At first, reading the basic synopsis for "Vacancy" does sound very been there done that. On further reading and reading reviews for the episode, it struck me as a lot more fascinating than it initially sounded. Psychologically that is and it was a scenario that would have fitted Goren's personality perfectly. As has been said a few times in reviews for the previous Season 5 episodes for 'Law and Order: Criminal Intent', Goren and Eames are superior characters to Logan and Barek in general and prefer their chemistry too so it was great to see them back.
"Vacancy" is a truly fine example as to why. While the previous episode with Logan and Barek "Dramma Giocoso" was very good and one of their better episodes easily, "Vacancy" sees 'Criminal Intent' back on track after a slump in between "In the Wee Small Hours" and this. Which is the best episode easily since that, as most of the episodes in between to me were patchy on the whole, including the previous Goren and Eames outing "Wrongful Life".
My only issue with "Vacancy" is doing not nearly enough with the needy friend strand, that was quite intriguing until it was abruptly dropped and forgotten about pretty much.
Otherwise, the episode is great. It is a visually slick episode, typical for 'Criminal Intent' and the 'Law and Order' franchise, and one with the right amount of muted grit, the photography doesn't try to do anything too fancy or gimmicky while not being claustrophobic and keeping things simple. The music doesn't overbear with the theme tune still memorable and the direction is accommodating yet tight enough.
The script is fascinating from a psychological standpoint, and shows how truly scary the mental state that method actors have can be. It has been the case for method actors in real life, with tragic consequences involved, and entertains and chills here in "Vacancy". It is very thoughtful, intriguing and tightly structured, with a lot of tension too. The story is full of atmosphere and twisted creepiness, never being obvious or convoluted. It particularly shines in Goren's mind games and the both priceless and powerful interaction between Goren and Tim (i.e. Goren showing respect for Tim and Tim saying that it is impossible to explain method acting to those that are not actors). The undercover set up scenes and Eames being played upon by the perpetrator scenes also fascinate.
All the acting is great. Cannot find fault with the fierce performance of Vincent D'Onofrio while Desmond Harrington is chilling.
Concluding, terrific. 9/10
