Was not expecting to like "Senseless" this much. Falacci, Wheeler's temporary replacement, didn't last long, and she was a character that generally didn't do much for me and the same goes for her chemistry with Logan on the whole. They didn't have many episodes together, and personally didn't care for most of them. Have always though liked Logan, the idea for the episode is harrowing and 'Law and Order: Criminal Intent' was still capable of greatness when it became more variable.
"Senseless" for me was not just the best Logan and Falacci episode, being the only great one, it is also one of the best episodes of a very inconsistent Season 7 and one of the best "ripped from the headlines"-type episodes from the latter seasons. A big improvement over the disappointing previous episode "Untethered", despite it being a Goren episode too much of what makes 'Criminal Intent' so great at its best was not present in that episode. "Senseless" is the best episode of the season and show since "Smile" and is one of the season's most chilling and moving outings.
My only issue, and this is probably reading more of a nit-pick to some, was that to me the motive for such brutal killings and considering how truly chilling the responsible is was somewhat too trivial.
However, "Senseless" is highly successful everywhere else. Logan is dryly humorous, instinctive and hard-edged as ever. His chemistry with Falacci gels a lot better here, with some intelligent and entertaining exchanges. As for Falacci, this is the only episode where she wasn't a problem or when her negative traits weren't over the top (she is also very brave). It is also the only episode where Alicia Witt worked, found her too affected in her previous episodes but here she tones it down without going too far the other way. Chris Noth is terrific and one can see that Logan is starting again to go over the edge the more difficult the case becomes. The other acting standout is a terrifying Jesse Garcia, you only have to look at him and be immediately intimidated.
The episode does wonderfully not just with the chilling nature of the crime and facing the possibility of it being gang related but even more with the truly heart-breaking effects of grief and loss senselessness has on loved ones and even characters usually tough as nails like Logan are affected. Very powerful story indeed. Complete with a pull no punches and intelligent script, some of Logan's dialogue does hit hard where one sees and relates to how difficult he's finding reigning in anger and hate. The ending sends shivers down the spine.
It is well made, intimately photographed and slick with no signs of under-budget or anything. The music didn't sound melodramatic or too constant and the direction is accomodating while still having pulse.
Concluding, great. 9/10.
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