was too much of a "ripped from the headlines" feel to the story which will have felt like it was too soon for some, with such a horrific case that influenced the one here and one where emotions were still raw.
For my tastes, Matt McGrath could have brought more subtlety to a character that was too overdone.
Summing up, not great but well done on the whole. 7/10
"Masquerade" is neither one of the best or worst Season 6 episodes, somewhat firmly in the middle. It is a well above average, intriguing episode with a terrific guest turn, but had potential to be a good deal more. Goren's way of thinking when investigating has been a lot more interesting and better explored in other episodes, and there could have been more 'Criminal Intent' and less of a crime strongly influenced by real life case approach to the storytelling.
It's well made, intimately photographed and slick with no signs of under-budget or anything. The music didn't sound melodramatic or too constant and the direction is accomodating while still having pulse. Vincent D'Onofrio and Kathryn Erbe are typically excellent, am really enjoying Season 6 showing more development to Eames and Goren is always fascinating even when he is not at his best. They interact with and play off each other beautifully.
Liza Minnelli (a big interest point here) excels against type, was not expecting this side to her and she pitches it beautifully. Bill Irwin is also fine. The script is fun and intriguing and the structure and balance of the dialogue is just about right. The story is compelling enough and is not too predictable.
Would have on the other hand liked to have seen more of Goren's perceptions and his mind games, that's what makes him a great character and other episodes before and since have done this aspect. Did feel that there was too much of a "ripped from the headlines" feel to the story which will have felt like it was too soon for some, with such a horrific case that influenced the one here and one where emotions were still raw.
For my tastes, Matt McGrath could have brought more subtlety to a character that was too overdone.
Summing up, not great but well done on the whole. 7/10