Of the 'Law and Order' franchise, the original, although it wasn't as good post-Briscoe, will always be my favourite. Just really admire the compelling cases some of which based on sensitive real-life cases, the way the detectives and lawyers work in getting a result with a generally equal balance, the raising of moral dilemmas, the grit and the difficult subjects and themes raised and explored.
"By Hooker By Crook" is very well crafted if not a 'Law and Order' high point. Things were still settling in, feet not being completely found, but it is so early on and the amount worthy of admiration on display is vast. It once again tackles a difficult subject and mostly handles it with tact, often really admired that of 'Law and Order', it not shying away from relevant and not easy to talk about themes and subject matters and how it approached them.
Do think that other episodes did this aspect though even better, with more depth and balance. Especially in occasionally the courtroom scenes. The characterisation though is meatier and the pace tighter, though the chemistry hasn't completely gelled yet.
Actually did find generally that the subject was handled sincerely and it did make for an appropriately uneasy watch. It is one worth talking about and is not out of date really, though more relevant then at a time where HIV/AIDS was a big issue with awareness of it increasing. Count me in as another person who really felt for Jolene when being told of her diagnosis and felt that her upset and pain was portrayed heart-wrenchingly and realistically.
The case itself is absorbing and another that makes one think hard and somewhat angry, well some kinds of emotions. At this point, 'Law and Order' was doing this very well. The dialogue is intelligently written and provokes thought, treating the case with respect and seriously without being dreary and providing some nice dry humour. The production values are as ever slick and the music is composed and placed with no real issue. The main theme is a memorable one, well all the 'Law and Order' themes were. George Dzundza and Chris Noth are suitably hard boiled and Michael Moriaty doesn't thankfully over-ripen any of the juice that the character of Stone has. Jenny Robertson stands out in support for that moment particularly.
Concluding, very well done. 8/10
"By Hooker By Crook" is very well crafted if not a 'Law and Order' high point. Things were still settling in, feet not being completely found, but it is so early on and the amount worthy of admiration on display is vast. It once again tackles a difficult subject and mostly handles it with tact, often really admired that of 'Law and Order', it not shying away from relevant and not easy to talk about themes and subject matters and how it approached them.
Do think that other episodes did this aspect though even better, with more depth and balance. Especially in occasionally the courtroom scenes. The characterisation though is meatier and the pace tighter, though the chemistry hasn't completely gelled yet.
Actually did find generally that the subject was handled sincerely and it did make for an appropriately uneasy watch. It is one worth talking about and is not out of date really, though more relevant then at a time where HIV/AIDS was a big issue with awareness of it increasing. Count me in as another person who really felt for Jolene when being told of her diagnosis and felt that her upset and pain was portrayed heart-wrenchingly and realistically.
The case itself is absorbing and another that makes one think hard and somewhat angry, well some kinds of emotions. At this point, 'Law and Order' was doing this very well. The dialogue is intelligently written and provokes thought, treating the case with respect and seriously without being dreary and providing some nice dry humour. The production values are as ever slick and the music is composed and placed with no real issue. The main theme is a memorable one, well all the 'Law and Order' themes were. George Dzundza and Chris Noth are suitably hard boiled and Michael Moriaty doesn't thankfully over-ripen any of the juice that the character of Stone has. Jenny Robertson stands out in support for that moment particularly.
Concluding, very well done. 8/10