Season 17's "Fame" introduced two new characters. One was promoted Green's new partner, after Fontana's rather abrupt exit in the previous season's finale "Invaders", Nina Cassady. The other is McCoy's new ADA Connie Rubirosa. While Cassady did little for me throughout her short stint, Rubirosa settled very quickly and found myself liking her a lot. Expectations were high for Season 17 after liking Season 16 very much, and it was mostly impressive.
"Fame" was a good start to Season 17 and while not one of the very best episodes of the season it is close to being in the better half of it. It is a more than promising first episode for Rubirosa and also benefits from being very well written and acted. "Fame" on the other hand was a lot less promising for Cassady and also did lose respect in "Fame" for two characters that are normally two of the best of the entire 'Law and Order' franchise.
A lot is good here. The production values are slick and have a subtle grit, with an intimacy to the photography without being too claustrophobic. The music isn't used too much and doesn't get too melodramatic. The direction has enough taut urgency when needed while giving the case breathing space. The acting is, with one exception, very good, especially in the second half. Sam Waterston always delivers, as does Jesse L Martin.
The writing is tight and intelligent, even with a lot of talk. There are some great lines here, loved the job train and sky sweet interview comments which were hilarious but also true. The story on the whole really grabs the attention, especially in the more complex and tense legal portions. As said, Rubirosa starts with a lot of promise and proves herself to be the best assistant ADA for the show since Abbie Carmichael (speaking as someone that disliked Southerlyn and while liking Borgia a lot more she didn't have enough of a chance).
Milena Govich however is rather bland and Cassady doesn't show much personality here. Her chemistry with Martin is at best lukewarm.
Didn't like how she was treated, the attitude towards her when she goofs is hypocritical as those that do so (Green and Van Buren) have been guilty of it themselves. Absolutely love Van Buren as a character, and S Epatha Merkerson always played her wonderfully and generally doesn't get enough credit, but she seemed rather cold.
In conclusion, good but not great. 7/10.