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Post by trisha on Oct 2, 2005 21:38:12 GMT -5
What the heck? I thought I be coming in on at least 2 pages worth of chat already. Were you waiting for me to do the honors? How sweet ;D As excited as I was to see Berek and Logan, this episode was kind of boring to me. There wasn't much spark between them, and I missed Logan's strut. He was all humble, and crap. What gives? I loved that cocky bastard, and it looks like all the wind was taken from his sails. Berek ... she was kind of bla. Is walking around, thinking out loud her "quirk"? I hate to say it, but I was really hoping for something along the lines of Kyra Sedgwick's character in The Closer More later.
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Post by Sirenna on Oct 2, 2005 21:41:21 GMT -5
Yes, it wasn't LO:ci in the cerebral sense I've come to know and love - a bit too much throwing of the perp into brick walls etc.
I liked that she was brains behind the outfit.
Yes, Trisha it's all about you. ;-D
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Post by LOCIfan on Oct 2, 2005 21:53:21 GMT -5
I'll watch this one again, and will give the Logan/Barek eps a few more chances, but I was underwhelmed -- especially by Barek. I found her downright dull, and somewhat morose. Like she has some kind of chip on her shoulder and absolutely no sense of humor. A female Goren, she's not. But then, perhaps it's unfair to think of her in that way.
The Logan character was more interesting, and I thought he was fun to watch. There's definitely potential there. But I think the fact that he has so little to interact with in the Barek character is a drawback.
Wonder if it's just coincidence that the first episode to feature Logan & Barek also dealt with jewel thieves.
Also, the woman who played the mother gave a GREAT performance!
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Post by janetcatbird on Oct 2, 2005 21:58:57 GMT -5
I liked Barek. Well, the exposition was a little clunky ("How many languages do you speak?") but I liked her low-key approach. Hey, not all profilers are so dysfunctional; sometimes being a normal, well-adjusted human can be an asset in that line of work. As a contrast to Goren's mind-melds, but still knows her stuff, I think she'll be a neat character. Besides, it's just her first case, give her time.
I was never a big Logan fan, but I thought he did alright with this episode. He's aged, what, ten years since he was exiled? Of course he's gonna be a little wary during his time of trial. Once he's here-to-stay, though, I'm sure he can't help but revert. And look at the pool cue, though why didn't Barek say something to prevent a police brutality lawsuit?
What the heck was with that music during the robberies? And the camerawork made me seasick--is L&O trying to imitate some other kind of cop show, nitty-gritty drama?
What was the burr up Deakins' butt in this episode? We know it was a bit risky to ask for Logan, but he didn't have to be a grouch about it. Still, it was very Deakins-like to say the whole "When you're a problem for me, I'll let you know." Support your workers, but be their boss. Also very nice were his silent looks to Barek and Logan at the end: You done your jobs, nice work, but y'all gonna have to figure out where you stand as partners. (On a less flippant note, was Jamey Sheridan walking a bit stiffly/heavily? Was his Bells Palsy acting up during filming? If that was the case--or even if it was some minor injury--I certainly hope he's doing better now.)
As to the interrogation scene, I couldn't believe Barek made Logan talk about his mother. (I have to admit, at first I thought it heavy-handed to bring it up so soon in his stint, but it played into the episode plot very nicely.) Still, she barely knows him and she makes him open up and be vulnerable with a suspect? I did like Noth's reaction, you could tell Logan was not happy, but he also realized if I pitch a fit then it makes us as cops look divided/stupid/weak, and she must be on to something or she wouldn't do this. I also liked their faces at the end fade-out, Barek's sheepish uncertainty and Logan's almost-resignation. I was expecting a confrontation, and was pleasantly surprised: you as the audience know there will be words, but the writers don't feel the need to spoon-feed you every single bit of partnership-adjusting-tension.
It's also interesting to see a different kind of partnership. Because you know Goren wouldn't pull that "let me tell you about my partner's troubles"--you kidding, Eames would go upside his head! At most he might stutter through a "you know, a, a friend of mine..." and even that would get Eames upset so he wouldn't be likely to risk it.
Not sure what to think about two separate credit sets, but I guess it makes things less confusing. Did anybody notice--Deakins phrase-- "our gal" Stephanie SenGupta as (was it?) executive producer? Woo-hoo!
I had a sad smile during the pool hall scene. "I had a partner, long time ago...he was real good with a stick." Sniffle Lenny! Sniffle
PS: And, Trisha, I was tapping my foot waiting for someone else, since I was such a seagull with the poll last week. Thanks!
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Shadow
Silver Shield Investigator
Posts: 77
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Post by Shadow on Oct 2, 2005 22:00:08 GMT -5
I missed VDO, but I also found that I liked Logan in his part..I liked his style...so different from Goran...I don't feel he could ever take his place...and I think he is still on trial there as to whether he can even keep his job in Major Case......And, yes, I can't wait for Vincent next week. Now I think probably everyone will DISAGREE with me on this........I DID NOT like his partner. I cannot remember how to spell her name....but I myself didn't like her at all.......Just my personal feelings....Sorry. Well I guess you guys can now all throw stones at me... I thought I was going to hate him and like her.....but It was just the opposite.......As far as the show as a whole went....I think it was pretty good........ OK I'll take cover now............... Shadow
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Duet
Silver Shield Investigator
Bing.... Reality.
Posts: 129
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Post by Duet on Oct 2, 2005 22:03:27 GMT -5
I must admit that I missed the middle of the ep. I was so freaked out at the opening credits that I headed staight to the computer to find out why D'Onofrio and Erbe where not in them. I found this site.... Please tell me that it was an anomally that will not repeat itself! Goren is just too exceptional of a character to not give Vincent his due. I can understand if they did it this time as an intro fitting for Noth and his new partner but I do hope that in future eps they give Vincent top billing...
Duet
P.S. my apologies if I have landed this in the wrong thread....
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Post by trisha on Oct 2, 2005 22:05:31 GMT -5
Yes, Trisha it's all about you. ;-D My pee is so strong it carried over for a second week ;D And Javawolf thought she? would be the one with the dumb jokes. Get used to my potty mouth and juvenile humor in a hurry, my friend. I may not be 12 anymore, but you'd never know it. Hey, about throwing the perp around, was I hallucinating, or did Barek reach for her weapon in the pool hall? Poor Mikey, first case with his new partner, and she's already thinking of putting him out of her misery ;D Locifan, I soooo totally agree. I'm already making a wish list for Barek. #1 is a little make up and a more flattering wardrobe. #2 is for her to be a bit more energetic and show more interest in the case. I don't need her to obsess like Goren, but she was so laid back, she seemed almost bored. #3 is for her to snort when she laughs, 'cause it's cute, and she needs a little cute to balance the stuffy.
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Post by janetcatbird on Oct 2, 2005 22:07:15 GMT -5
Yeah, she did reach for her gun! Which is odd, cause she wasn't the one being threatened!
I thought her wardrobe was almost too casual, but I guess Eames has been paving the way.
DUET: After some health troubles last year D'Onofrio decided he could not continue the intensive workload that he had been, prompting the creative powers-that-be to bring in a second team. Goren/Eames and Logan/Barek will tag-team weekly cases.
On a completely unrelated topic, as to the previews for next week's episode, was that Goren doing the goofy dance in woodsman gear? The barbed wires looked, ouch. And doctors lab coats? Hmm, potential!
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Post by goreneames on Oct 2, 2005 22:12:22 GMT -5
Shadow,
No rocks headed your way from me! I agree completely. I expected to enjoy the Barek character and dislike Logan, but it was the exact opposite.
I thought she was so low energy she seemed practically comatose. Very little life in the performance. It seemed as though Logan was working extra hard in their scenes just to liven things up. Which he did pretty well.
But I did enjoy Logan, and hope to see him hit his stride once he feels more secure at MCS. Like how Deakins has stuck his neck out to get Logan on the team. I only hope Barek doesn't drag this duo down...
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Post by darmok on Oct 2, 2005 22:17:52 GMT -5
Count me among those who were bored with this episode. I looked at the clock at 40 after the hour and wondered how I was going to get through it (it was almost as boring as Crossing Jordan). I will still watch these episodes, but I may not waste a tape. I know I couldn't watch this one again.
The plot didn't seem to flow. I got confused with the woman supposedly being Maya's mother and then being Johnny's mother and then suddenly Maya was inside the trunk. Maybe it's typical CI, but I was more confused than usual.
I'll give Barek more of a chance, but I thought it was too forced in this episode. It was like they had to show us that she was the Goren. And, I didn't buy the stunt with her forcing Logan to reveal (whether real or not) about himself.
I did like the scene where Logan was interrogating the guy while Deakins and Barek were watching him. That was funny.
So far I think I'll enjoy the worst episodes with Goren and Eames better than the best withthe other two. But we'll have to see.
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Post by inspector on Oct 2, 2005 22:20:36 GMT -5
Hi all! I'm a huge Criminal Intent fan, and have been wary of the new season with only half as many Goren/Eames episodes.
The case was definitely more straightforward than a classic Goren/Eames case, but I enjoyed watching Logan trying to reestablish himself as a member of the Major Case Squad after his long exile in Staten Island. I could almost feel how much he wants to make a good impression in his new squad.
As for Barek/Sciorra, I agree with those who were disappointed by her debut. Bottom line was that she was boring to watch and didn't add anything interesting to the partnership. Hope she improves in upcoming episodes. In the meantime, can't wait for a brand new Goren/Eames episode!!!!
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Post by Techguy on Oct 3, 2005 1:39:51 GMT -5
This episode was like a limp damp dishrag, mostly due to what others have already noted, the bland blah dull introduction to the Barek character as played by Annabella Sciorra. I don't think she changed her facial expression or the inflection of her voice at all. And aside from pulling her gun in the one scene, she seemed out of sync and out in left field throughout the entire episode. I did like how Noth/Logan suggested she use a cell phone so people won't thind she was talking to herself. In retrospect, however, this development seems more like an attempt to somehow bring out Barek's quirkiness which was non-existent in her first appearance.
And I really wish an alternative to the jewelry heist scenario had been presented for our introduction to Logan and Barek. For the better part of the hour, I kept thinking CI had "been there, done that" in retro visiting the series premiere episode "One." Couldn't something more original have been presented? The end result for me was, I kept wondering how Det. Goren and Eames would have done, and BLING! They already have, several seasons ago.
I also felt it was a bit too soon for Barek to bring up Logan's past and how his mother got him to buy liquor for her. Although the tactic worked in getting the perp to realize what his own mother had done to him, this type of revelation was a bit abrupt so early on in the Logan/Barek partnership. He's still trying to prove he belongs in MCS, so to have her bring out this skeleton from his closet so early didn't ring true for me.
The best part of the episode was the performance by the actress playing the perp's mother. She was the most energized and animated character in the show, aside from Logan's "act" in the pool hall. Isn't a mother's love wonderful?
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Post by spedteacher on Oct 3, 2005 2:22:51 GMT -5
I am sure that the producers of the show are going to hear from a lot of irate parents of special needs children. The use of the word "retarded" was rather archaic. I would imagine that they will hear from a lot of people that the terms used these days are "special needs", "intellectually challenged", "intellectually disabled", "mentally handicapped", etc. As a special education teacher, I know I found the use of the term rather offensive .. enough to find this web site so I could spout off anyway lolol.
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Post by Patcat on Oct 3, 2005 3:08:02 GMT -5
I had it on in the background, something I never do with the Goren/Eames episodes. I simply find Goren and Mr. D'Onofrio's performance too compelling.
I'll give the episode another chance, and I think there's potential for Barek, and Logan is a compelling character. But at this point these episodes are ones that I'll watch but not tape.
It's nothing against Chris Noth, or Annabella Sciorra--it's just that, for me, the great mystery of LOCI is the character of Robert Goren.
Patcat
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Post by Cassie on Oct 3, 2005 4:59:25 GMT -5
It's nothing against Chris Noth, or Annabella Sciorra--it's just that, for me, the great mystery of LOCI is the character of Robert Goren. I agree, nothing against Noth or Sciorra, It's just that its two different shows. They should have called it Law & Order - Major Case Squad. I don't think we would feel the need to compare the characters as much. I liked the episode, the criminals. and I liked Logans insecurites about his new position. Oh and Deakins, he is always lookin out for his people. That man has got class
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