general impression of series 5

[amberlight]

Nice analysis janethyland. Impressive how much detail you absorb and pull together. You do indeed study the epi's.

I still feel it is a bit soon for a general comment for me. I see the changes janethyland highlighted and i like them. What I remain disappointed in, is Vincent is not stretching his character as much as I know he is capable of. I do not mean in an absurd way, but in a profound way. With less focus on dialogue for him, I have been looking for the quality to kick up a notch - development of his own demons I guess. Since Season 3 he has been very subdued. With some exception, like Semi-Detached and Want, which I loved as good story and how Vincent worked his dark side, was fantastic. I was hungry for more, but none appeared.
CI is my unique Law & Order because of what Vincent brings to the table in character developement. The other 2 have equally good story, and their share of tortured Stabler souls. Vincent's version was just so much better because he crafted Goren uniquely.

So, while I wait, I am enjoying the shuffle happening this year including Eames and Carver development. I just hope they don't forget the prime character actor in the shuffling. We'll see

[Techguy]

I think it's too early, for me at least, to make any general statements about Season 5 overall. However, based on viewing my tape of "In the Wee Small Hours" and how satisfying it was the second time around, I came away with this thought. What would Season 5 have been like if, instead of dividing up the 22 episodes with half for Goren/Eames and the other half for Logan/Barek, those in charge would have decided to do 11 two hour episodes with all four detectives? Just a thought.

[Cassie]

janethyland said:

Can anyone identify the painting of a solitary tree in a field behind Eddie Roberts,reflecting his mood in Act of C.

Interesting I picked up on that painting also. That it represented Eddie, standing up for what he believed in all alone. But the more I think about it, could it also be representing the Tree of Knowledge (good and evil) and the Tree of Life. These two trees that can be found in the Garden of Eden, Genesis 2:9. Eddie in his quest for justice for his brother (good) killed Sr. Dorothy (evil). Although I think her death was more of an accident. Then we have Carver offering up the conditions of Eddie’s plea bargain, It is suggested that upon Eddie’s brothers death, Carver will take the people involved to trial for homicide (Tree of Life)

I have searched high and low, trying to figure out who the artist might be. Sorry, I can offer up possibly that it might be a Eugene Delacroix, by the colors of the landscape. The turquoise sky. But I think not. I believe that this painting along with all of the other paintings used in the series are tweaked for copy write issues, so the actually color of the painting is probably off.

I agree with Techguy, 11, 2 hour episodes with the 4 detectives working side by side would be great. That also could be said for the Mothership and SVU. Remember years ago, the NBC Mystery Movie of the Week, with Columbo, McCloud, McMillan & Wife. Ever other week a different show. I think more can be done with a storyline then what is squashed into an hour They could also offer up the four detectives in the one hour show. Just show the two sets of detectives in passing. Like in Grow, where Logan asked a few questions of the kid in the holding tank, feeding him candy. Then he apologized to Goren for talking to the kid. Goren let it be known he had no issues with it. I guess, just showing that they work for the same department, not always on the same case. I feel the way they showcase the two sets of detectives right now, makes its two different shows.

I must say, out of all the Law & Order shows that I have seen, In The Wee Small Hours was the greatest of them all. I do hope they win awards for the writing and acting on this one.

[Patcat]

I have to agree with Techguy--based on WEE I'd like to see the four detectives interact in some more episodes. Barek's character especially seemed to thrive from the contact with Eames.

Patcat

[kawaiidragonfoe821]

I like season 5 so far, it's nice to have Logan & Barek on board, & to see that 'spark' back in Vince's eyes now that he has someone to alternate the workload with.

Also, the writers story plots seem to be deepening & gaining steam, they are almost reflective of season 2.