After being replaced by Logan and Barek, extremely well individually and in chemistry just to say, in "Diamond Dogs", Goren and Eames return in Season 5's third episode "Prisoner" in a season where the two partners alternated every two or so episodes. While Logan and Barek made a great impression in that episode individually and together, it was so great to see Goren and Eames back and it was like they had never left.
"Prisoner" continues the exceptionally high standard that the previous two Season 5 episodes, "Diamond Dogs" and especially "Grow", have, in another near-classic 'Law and Order: Criminal Intent' (am very fond of the show, more the early seasons than the later ones, and of the franchise) episode. One that does nearly everything right and has nothing that detracts massively. Not quite one of the best episodes of 'Criminal Intent', or quite one of the best of Season 5, but still great.
Maybe "Prisoner" has a couple too many revelations later on, with a lot occurring within a short space of time to fairly dizzying effect. Actually found the truth not too hard to figure out, but that wasn't enough to ruin the episode for me (it's when something is excessively predictable throughout when it for me is an issue and this episode is not on that level).
The production values on the other hand are slick and with the right amount of muted grit, the photography doesn't try to do anything too fancy or gimmicky while not being claustrophobic and keeping things simple. The music doesn't overbear with the theme tune still memorable and the direction is accommodating yet tight enough.
Writing entertains and intrigues, cannot get enough of Goren's perceptions and Eames' sassy wisecracks, as well as provoking a lot of thought. The story is not the most complex one from 'Criminal Intent' but is still tightly paced and diverting, with a powerful conclusion and two classic Goren moments as a postman (hilariously bizarre that was) and as a fake doctor.
Vincent D'Onofrio and Kathryn Erbe are terrific and there are here three of the season's best guest star turns. Corbin Bernsen being particularly superb, managing to bring intensity and nuance to a character that actually didn't strike me as too over-obvious.
In summary, great. 9/10
"Prisoner" continues the exceptionally high standard that the previous two Season 5 episodes, "Diamond Dogs" and especially "Grow", have, in another near-classic 'Law and Order: Criminal Intent' (am very fond of the show, more the early seasons than the later ones, and of the franchise) episode. One that does nearly everything right and has nothing that detracts massively. Not quite one of the best episodes of 'Criminal Intent', or quite one of the best of Season 5, but still great.
Maybe "Prisoner" has a couple too many revelations later on, with a lot occurring within a short space of time to fairly dizzying effect. Actually found the truth not too hard to figure out, but that wasn't enough to ruin the episode for me (it's when something is excessively predictable throughout when it for me is an issue and this episode is not on that level).
The production values on the other hand are slick and with the right amount of muted grit, the photography doesn't try to do anything too fancy or gimmicky while not being claustrophobic and keeping things simple. The music doesn't overbear with the theme tune still memorable and the direction is accommodating yet tight enough.
Writing entertains and intrigues, cannot get enough of Goren's perceptions and Eames' sassy wisecracks, as well as provoking a lot of thought. The story is not the most complex one from 'Criminal Intent' but is still tightly paced and diverting, with a powerful conclusion and two classic Goren moments as a postman (hilariously bizarre that was) and as a fake doctor.
Vincent D'Onofrio and Kathryn Erbe are terrific and there are here three of the season's best guest star turns. Corbin Bernsen being particularly superb, managing to bring intensity and nuance to a character that actually didn't strike me as too over-obvious.
In summary, great. 9/10
