"Shield" was one of those 'Law and Order' episodes on first watch that had a number of good things but did feel on the ordinary side and didn't stick in the mind long after. There are episodes of the show and the 'Law and Order' franchise in general that felt like this, but there are many on both counts where that type of episode on first watch fared better on rewatch and were better than remembered seeing it through older eyes.
Season 9's "Shield" is one of those episodes, and despite the basic idea of the story (mistreatment of women in the police force) not being a novel one it is still very good. On paper it sounds fairly standard and is a bit ordinary to begin with, but the execution is more complex than that. When things become meatier and twistier "Shield" becomes very intricate and it is one of those episodes that induces more than one strong emotion by its end.
As said, "Shield" starts off a little on the ordinary side and didn't immediately grab me straightaway and did think too that the final 5 minutes or so were on the rushed side from trying to cram a lot in.
This is a feeling however that didn't last long at all and the rest of "Shield" is very good indeed. It is as ever shot with the right amount of intimacy without feeling too up close, even with a reliance of close up camerawork. The music isn't over-scored, manipulative or used too much. There is intimacy and tautness in the direction.
The performances are never less than excellent across the board, Sam Waterston's authority and ruthlessness shines too. The script is intelligent and lean with no signs of fat. It also has intensity, emotional impact and even the odd sprinkle of humour. The personal feelings everybody has towards the case isn't executed in a preachy or melodramatic manner and is relatable.
Really liked the storytelling too. A lot happens, without mostly being over-stuffed. It is complicated too without being convoluted, and it is basically one of those episodes that leaves one deep in thought and outraged.
In conclusion, very good. 8/10.
Season 9's "Shield" is one of those episodes, and despite the basic idea of the story (mistreatment of women in the police force) not being a novel one it is still very good. On paper it sounds fairly standard and is a bit ordinary to begin with, but the execution is more complex than that. When things become meatier and twistier "Shield" becomes very intricate and it is one of those episodes that induces more than one strong emotion by its end.
As said, "Shield" starts off a little on the ordinary side and didn't immediately grab me straightaway and did think too that the final 5 minutes or so were on the rushed side from trying to cram a lot in.
This is a feeling however that didn't last long at all and the rest of "Shield" is very good indeed. It is as ever shot with the right amount of intimacy without feeling too up close, even with a reliance of close up camerawork. The music isn't over-scored, manipulative or used too much. There is intimacy and tautness in the direction.
The performances are never less than excellent across the board, Sam Waterston's authority and ruthlessness shines too. The script is intelligent and lean with no signs of fat. It also has intensity, emotional impact and even the odd sprinkle of humour. The personal feelings everybody has towards the case isn't executed in a preachy or melodramatic manner and is relatable.
Really liked the storytelling too. A lot happens, without mostly being over-stuffed. It is complicated too without being convoluted, and it is basically one of those episodes that leaves one deep in thought and outraged.
In conclusion, very good. 8/10.