With the episodes from 'Law and Order's' middle period (Seasons 7-14) and from its later seasons airing so often, it is very easy perhaps to overlook the pre-Season 7 seasons. That is a shame, because 'Law and Order' in its early years was more often than not good to fantastic with some truly fine episodes in each of the seasons in question. Wasn't blown away by every episode, indicated in the weakest episodes of Season 6, but when the show was at its best it was brilliant, and there were obvious good things in lesser episodes too.
"Savior's" subject sounded very interesting and can't think of any 'Law and Order' episode beforehand that tackled it. Was a bit worried that it would be a bit too ordinary, as it did sound formulaic structurally and other Season 6 episodes tackled far bolder and heavier themes. As said a few times in reviews for previous episodes, 'Law and Order' has actually shown more than once that it can do something interesting and at times special with ordinary-sounding premises. The latter is not quite achieved with the latter category, but it succeeds in the former.
The ending for my tastes did try to cram too much in in a too short space of time. Meaning pretty much everything in the last five minutes or so, as has been said already, and with the truth already being quite difficult to get the head round it did feel a little confusing at the end.
However, "Savior" has so many good things and pretty much excels everywhere else. The photography and such as usual are fully professional, the slickness still remaining. The music is used sparingly and is haunting and non-overwrought when it is used, and it's mainly used when a crucial revelation or plot development is revealed. The direction has some nice tension while keeping things steady, without going too far the other way.
Moreover, the script is thought provoking and smart, thankfully not rambling or too complicated that it makes things confused. A lot of the legal scenes' dialogue really probes thought and pulls no punches, which prime-'Law and Order' often excelled at brilliantly. It's not just non stop seriousness though, there are also humorous moments here and there such as Briscoe's one-liners. The story is an interesting and well paced one that is a lot less ordinary than it sounds.
It has a lot to say about family annihilation, as said a unique topic back then for the show, and it is handled in a balanced and illuminating way. It is also quite creepy in terms of atmosphere. The performances are great all round, can't fault the regulars (especially Jerry Orbach and Sam Waterston). Standing out especially is Ellen Pompeo in the latter stages.
Overall, very good. 8/10
"Savior's" subject sounded very interesting and can't think of any 'Law and Order' episode beforehand that tackled it. Was a bit worried that it would be a bit too ordinary, as it did sound formulaic structurally and other Season 6 episodes tackled far bolder and heavier themes. As said a few times in reviews for previous episodes, 'Law and Order' has actually shown more than once that it can do something interesting and at times special with ordinary-sounding premises. The latter is not quite achieved with the latter category, but it succeeds in the former.
The ending for my tastes did try to cram too much in in a too short space of time. Meaning pretty much everything in the last five minutes or so, as has been said already, and with the truth already being quite difficult to get the head round it did feel a little confusing at the end.
However, "Savior" has so many good things and pretty much excels everywhere else. The photography and such as usual are fully professional, the slickness still remaining. The music is used sparingly and is haunting and non-overwrought when it is used, and it's mainly used when a crucial revelation or plot development is revealed. The direction has some nice tension while keeping things steady, without going too far the other way.
Moreover, the script is thought provoking and smart, thankfully not rambling or too complicated that it makes things confused. A lot of the legal scenes' dialogue really probes thought and pulls no punches, which prime-'Law and Order' often excelled at brilliantly. It's not just non stop seriousness though, there are also humorous moments here and there such as Briscoe's one-liners. The story is an interesting and well paced one that is a lot less ordinary than it sounds.
It has a lot to say about family annihilation, as said a unique topic back then for the show, and it is handled in a balanced and illuminating way. It is also quite creepy in terms of atmosphere. The performances are great all round, can't fault the regulars (especially Jerry Orbach and Sam Waterston). Standing out especially is Ellen Pompeo in the latter stages.
Overall, very good. 8/10