Anybody who has read any of my other reviews for for example individual episodes of the 'Law and Order' shows, am slowly working my way through writing reviews for all the episodes of 'Law and Order and 'Special Victims Unit' with some way to go still, will know already how much admiration there is from me for anything that tackles difficult and controversial themes and issues. Often done very well in the franchise. "Corner Office" is no exception to this.
"Corner Office" was a little disappointing after such a brilliant previous episode in "Deadlock", but it still manages to be good. Has a lot that is very well executed indeed (the best aspects even being brilliant). Do prefer episodes that have tougher topics explored more uncompromisingly and also the ones that are more complex than what is seen in "Corner Office". It is a good episode, just not a great one and it had potential to be with the idea it had.
Milena Govich to me is still very bland, and other than "Deadlock" this was one that was never really addressed. Her chemistry with Jesse L Msrtin (who is without issue) is lukewarm at best and a large part of the problrm is that he is infinitely more interesting than the other.
DId also find the ending unrealistic and the decision came over as too biased and prejudicial.
However, there is a lot in "Corner Office" that is good. T is a slickly made episode, the editing especially having come on quite a bit from when the show first started (never was it a problem but it got more fluid with each episode up to this stage). The music is sparingly used and never seemed melodramatic, the theme tune easy to remember as usual. The direction is sympathetic enough without being too low key on the whole.
The script is taut and intelligent, with everything intriguing. The story is not perfect, but it is never dull and doesn't feel simplistic or like there were not enough twists or surprises (plenty in fact). Most of it is not too complicated, apart from the final quarter. All the regulars are very good, with one of the best moments being with the typically great S Epatha Merkerson.
Overall, not great but good. 7/10.