The murder of a court clerk for her laptop computer and how it pertains to the victim's judge(who is up for promotion to the appellate court)is at the heart of this episode's particular case as Goren and Eames attempt to find out who would want the woman dead, renowned as quite knowledgeable and bright when it comes to law. Judge Blakemore(Michael Murphy)is determined to actually have taken credit for the publishing of law reviews written by his devoted law clerk who was his long-time, 10 year adulteress. When it is determined that Arnie(Bruce MacVittie), a small time crook, was actually responsible, Goren will soon discover that the mastermind possibly behind the murder is another judge, Raoul Sabatelli(George DiCenzo), a celebrated novelist whose work proves to use characters from his own life. Sabatelli rose out of poverty and the harsh environs of the streets to get to his position in life while Blakemore was able skirt by on his father's prestige and social status. When Sabatelli got wind of this, it's believed he was trying to force the clerk into a difficult predicament, soon resulting in her demise. Any episode where actual judges are jocking for a major position, life-long enemies from different social classes, which includes proof of adultery, plagiarism, and murder, there's certain to be plenty of intrigue and scandal, with the detectives right in the middle of it all. Its really cool seeing Goren and Eames snooker a sitting New York judge, using law articles not yet published, only to have been seen thanks in part to a disc only those behind the victim's murder could attain.
2 Reviews
Unprofessional rivalry
TheLittleSongbird17 October 2019
There is just so much to love about 'Law and Order: Criminal Intent' and it is hard not to wish that it lasted longer. Vincent D'Onofrio, the character of Goren and his wonderfully unorthodox methods and way of thinking, his chemistry with Eames, the compelling cases, the thought-provoking and entertaining writing are all major reasons as to why, and even the premature obviousness of most of the perpetrators isn't that much of a problem.
"Semi-Professional" is not quite on the same level as the previous episode "Homo Homini Lupis" (very hard to watch for one scene especially but very powerful with beautifully done character writing and interaction), not having that episode's unforgettable emotional power. With that being said, "Semi-Professional" is still a great episode in its own way and a more than worthy effort for the show, with such a great idea for a story and such interesting themes to tackle.
Not an awful lot wrong, but the naiivety of the victim for being used for so long can be called into question. The same with a smart, ambitious character not seeming to realise that they could still be ratted out regardless of wherever they put or what they do with the person in question, that was a heck of a risk.
However, Goren is still a fascinating and entertaining character and just love how he works, unconventional that his methods may seem, and how he contrasts with the softer-in-personality Eames. Vincent D'Onofrio clearly has a lot of fun here and a more understated Kathryn Erbe works beautifully with him. Michael Murphy and George DiCenzo are particularly good in support, important as they have the two characters that "Semi-Professional" centres namely around. DiCenzo's Sabatelli being the more interesting character.
A couple of not so believable moments aside, the story is absorbing with it not being obvious too early where it's all going to go and who's responsible and its themes of rivalry, corruption, lies and betrayal add enormously to the intrigue. There are a few particularly good moments, like the semi-professional killer profile, the beginning with Goren, the "underlining the dirty parts" part with Goren and Eames and how the perpetrator is caught, not the most innovative way but cleverly done all the same. The writing entertains and provokes thought, while the episode looks good and is appropriately scored. The main theme is not my favourite of the franchise but is still memorable.
On the whole, great. 9/10
"Semi-Professional" is not quite on the same level as the previous episode "Homo Homini Lupis" (very hard to watch for one scene especially but very powerful with beautifully done character writing and interaction), not having that episode's unforgettable emotional power. With that being said, "Semi-Professional" is still a great episode in its own way and a more than worthy effort for the show, with such a great idea for a story and such interesting themes to tackle.
Not an awful lot wrong, but the naiivety of the victim for being used for so long can be called into question. The same with a smart, ambitious character not seeming to realise that they could still be ratted out regardless of wherever they put or what they do with the person in question, that was a heck of a risk.
However, Goren is still a fascinating and entertaining character and just love how he works, unconventional that his methods may seem, and how he contrasts with the softer-in-personality Eames. Vincent D'Onofrio clearly has a lot of fun here and a more understated Kathryn Erbe works beautifully with him. Michael Murphy and George DiCenzo are particularly good in support, important as they have the two characters that "Semi-Professional" centres namely around. DiCenzo's Sabatelli being the more interesting character.
A couple of not so believable moments aside, the story is absorbing with it not being obvious too early where it's all going to go and who's responsible and its themes of rivalry, corruption, lies and betrayal add enormously to the intrigue. There are a few particularly good moments, like the semi-professional killer profile, the beginning with Goren, the "underlining the dirty parts" part with Goren and Eames and how the perpetrator is caught, not the most innovative way but cleverly done all the same. The writing entertains and provokes thought, while the episode looks good and is appropriately scored. The main theme is not my favourite of the franchise but is still memorable.
On the whole, great. 9/10
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