When first watching the early seasons of 'Law and Order', Season 7's three-parter (consisting of "D-Girl", "Turnaround" and "Showtime") really stood out and came over as particularly memorable. And not just because of it having the unique distinction of the story being spread over more than one part. The case itself is among the most complex up to this point of the show's run and two of the regular characters have more development given to them not seen before.
All three episodes of the three parter are hugely impressive and often brilliant. After "D-Girl" did so wonderfully at setting things up and "Turnaround" does even better at building upon those introduced events and providing new information, it is very understandable as to why anybody would expect a lot from "Showtime", when the case finally goes to trial. And "Showtime" delivers and until one point was actually the best of the three parts but turned out in the end to be close second best behind "Turnaround".
"Showtime" works in nearly every way. Photography while very close up doesn't come over as too static or filmed play-like, while the production values are typically solid and have subtle atmosphere while not being drab and keeping things simple. When the music is used it is haunting and has a melancholic edge that is not overdone. The episode is sympathetically yet uncompromisingly directed.
The script is intelligent and thought-probing, with a lot of talk but not in a way that rambles or feels padded. Every line has a reason for being there and every one intrigues in some shape or form. The story keeps the tension and the surprises running smoothly and non-stop, nothing feels predictable. It is never too simple or over-stretched and despite there being a lot more information to digest it is not confusing either. While actually wanting the prosecution to succeed, as the defendant is one of those root for guilt types, the suspense of the three parter comes from it increasingly not looking good for the prosecution, thanks to the personal life complications and how surprisingly ruthless the defense team are. There have been times where the defense have thought up ridiculous and easily disproven arguments, here in "Showtime" they are good that one is not sure how things are going to end.
Balance between the case and the personal life aspects with the complications Ross has to face balance and link very well. Nothing soapy about it. All the characters are strongly written, with Gorton being even more of a shark than he was in the previous two episodes. The performances are great all round.
If there was any false note, it was the ending (the only not so good thing about the three parter). While agreeing with the verdict, the sentence was not realistic with the evidence not being overwhelming enough to warrant it.
Overall, wonderful. 9/10.
All three episodes of the three parter are hugely impressive and often brilliant. After "D-Girl" did so wonderfully at setting things up and "Turnaround" does even better at building upon those introduced events and providing new information, it is very understandable as to why anybody would expect a lot from "Showtime", when the case finally goes to trial. And "Showtime" delivers and until one point was actually the best of the three parts but turned out in the end to be close second best behind "Turnaround".
"Showtime" works in nearly every way. Photography while very close up doesn't come over as too static or filmed play-like, while the production values are typically solid and have subtle atmosphere while not being drab and keeping things simple. When the music is used it is haunting and has a melancholic edge that is not overdone. The episode is sympathetically yet uncompromisingly directed.
The script is intelligent and thought-probing, with a lot of talk but not in a way that rambles or feels padded. Every line has a reason for being there and every one intrigues in some shape or form. The story keeps the tension and the surprises running smoothly and non-stop, nothing feels predictable. It is never too simple or over-stretched and despite there being a lot more information to digest it is not confusing either. While actually wanting the prosecution to succeed, as the defendant is one of those root for guilt types, the suspense of the three parter comes from it increasingly not looking good for the prosecution, thanks to the personal life complications and how surprisingly ruthless the defense team are. There have been times where the defense have thought up ridiculous and easily disproven arguments, here in "Showtime" they are good that one is not sure how things are going to end.
Balance between the case and the personal life aspects with the complications Ross has to face balance and link very well. Nothing soapy about it. All the characters are strongly written, with Gorton being even more of a shark than he was in the previous two episodes. The performances are great all round.
If there was any false note, it was the ending (the only not so good thing about the three parter). While agreeing with the verdict, the sentence was not realistic with the evidence not being overwhelming enough to warrant it.
Overall, wonderful. 9/10.