"Last Rites" is the final Mike Logan episode and the penultimate episode of Season 7 (last being "Frame" with Goren). Was really hoping that Logan would get a good send off, he was a great character on 'Law and Order: Criminal Intent' and was refreshing despite the show's quality becoming inconsistent. Logan's episodes were hit and miss, though Logan and Chris Noth's acting were always redeeming qualities. "Last Rites" had all the ingredients to be a winner.
And a winner "Last Rites" was and it is absolutely one of the hits of one of 'Criminal Intent's' weaker seasons. Of all of Logan's episodes, they saved the best for last. While there were many great episodes of his, "Last Rites" was quite special. If anybody wants an answer as to whether it is a good send off to Logan, the answer is an easy yes and it is a far more satisfying exit than the last minute abrupt and indifferent one he got in the Season 5 finale of the original 'Law and Order'.
Chris Noth gives another wonderful performance as Logan, he does wryness, hard-boiled edge and conflict so beautifully and did do throughout his three season stint on 'Criminal Intent'. Of all his appearances, this is a strong contender for his best where he is fun, intense and also affecting. Julianne Nicholson is suitably understated but not too low key as Wheeler but the other acting standout is a touching and perceptive Denis O'Hare. The ADA character does act in a way that frustrates but it is realistic and not over the top.
Have already mentioned about Logan getting a worthy send off. It is not one's usual idea of an exit, not a sudden death, fired in disgrace or suddenly leaving on bad terms. This is a beautifully done more than one choice path ending, one that is thoughtful and contemplative and written by people that seemed to like Logan and care about him. The script is one of the season's most hard hitting and thought provoking, Father Shea's is very sincere and Logan's final line is a very strong contender for his best. The story is tense and has clever and not too simple or too complicated twists and turns. The tensions with the ADA doesn't become too cartoonish or get in the way.
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 is sympathetic while not being routine.
Overall, fantastic and what a perfect final episode for a great character. 10/10.