Season 7 was a very inconsistent and even rocky season for 'Law and Order: Criminal Intent', certainly the Season 7 episodes prior to "Purgatory". None were terrible, but only a few were great with most ranging between decent and underwhelming. Anybody that loves the character of Goren, has liked his character development in Season 6 particularly and loves his partnership with Eames would undoubtedly expect a lot from this episode.
"Purgatory" delivered, and brilliantly. It develops Goren beautifully, sees a deeper bond between him and Eames that sees their chemistry in a new light and there is more than enough to show what was so great about them as characters. It is leagues better than the previous Goren-centric episode "Untethered", which should have been great but to me wasn't, the best 'Criminal Intent' episode since "Amends" and one of the season's few outstanding episodes.
Everything comes together as one beautifully wrapped package. Vincent D'Onofrio is exceptional, as one would expect from whenever playing Goren. Goren has always been a fascinating character, and while his deeper development and family subplot divided fans to me they were done on the whole extremely well. Sure he is a very different Goren from the early seasons, not as perceptive or as neurotic and a lot more troubled and intense which fitted realistically with Goren's development. D'Onofrio conveyed all of this intensely and movingly, with numerous instances without saying a word and instead told through his face and eyes.
Found Kathryn Erbe to be even better. She has also matured in her role and Eames has matured and deepened as a character since the Season 6 premiere, understandably. Erbe portrays this very powerfully, and in a way that is quite understated. Especially moving is her reaction to when Goren finally tells her the truth, heart-wrenching and relatable. Some found Eames too on the mean side this season, it's episodes like "Purgatory" where one can understand why.
Their chemistry has not lost its sparkle. It is different to usual here, more serious and not the sassy playing off of one another. But it is abundantly clear how much they care for each other and how difficult they're finding being apart, especially true in that moment. The story is twisty and has a gritty but also moving atmosphere. The script is thought-provoking throughout.
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. The cast are all top-notch, but D'Onofrio and Erbe dominate and quite rightly.
Overall, outstanding. 10/10.
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