2:06 - "Malignant" 2002-11-03

[Patcat]

I was finally able to see this episode thanks to the rerun last night on USA. It's another from what, unfortunately for me, is the "lost" (g) second season. It's an episode that many others have highly praised, and I generally agree with that praise, with a few qualms.

A frequent complaint about LOCI is that its stories are too complicated, with too many twists and turns, and that may be a legitimate criticism of this episode. There seemed to be a twist before every commercial, and the story tried to pack too much into its 43-45 minutes. It's a story about steroid abuse, no, wait, it's about watered drown drugs, no, it's about assisted suicide, no, it's about religious obsession...it was too much, particularly as I found myself wanting to know more about the dynamics of the relationship between the pharmacist and his wife and their minister.

But the episode had many positives--excellent interaction between Goren and Eames (I especially enjoyed the care and concern they demonstrated towards the widower who had helped his wife to die and their quiet indignation towards the pharmacist); several moments of Goren's in someone's face (the wrestling ring moment was terrific); and Carver's quiet recitation of the realities of the case (yes, he was exasperating, but he was right).

I have to agree with those who argue Goren was a livelier character in the 2nd season--I'm not sure it's to as great a degree as some, but he was more open and prone to do things like jump in the wrestling ring. I think there's some legitimate reasons why Goren's mood became darker through the third and fourth seasons, but that's another area.

And is it just me, or are the 3rd and 4th Seasons darker in their physical settings? It seems that the 2nd Season has more outdoor, daylight settings, while in the 3rd and 4th Seasons we're seeing more interiors and dark lighting.

Patcat (who apologizes for the long post--got started and couldn't stop typing)

[Sirenna]

I liked this one very much and most of season two.
Thanks for reviving the thread!

;D

[Metella]

Yeah, I'll have to see if I can rewatch it soon.

I greatly enjoy the outdoor scenes - NYC is so cool, and so many great buildings, masses of interesting people, and parks and water scenes - that it is a SHAME not to film outside more.

[Techguy]

I wonder if the darker look to the Season 3 and 4 episodes has more of a logistics basis for it.

Maybe during the first two seasons of CI, before the show and Vincent D'Onofrio were as popular as they are now, shooting scenes outdoors didn't potentially involve gawking onlookers and/or autograph hounds as might be the case now.

Perhaps out of consideration for having to work around these potential distractions and obstacles, a decision was made to write episodes with more interior scenes for Seasons 3 and 4.

[Patcat]

Techguy;

An interesting idea, that the show's popularity might be a reason for more interior scenes. I had thought that other reasons might be budget considerations-it's usually cheaper to film indoors than out--or the cast's health. (I gather Erbe has battled some flu bugs as well as D'Onofrio's scare.)

Patcat

[maherjunkie]

Interesting observations and I concur, Patcat, on the topsy-turvyness of the plot, though I enjoyed it.

Favorite line:Would you like to wrestle me? (Answer:Yes)

Damn, he was looking fine in that dark suit!

[kawaiidragonfoe821]

patcat said:

Techguy;

An interesting idea, that the show's popularity might be a reason for more interior scenes. I had thought that other reasons might be budget considerations-it's usually cheaper to film indoors than out--or the cast's health. (I gather Erbe has battled some flu bugs as well as D'Onofrio's scare.)

Patcat

I understand, though I like it when they film outside, esp in winter, I like to see the city in all its snowy splendor (not to mention the actors in their lil' toboggan hats! ;D). Also it gives those of us who don't live there us a chance to see the everyday beat of New York, people going to work, the sights, sounds... etc.

[Patcat]

Just a note about New York City in winter--it's unbelievably cold...I've been there with friends from Minnesota, and they say it's colder in NYC than in Minnesota. Something to do with those winds whipping down between those skyscrapers. Little needles of ice even when you're wearing a big woolly Navy pea coat.

Patcat

[js]

Chicago is much the same and isn't called the Windy City for nothing. The wind whistles in off Lake Michigan, and all the buildings form wind tunnels that make the cold seem really awful. I suspect it works much the same for NYC.

[NicoleMarie]

I loved this episode! I especially loved how Eames brushed off Goren climbing up on top of the pharmacy counter like it was the most common thing on earth. And when they arrested the kid later, the way Goren said "Drop the box" cracked me up. I also loved the part where Goren cajoled the nursing home worker into giving up the old prescriptions. Two other things I loved: Rodgers sniping to Goren she preferred dead people and Goren goading the pharamacist right smack on the church steps. Perfect place to nail him!

I don't think the storyline wandered off track too much- The murders accidentally helped them uncover the pharmacists diluting scam.

[willow2tree]

I don't think any of the hypocritical church leaders felt any guilt or responsibility at all, though, and that ticked me off. They were all just shying away from him like they could deny all association with him and with that, all negative connotations. And the wife...ick.

[Patcat]

I wonder how the pharmacist will fare in prison? It could be horrible for him, unless his skills are something that can be used within the system.

Patcat

[willow2tree]

Yeah, Patcat, I think he is going to be one unhappy camper in prison. Do you think he will still have his faith? If so, he might work in the prison chapel.

[maherjunkie]

I doubt he was sincere to begin with.

[ikkinon]

hey does anyone know where i can see scripts of this show, especially this episode? my media studies class is reviewing american dramas as our case study

all help appreciated