Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I was not a Law and Order fan. Sure I have seen the original and SVU, but something about the format never resonated with me. Solving the crime halfway through seemed abrupt and packaged, despite the wealth of acting talent the shows have produced. Having said that, I have become increasingly impressed with Criminal Intent, starring the ever intriguing Vincent D'Onofrio. Season 1 saw a show that was in its birthing phase: acting was occasionally hit or miss as the actors developed their characters. Season 3 was released on DVD prior to this season, but thankfully this does not create continuity problems as each episode and season stand alone as a set piece drama. So you can watch in any order and still be part of the drama. This is a show that is hitting its stride in the second season, and well worth the buy.
Vincent D'Onofrio is just short of brilliant as the character of Detective Robert Goren. He invokes a spirit that is both intriguing and whimsical, provoking the audience to understand the psychology of both crime and criminal. He sees and hears what most do not. He is also a master manipulator of emotion, as seen in the interrogation room, but just when you think he has gone too far or is showing his dark side, he taps into the emotion of the moment and shows a new side to his character. Anyone who saw Full Metal Jacket and how powerful he was in his brief 15 minutes, will appreciate the depth and range he brings to this character. Hands down, the finest pure actor on TV today.
Kathyrn Erbe, Jamey Sheridan, and the ever cool Courtney B. Vance round out the cast as the partner, Captain, and district attorney respectively. Their roles are mainly to support Goren, but given the second billing, they play the roles well. Erbe is a nice partner to D'Onofrio, but the writers have yet to let her carry a show's dramatic arc. Everyone loves Sherlock Holmes, but everyone wants to see Watson get the spotlight once or twice. Sheridan does his best as the Captain, but his role is limited and is fairly interchangeable with any other cop show. Vance, the man of cool, brings a distinguished acting career, a great wardrobe, and a no nonsense attorney's search for justice to ADA Carver.
The 23 episodes of season two are solid, the plots are often inspired by real life crimes just familiar enough to make you think you know who did it. Guess what, it's usually not who you think. The DVD box set may be light on the extras, but we watch Law & Order for the drama, and just finally having Season Two fills the hole on the shelf. Overall, Criminal Intent showcased the best acting of any of the L&O franchises, and you begin to wonder how long they can keep this up; How long can each episode intrigue you? For me, I'll be staying tuned to find out, and can't wait for Season 4 of this great series to be released. Recommended.
A.G. Corwin
St.Louis, MO
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From the most successful franchise on television comes Law & Order: Criminal Intent - The Second Year. Experience life on the wrong side of the law as perpetrators plan and execute the crimes that lead them into the fascinating, frustrating and sometimes frightening justice system. This highly collectible 5-disc set contains all 23 powerful episodes and features the original cast - including Vincent D'Onofrio, Kathryn Erbe, Jamey Sheridan and Courtney B. Vance. Law & Order: Criminal Intent - The Second Year is mastermind Dick Wolf's most innovative creation yet.
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