Robert Goren has always been a fascinating character, with Vincent D'Onofrio consistently portraying him brilliantly. Love too the chemistry between him and Alexandra Eames, and Eames is every bit as interesting in her own way. 'Law and Order: Criminal Intent' was a great show in its prime and as good as the original 'Law and Order' and 'Special Victims Unit' when they're on form, but it became hit and miss when they began alternating with other lead partnerships.
Hate to be the dissenting voice here, but "Untethered" is one of those high rated episodes that didn't do an awful lot for me. There are definitely a number of important things that are done right, but somehow it just didn't feel like 'Criminal Intent' and what made the show so great at its best is missing. Plus, what is thrown into the story never quite comes together as an overall whole. Have never minded changes of pace, many examples of that in shows and franchises done brilliantly. It does however depend on the execution and "Untethered's" execution of its change of pace was patchy in my view.
It does do things well. The best thing about it is D'Onofrio, who is brilliant as always. Kathryn Erbe and Eric Bogosian also register very well and the regulars' chemistry is as sturdy as a rock, would have liked more sass in the chemistry between Goren and Eames but they still contrast beautifully. Did not like Ross mostly in Season 6, but he seems more balanced as an authority figure here and he gels better within the team and as a team member.
The episode does start off with intriguing promise and the slide into insanity and self-loathing is written and acted very believably to almost harrowing effect. "Untethered" 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 some of the writing has tautness.
Sadly on the most part the story didn't work for me. It has been interesting seeing Goren more developed and seeing a more troubled side, but in the later seasons this either tended to get in the way of the cases or overshadow them completely. It does both here, with one not really remembering much of what happens in the case and getting too much of the Goren show. Season 6 showed a more personal side to Goren, but the difference was that his development in that season was a lot more interesting and illuminating (as well as showing how Goren came to be the way he was). Only one new thing is learnt here regarding a nephew, but it is done so little with and is left incomplete so one questions why have it in.
Did feel that the episode came over as disorganised, it felt rushed and choppy with elements being thrown in out of the blue, structured in a cobbled together way and not being very well rounded off. The ending felt too abrupt, the outcome anti-climactic and one part of the personal life story left hanging in the air in a scene that adds very little. The episode could have done with more energy and tension and too much of the writing was on the overwrought side. The direction plods and is somewhat erratic.
Concluding, very conflicted and disappointed here. 5/10.
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