Decided a while back (three years ago) to review all the episodes of the original 'Law and Order', 'Special Victims Unit' and 'Criminal Intent', being someone who really likes all three shows in their prime/early years. Really loved a lot of the early seasons episodes of all three shows, while also finding all three less consistent later on (with the original not feeling the same post-Briscoe and even began to lose consistency in Season 11 and all the seasons after).
We are nearing the end of Season 13 and here is one of the season's best episodes "House Calls", the first of four outstanding episodes in a row. No other season of 'Law and Order', not even better and more consistent seasons, had such consistently high quality for that long a period when nearing the end of the seasons. The subject is not an innovative subject but it is a sensitive and tough subject that is always worth raising awareness of and handled uncompromisingly and tactfully here in "House Calls".
It is agreed that the behaviour of the prime witness at trial was on the vague side.
However, the production values are slick and are simple without being simplistic. The music is haunting and not too over-emphasised when used. The direction is sympathetic while having momentum and personality. The script is tight and thoughtful, raising some interesting points about the complications that come with prosecuting and the complex moral dilemmas of the subject. Really liked the medical school exchange.
The story is very compelling and never obvious or confusing. It is also very tragic in a way that's moving and pull no punches, without resorting to preaching. The conclusion is a big surprise, a contender for the most surprising conclusion of the season. The regulars are on point (have seldom been impressed by Elisabeth Rohm as Southerlyn but she isn't enough to drag things down this time). Jerry Orbach, Jesse L Martin and Sam Waterston don't disappoint. Jonathan Hogan gives a strong guest turn.
Overall, excellent. 9/10.
We are nearing the end of Season 13 and here is one of the season's best episodes "House Calls", the first of four outstanding episodes in a row. No other season of 'Law and Order', not even better and more consistent seasons, had such consistently high quality for that long a period when nearing the end of the seasons. The subject is not an innovative subject but it is a sensitive and tough subject that is always worth raising awareness of and handled uncompromisingly and tactfully here in "House Calls".
It is agreed that the behaviour of the prime witness at trial was on the vague side.
However, the production values are slick and are simple without being simplistic. The music is haunting and not too over-emphasised when used. The direction is sympathetic while having momentum and personality. The script is tight and thoughtful, raising some interesting points about the complications that come with prosecuting and the complex moral dilemmas of the subject. Really liked the medical school exchange.
The story is very compelling and never obvious or confusing. It is also very tragic in a way that's moving and pull no punches, without resorting to preaching. The conclusion is a big surprise, a contender for the most surprising conclusion of the season. The regulars are on point (have seldom been impressed by Elisabeth Rohm as Southerlyn but she isn't enough to drag things down this time). Jerry Orbach, Jesse L Martin and Sam Waterston don't disappoint. Jonathan Hogan gives a strong guest turn.
Overall, excellent. 9/10.