Have always liked Logan ever since the early seasons of the original 'Law and Order'. Not everybody likes Wheeler, have actually never had a problem with her and found her consistently written than Barek (who was a bit up and down, but overall didn't mind her) and certainly much better than Falacci (who never clicked with me). Also liked them together, not the best duo on 'Law and Order: Criminal Intent' but nice enough in its own way.
It is sad that "Ten Count" was one of the last Logan episodes of 'Criminal Intent'. He does make a big impression here, hardly surprising, and "Ten Count" is a very good episode and a lot better than a lot of Logan episodes rated higher here (in no way is it worse than "Tru Love", "World's Fair" and "Assassin" and it's a lot better than "Weeping Willow" too). As far as Logan and Wheeler episodes go, it's near being one of the better ones.
"Ten Count" is quite complex in plot, and occasionally in the first half it is not always easy to keep up.
Also think that the pace could have slowed down a little and had more breathing space and that the girlfriend character was unnecessary.
On the other hand, "Ten Count" works really well as an episode. Regarding what has been said about Goren and Eames being a more appropriate partnership to the case, can understand why anyone would think that. Admittedly it is a very personal, too personal perhaps, case for Logan, but he is no stranger when it comes to personal cases (such as the Season 2 opener of the original 'Law and Order' and his last episode of the previous 'Criminal Intent' season). It would have been interesting admittedly to see what the dynamic between Goren and the criminal would have been, but Logan's temperament in my view is much better suited (having both a hard nosed edge and soft seriousness), as amazing a character that Goren is he perhaps would be too neurotic and conflicted and was in loose cannon territory at this point of the show.
Going on to talking about the great things about the episode, there are many. Production values are slick and are simple without being simplistic. The music is haunting and not too over-emphasised when used. The direction is sympathetic while having momentum and personality. The script doesn't sugarcoat things and is intelligently and tautly written. It does very well with the character psychology, such as the chillingly manipulative hold held over the two brothers.
Furthermore, the story is gripping and enough of it was quite surprising. Absolutely loved the sympathetic chemistry between Logan and the surviving son and the climactic confrontation is classic 'Criminal Intent' and tensely dramatic. Chris Noth does gritty, dryly humorous and sympathetic beautifully, all three done beautifully individually and expertly balanced. Julianne Nicholson is a good subtle contrast and Miguel Ferrer does vindictive so unsettlingly, that is a character trait that can be overplayed easily but that is something Ferrer never does.
In conclusion, very good. 8/10.
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