While a vast majority of Season 3 is good to outstanding, it did hit disappointment with the previous episode "Ill-Bred". Which was still watchable but was to me had heavily flawed story execution and was on the uncharacteristically bland (for early 'Criminal Intent') side. There was no doubt that "Fico Di Capo" would be a much better episode, the premise itself while not an innovative one is on paper much more attention grabbing and episodes, series and films that have similar concepts do it very well.
"Fico Di Capo" doesn't disappoint. Yes it's not quite on the same level as the five consecutive season high points episodes starting with "Unrequited" up to "The Saint". As predicted though, it is much better than "Ill-Bred" and does a great job with what sounds so promising on paper. It really shines in the character interaction, has a fine ending and it was great to see more of Carver and Deakins and to see them actually be interesting.
It is easy to question how Chopper got away with so much for so long, when the plan was not exactly unpredictable.
Having said that, "Fico Di Capo" is great. What stands out in a major way here is the character interaction, in this regard "Fico Di Capo" is a masterpiece. Not just Goren and Eames, both delightful and their chemistry sparkles (with Goren being the episode's driving force without being over-dominant). But also Carver, with some of his best in quite some time and his best certainly of Season 3, and Deakins (with Jamey Sheridan's subtle intensity shown to great effect in a way not really seen before). So great to see these sometimes underseen characters shine and to see their roles expanded.
And also between Goren and Chopper, perhaps the masterstroke of all the character relationship. One that was both entertaining to watch and thrilling, namely because of Vincent D'Onofrio's wide range of expressions being almost virtuosic like in the hospice. It was great to see too more of Goren and Eames' relationship with the other detectives, not always seen enough. The story is very absorbing that was always cohesive (even when intricate) and never obvious. Lifted by not just the seamlessly layered character interaction.
But also the brutal opening and agreed one of the best and cleverest endings of 'Criminal Intent'. The performances are all great, not just from D'Onofrio but also Leo Fitzpatrick playing a truly loathsome character to the hilt. Frankie Nasso also delivers. The script is thought-provoking and tightly paced with no extraneous fat or over-wordiness. It's a typically slick looking episode, directed with control yet precision and the music has presence when used while not over-bearing.
In summary, great. 9/10
"Fico Di Capo" doesn't disappoint. Yes it's not quite on the same level as the five consecutive season high points episodes starting with "Unrequited" up to "The Saint". As predicted though, it is much better than "Ill-Bred" and does a great job with what sounds so promising on paper. It really shines in the character interaction, has a fine ending and it was great to see more of Carver and Deakins and to see them actually be interesting.
It is easy to question how Chopper got away with so much for so long, when the plan was not exactly unpredictable.
Having said that, "Fico Di Capo" is great. What stands out in a major way here is the character interaction, in this regard "Fico Di Capo" is a masterpiece. Not just Goren and Eames, both delightful and their chemistry sparkles (with Goren being the episode's driving force without being over-dominant). But also Carver, with some of his best in quite some time and his best certainly of Season 3, and Deakins (with Jamey Sheridan's subtle intensity shown to great effect in a way not really seen before). So great to see these sometimes underseen characters shine and to see their roles expanded.
And also between Goren and Chopper, perhaps the masterstroke of all the character relationship. One that was both entertaining to watch and thrilling, namely because of Vincent D'Onofrio's wide range of expressions being almost virtuosic like in the hospice. It was great to see too more of Goren and Eames' relationship with the other detectives, not always seen enough. The story is very absorbing that was always cohesive (even when intricate) and never obvious. Lifted by not just the seamlessly layered character interaction.
But also the brutal opening and agreed one of the best and cleverest endings of 'Criminal Intent'. The performances are all great, not just from D'Onofrio but also Leo Fitzpatrick playing a truly loathsome character to the hilt. Frankie Nasso also delivers. The script is thought-provoking and tightly paced with no extraneous fat or over-wordiness. It's a typically slick looking episode, directed with control yet precision and the music has presence when used while not over-bearing.
In summary, great. 9/10