Blood Brothers

The previous two episodes of Season 13 impressed me a good deal, they aren't season or show high points and neither were exceptional episodes. But they were both of strong quality and saw the season, after three rocky previous ones, start off promisingly. My main reason for seeing "Blood Brothers" was for Kyle MacLachlan, who was already a guest star in Season 4's "Conscience" and both the episode and performance are amazing in that.

"Blood Brothers" is another solid episode, though not an exceptional one ("Russian Brides" was the first Season 13 episode to be close to that). There is not much new in terms of story, but there are a lot of very good things, such as the performances, and moments. As far as Season 13 goes "Blood Brothers" is somewhere around solid middle, which is a good enough position to be in and more or less what was expected for so early on and with such major changes so early in the season.

Am going to start with the good. It is very well acted, the regulars are all fine and the supporting cast are more than up to the regulars' level. Particularly MacLachlan in the latter stages, though do prefer him in "Conscience". Anthony Key is also very moving later on and part of me felt for him. The script is intelligently written and doesn't ramble. The initial case is very compelling and very classic 'Special Victims Unit', where the victim is also rootable

The production values are still slick and suitably gritty (without being too heavy in it). The music is not too melodramatic and is not used too much, even not being too manipulative in revelations. The direction lets the drama breathe while making sure that the tension and emotion never slipped.

Did however find the second half rather predictable, especially the ending, and is not as interesting as the first. It would have been better if it just stuck with the initial case and not gone off on a less interesting tangent. The ending for my tastes has always felt dragged out and can be seen from a mile away, the title alone gives it away.

Really didn't like how Novak was used, she is a great character but she has very little to do to the point you question the point of her.

Concluding, solid and well done though the first half is better than the second. 7/10.