Was underwhelmed by the first two Nichols and Wheeler episodes "Rock Star" and "In Treatment". Neither of the two episodes had particularly strong cases and also had issues with Nichols himself as a character and his too odd partnering with Wheeler. But initial memories of "Astoria Helen" were a lot more positive, remembered liking it a lot actually and there are plenty of television characters that do little for you for a while and then grow on you.
"Astoria Helen" not only lives up to the positive memories had before but exceeds them. It is a considerable improvement over the previous two Nichols and Wheeler episodes, proof that the duo did have great episodes and Nichols' character writing had improved drastically too. That was a major drawback in his previous outings, but is here a contender for the biggest improvement of all the improved aspects seen in this episode compared to before.
Did think that it was slightly over-complicated in spots, especially when things become not what they seem like going into the final quarter.
However, "Astoria Helen" starts off spectacularly, with an opening scene that immediately grabs the attention. A far cry from some of the routine first halfs that some of the episodes of the original 'Law and Order's' Season 8. Also found the ending very tense and not melodramatic or contrived thankfully, rounding off the case with complete conviction. The case is suitably intricate, with plenty of surprising turns that are also plausible.
Furthermore, the script is taut and smart, one that has tension too and with the quirkiness not being overdone at all here. The quirkiness and contrivance that were so over the top in the previous two Nichols and Wheeler episodes are toned down in fact and everything intrigues. Nichols also fares so much better here, as does his more natural chemistry with Wheeler.
Jeff Goldblum and Julianne Nicholson carry "Astoria Helen" very nicely and the supporting cast are fine. It is shot with the right amount of intimacy without being claustrophobic and that the editing has become increasingly tighter over-time has been great too. Nice use of locations too. The music doesn't get over-scored or overwrought, even in the more dramatic revelation moments. The direction doesn't try to do too much and is understated but never flat or unsure.
In conclusion, terrific. 9/10.
"Astoria Helen" not only lives up to the positive memories had before but exceeds them. It is a considerable improvement over the previous two Nichols and Wheeler episodes, proof that the duo did have great episodes and Nichols' character writing had improved drastically too. That was a major drawback in his previous outings, but is here a contender for the biggest improvement of all the improved aspects seen in this episode compared to before.
Did think that it was slightly over-complicated in spots, especially when things become not what they seem like going into the final quarter.
However, "Astoria Helen" starts off spectacularly, with an opening scene that immediately grabs the attention. A far cry from some of the routine first halfs that some of the episodes of the original 'Law and Order's' Season 8. Also found the ending very tense and not melodramatic or contrived thankfully, rounding off the case with complete conviction. The case is suitably intricate, with plenty of surprising turns that are also plausible.
Furthermore, the script is taut and smart, one that has tension too and with the quirkiness not being overdone at all here. The quirkiness and contrivance that were so over the top in the previous two Nichols and Wheeler episodes are toned down in fact and everything intrigues. Nichols also fares so much better here, as does his more natural chemistry with Wheeler.
Jeff Goldblum and Julianne Nicholson carry "Astoria Helen" very nicely and the supporting cast are fine. It is shot with the right amount of intimacy without being claustrophobic and that the editing has become increasingly tighter over-time has been great too. Nice use of locations too. The music doesn't get over-scored or overwrought, even in the more dramatic revelation moments. The direction doesn't try to do too much and is understated but never flat or unsure.
In conclusion, terrific. 9/10.
