'Law and Order: Trial by Jury' "Eros in the Upper Eighties" (2005)
Opening thoughts: When a show lasts for such a short period of time, in 'Law and Order: Trial by Jury's' case it lasted for only 13 episodes (which is only just over half a season's worth for a lot of American shows), one would understandably think that it is a bad show. Some short lived shows are bad, but others were not given enough of a chance due to bad ratings and being aired at times where most would be unlikely to be watching much television or watching something else on a more accessible channel. In my mind, 'Trial by Jury' was one of those shows.
It was far from perfect and did start off slow, with some good ideas not done enough with (i.e. "Vigilante" for example), but it did get a lot better while mostly not reaching greatness. "Bang and Blame" and "Day" were the two great episodes and "Skeleton" was close to great. "Eros in the Upper Eighties" is the final episode of 'Trial by Jury' and it is pretty good if never mind blowing on its own terms, but to me it was clear it was not intended to be the season finale as it didn't feel like one.
Bad things: "Eros in the Upper Eighties" is flawed. Sure, Scott Cohen is still flat as a character that never really gelled.
Also did find it rather routine and slow to begin with and that the case initially was quite flimsy.
Good things: However, there is a lot to like about "Eros in the Upper Eighties". The production values are slick and gritty, not trying to do too much or being dull. The music isn't overused or over-scored in my view and have always liked the theme tune (which was used again in the latter seasons of 'Criminal Intent'. The dialogue provokes thought and has the tightness that is necessary.
While "Eros in the Upper Eighties" is not ground breaking and is a bit of a slow starter, it executes the subject tactfully enough while not trivialising it. The acting is on the whole fine.
Closing thoughts: Overall, pretty good last episode though the early cancellation made it feel somewhat anti-climactic.
7/10.
