After being disappointed by the previous episode "Bombshell", a big part of me was expecting an at least good episode in the penultimate outing "Endgame" and certainly not another misfire. Did have high expectations though, as it was another episode to centre heavily around Goren (who was fascinatingly developed in Season 6) and also his family life (personally found the other two episodes to explore his personal life were season high points).
"Endgame" not only lived up to expectations, it surpassed them in a truly amazing episode. Not only is "Endgame" for me the best episode of the inconsistent Season 6, it is also up there among the best ever episodes of 'Law and Order: Criminal Intent'. Namely because of it being a masterpiece of character interaction and acting. It is a huge improvement over the bizarre and hugely underwhelming "Bombshell", one of my least favourite 'Criminal Intent' outings.
Vincent D'Onofrio for one gives another exceptional performance. Season 6 saw a different, more conflicted and more vulnerable side to Goren, something that not everybody liked but to me it was great and it really advanced his character. Loved the subplot and scenes with Goren's family, some incredibly moving moments. Heart-rending when at the deathbed.
The scenes between Goren and Brady fascinated and were both suspenseful and genuinely scary. Helped by that Brady is one unnerving and intimidating "human being", chillingly smart in his taunting and the interaction between him and Goren fascinates and chills. The teamwork is great, have always said how great Goren and Eames' chemistry is.
Rita Moreno's performance hits hard and is deeply felt, while Roy Scheider is quite a terrifying presence as Brady. The story balances unsettling and twisty case and emotionally impactful family drama/personal life as expertly as one can get. The script is intelligent and taut, showing no signs of being too talky.
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.
In summary, absolutely fantastic in every sense. Quite a special episode. 10/10.
"Endgame" not only lived up to expectations, it surpassed them in a truly amazing episode. Not only is "Endgame" for me the best episode of the inconsistent Season 6, it is also up there among the best ever episodes of 'Law and Order: Criminal Intent'. Namely because of it being a masterpiece of character interaction and acting. It is a huge improvement over the bizarre and hugely underwhelming "Bombshell", one of my least favourite 'Criminal Intent' outings.
Vincent D'Onofrio for one gives another exceptional performance. Season 6 saw a different, more conflicted and more vulnerable side to Goren, something that not everybody liked but to me it was great and it really advanced his character. Loved the subplot and scenes with Goren's family, some incredibly moving moments. Heart-rending when at the deathbed.
The scenes between Goren and Brady fascinated and were both suspenseful and genuinely scary. Helped by that Brady is one unnerving and intimidating "human being", chillingly smart in his taunting and the interaction between him and Goren fascinates and chills. The teamwork is great, have always said how great Goren and Eames' chemistry is.
Rita Moreno's performance hits hard and is deeply felt, while Roy Scheider is quite a terrifying presence as Brady. The story balances unsettling and twisty case and emotionally impactful family drama/personal life as expertly as one can get. The script is intelligent and taut, showing no signs of being too talky.
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.
In summary, absolutely fantastic in every sense. Quite a special episode. 10/10.