"30" is something of a brave episode. 'Law and Order: Criminal Intent' was no stranger to difficult topics and the pull no punches approach exploring them, though for me the original 'Law and Order' and 'Special Victims Unit' (namely in the early seasons though) did this aspect better. For 'Criminal Intent' though, the subject is one of the show's toughest and most sensitive. With echoes of a real life case that was still relatively raw at the time. Was slightly concerned at whether it would be a case of tackling something very sensitive too soon.
Although "30" is somewhat an uneven episode and a case of the first half being a lot better than the second, it is a truly admirable one as well and really appreciated that it even attempted this subject and what it did with it. Also did appreciate seeing more development to one character that had not done much for me beforehand (practically nothing actually despite some glimpses), but this aspect doesn't quite come off completely.
There are a lot of good things in "30". It is well made, intimately photographed and slick with no signs of under-budget or anything. The music didn't sound melodramatic or too constant and the direction is accomodating while still having pulse. Also have no complaints about Chris Noth, have always liked Logan ever since he was a lead character for the first five seasons of the original 'Law and Order' and Noth never disappointed. He doesn't here and Logan shines brightly. Also appreciated that Wheeler was more assertive than usual and also showed more loyalty, and that more development to Ross was seen (though that was less successful).
Script is intelligent and tight that doesn't come over as over-serious, despite the subject, or as a joke. It has always made me think long and hard afterwards and mostly did a good sensitive job with a difficult, potentially heavy-handed issue. Due to having echoes of a real life story that was still raaw, the execution isn't simplistic or dumbed down and there is complexity and sensitivity in an episode that does start off very disturbingly. The acting is excellent, Noth carrying the episode with effortless authoritative ease.
Have always felt however that some of the second half is too over-complicated and only slightly avoids incoherence. Actually didn't like too that the ending was too abrupt and inconclusive in an episode that did need a resolution in my view.
While there is some development to Ross, he still comes over as too one-dimensional and aggressive and it is too clear annoyingly who he likes and who he doesn't.
In conclusion, a valiant and mostly well done effort that doesn't completely succeed. 7/10