Charlie Rubin & Diana Son Interview

[DonnaJo]

The Major Case-CI Criminal Intent Forum has posted Part I of an interview with Charlie Rubin & Diana Son, two of the main writers for Law & Order:Criminal Intent .

Here is the link to the site. No part of the interview may be copied or reproduced.

Major Case Writer Interview

I'm so thrilled, some of my questions were answered.

[noc]

Thanks for the line, Donna Jo. Lots of good stuff in there, but my favorite was the explanation of the Eames comment that drove everyone on this board crazy worried for a while- even me. It was such a beautiful discussion of that issue. I guess that's why LOCI is so well written- great writers!!!

I won't go into too much because everyone should read it for themselves. I was also fascinated with the Untethered comments, and I hadn't tied it to the Minnesota case until reading that.

What a treat!!! Thanks.

[diablodeblanco]

Thanks DonnaJo!

[DonnaJo]

I'm proud to admit that I asked the question about Eames' line in "Smile." I honestly didn't expect the writers to answer it, but they graciously did.

Now I wish I had asked more questions of that nature, like did Goren like Leslie.

[diablodeblanco]

donna said:

I'm proud to admit that I asked the question about Eames' line in "Smile." I honestly didn't expect the writers to answer it, but they graciously did.

Now I wish I had asked more questions of that nature, like did Goren like Leslie.

Yes, yes....inquiring minds want to know!!

[Techguy]

DonnaJo, thanks for sharing the interview link here, and for asking the question about the end line in "Smile." Charlie Rubin's thorough explanation of the background and meaning of "It's too late" is a revelation, a welcome breath of fresh air. I understand its purpose and its place a lot better.

I hope Mr. Rubin finds the "Blind Spot" outtakes and that they make it to the Bonus Features of a future Season 6 DVD set. I also enjoyed reading Diana Son's description of Mr. D'Onofrio's improvisations during the shooting of "A Murderer Among Us."

LOL at Mr. Rubin's sense of humor--I wouldn't mind if he upset the characters he mentions either! ;D

[Patcat]

Yes, DonnaJo, thanks for posting the link. I'm a member of this site, and it is a very good one. This is a great interview, and many thanks to the Major Case moderators and Mr. Rubin and Ms. Son.

Patcat

[untitled]

Grr! I've been looking for this article and the forum is dead. Does anyone remember the gist of Rubin's explanation of Eames' infamous "It's too Late" line?

[DonnaJo]

Sadly, the Major Case site closed up August 30, 2009. Along with all of the interviews.

If I remember correctly, the ending of "Smile" had two possible endings - the one where Eames says "It's too late" and another which was much lighter. Too light, according to Charles Son who wrote the episode. Rubin also confided that USA didn't like the ending, and wanted it changed. In spite of that, they stuck with it.

Rubin knew (and was OK with) some blow back from Eames' statement. The intent of the comment "It's too late" was that Eames was simply stating the truth (no snark) - she was resigned to (and understood) what being Goren's partner meant to her career. She had made the decision long ago to stick with him as her partner. And in that respect, it was too late.

[annabelleleigh]

According to teleplay author Charlie Rubin the line was intentionally infused with duality -- both regret and "deep love." Eames' understands her career has hit a ceiling because of her loyalty to Goren -- and she's still bothered about the price she's had to pay -- but she's resigned to the decision she made to stick with him.

AL

[Patcat]

AL:

Thanks for finding and posting this. Mr. Rubin's take is how I took Eames' comment. There's a wonderful ambivalence about the line and Ms. Erbe's reading of it and Mr. D'Onofrio's reaction to it.

Patcat

[Ladyheather]

Good stuff. Eames was the perfect fit for Goren's genius.

[untitled]

Thank you all for posting that! I had looked all over the internet but I only found people mentioning it and not actually explaining it.