On paper, the premise of Season 3's fifth episode "Wedded Bliss" sounds interesting but also very disturbing. In terms of premise, it did before first watch and still does on re-watches strike me as one of the most interesting and disturbing of Season 3 and does stand out amongst the rest of the season's concepts. Other than my long-term love for 'Law and Order' and detective/mystery/procedural shows in general, that was the main reason to see the episode.
"Wedded Bliss" wholly lives up to its premise and even exceeds it. Hugely compelling throughout and does not in any way shy away when it comes to the dramatic intensity needed to pull off the premise. It's the first all round outstanding, with no reservations, episode of Season 3 (though "Conspiracy" and "The Corporate Veil" are also extremely good) and for me it is one of its high-points and a standout early seasons episode. It is one of the grittier, most tension-filled and taking no prisoners episodes of the third season too.
The acting is uniformly very good. Michael Moriarty is the regular standout, hardly surprising as he was always one of the consistently great things during his too short time on 'Law and Order'. In support, as excellent as Lisa Vidal and Patti D'Arbanville are, the acting honours without a doubt go to Jose Zuniga who is unforgettably bone-chilling who intimidates the viewer just as much as the characters unsurprisingly afraid of him.
Chemistry between the acting scintillates in the best moments, namely in the most tense parts of an increasingly tense second half. They are benefitted by meaty character writing, Stone and Robinette are juicy characters and Armendariz is a contender for the creepiest villain of the season. As well as intelligent, natural and lean writing, that has plenty of one of the show's strengths at raising interesting questions on difficult and relevant subjects. Especially insightful is what is said about marital privilege.
Story is full of grit and tension and the conflict is never too simple or confused. It is a highly involving case and one that twists and turns more than satisfyingly without trying to do too much in this regard. The episode is well made, scored and directed, the grit and slickness present in the photography, the music not being overdone and the direction keeping the intensity going right up to the thrilling conclusion.
Altogether, outstanding episode and one of the best easily of the third season. 10/10
