Have loved the original 'Law and Order' for a long time, particularly the earlier seasons, and consider it my personal favourite of the 'Law and Order' franchise. "Home Sweet" on paper immediately intrigued, to some (not me) it may seem too basic and ordinary. 'Law and Order' does have a good track record at making something great and more complex than expected out of stories that don't sound out of the ordinary on paper.
Especially after being very impressed by the previous two Season 17 episodes, despite Cassady not clicking with me. "Home Sweet" doesn't disappoint and is another very good episode that is perhaps even better than "Fame" and "Avatar". It is a case of the second half being even better than the first, but it is very good throughout and pretty outstanding in the second half. As far as Season 17 goes, it is one of the better ones as an overall whole.
Still haven't warmed to Cassady and Milena Govich always came over as bland, the only times where they showed any glimpses of personality was when Cassady is stubborn and even that doesn't set off many fireworks.
Maybe the first quarter is on the slightly routine side.
On the other hand, there is very little wrong. It does look good, with the usual slickness and subtle grit. Really liked too that the photography was simple and close up but doing so without being claustrophobic. The music has presence when used, and luckily it isn't constant, and when it is used it doesn't feel over-scored. The direction allows the drama to breathe while still giving it momentum as well.
The script is one of the tautest, most thought probing and wittiest of the season and in a long time. Especially those wry, shrewish quips that pepper the second half. Goodwyn getting some of the best of them. While most of the first half thoroughly absorbs, the second half is pretty much a revelation and both entertaining (for the quips) and tense (for its unyielding approach to a tough subject). The truth is also a real shock and makes the perpetrator come off even worse than they already are.
Govich aside, the acting is very strong. Sam Waterston and wonderfully snake-like Madchen Amick give scorching performances and Alana De La Garza again proves why Rubirosa is the best assistant ADA since Carmichael. Nora Dunn sends chills down the spine.
Summing up, very good with outstanding elements. 8/10.
Especially after being very impressed by the previous two Season 17 episodes, despite Cassady not clicking with me. "Home Sweet" doesn't disappoint and is another very good episode that is perhaps even better than "Fame" and "Avatar". It is a case of the second half being even better than the first, but it is very good throughout and pretty outstanding in the second half. As far as Season 17 goes, it is one of the better ones as an overall whole.
Still haven't warmed to Cassady and Milena Govich always came over as bland, the only times where they showed any glimpses of personality was when Cassady is stubborn and even that doesn't set off many fireworks.
Maybe the first quarter is on the slightly routine side.
On the other hand, there is very little wrong. It does look good, with the usual slickness and subtle grit. Really liked too that the photography was simple and close up but doing so without being claustrophobic. The music has presence when used, and luckily it isn't constant, and when it is used it doesn't feel over-scored. The direction allows the drama to breathe while still giving it momentum as well.
The script is one of the tautest, most thought probing and wittiest of the season and in a long time. Especially those wry, shrewish quips that pepper the second half. Goodwyn getting some of the best of them. While most of the first half thoroughly absorbs, the second half is pretty much a revelation and both entertaining (for the quips) and tense (for its unyielding approach to a tough subject). The truth is also a real shock and makes the perpetrator come off even worse than they already are.
Govich aside, the acting is very strong. Sam Waterston and wonderfully snake-like Madchen Amick give scorching performances and Alana De La Garza again proves why Rubirosa is the best assistant ADA since Carmichael. Nora Dunn sends chills down the spine.
Summing up, very good with outstanding elements. 8/10.