The premise of "Admissions" could have gone either way in execution. It could have been unsettling and probed a lot of thought. Or it could have been too sleazy and too predictable. It still sounds very intriguing, even if it is not on paper the most novel of cases and straightforward. If one is a fan of 'Law and Order' and of the franchise, for a long time have liked it very much, it is hard to not expect a lot from "Admissions".
Season 9 is near its end with "Admissions", and there is plenty in the episode to show why 'Law and Order' was so good in its prime. Season 9 was a very well executed season with all the episodes ranging between good and outstanding, but "Admissions" is not one of the best of them. It is written well, is intriguing and is very well performed but other episodes of the season had the extra something that is not quite there here.
"Admissions" has plenty of great things. Have no issue with the intimate but not claustrophobic photography and the subtly gritty look. The music is only used when necessary and is hauntingly understated when it is used, not over-emphasising too much the mood when things are revealed. The script is lean and tight enough which stops the talk from being long-winded, while not jumping around, and is intelligently written.
Direction is accomodating while not letting things get too dull. The story does have some intrigue with the procedural work being quite clever and the legal scenes do as ever impose some interesting questions. McCoy's way of getting to the truth here is genius. The performances are all round are very good, Sam Waterston is particularly good of the regulars and the responsible are reprehensible and chillingly played.
It could have done with more tension, which is there if not quite sizzling in the second half but the early stages of the episode are slightly routine.
Other episodes are twistier and have more surprises, whereas the story here is on the ordinary and familiar ground side.
To conclude, good but not great. 7/10.
Season 9 is near its end with "Admissions", and there is plenty in the episode to show why 'Law and Order' was so good in its prime. Season 9 was a very well executed season with all the episodes ranging between good and outstanding, but "Admissions" is not one of the best of them. It is written well, is intriguing and is very well performed but other episodes of the season had the extra something that is not quite there here.
"Admissions" has plenty of great things. Have no issue with the intimate but not claustrophobic photography and the subtly gritty look. The music is only used when necessary and is hauntingly understated when it is used, not over-emphasising too much the mood when things are revealed. The script is lean and tight enough which stops the talk from being long-winded, while not jumping around, and is intelligently written.
Direction is accomodating while not letting things get too dull. The story does have some intrigue with the procedural work being quite clever and the legal scenes do as ever impose some interesting questions. McCoy's way of getting to the truth here is genius. The performances are all round are very good, Sam Waterston is particularly good of the regulars and the responsible are reprehensible and chillingly played.
It could have done with more tension, which is there if not quite sizzling in the second half but the early stages of the episode are slightly routine.
Other episodes are twistier and have more surprises, whereas the story here is on the ordinary and familiar ground side.
To conclude, good but not great. 7/10.