'Law and Order' was a brilliant show in its prime and overall is actually my favourite of the 'Law and Order' franchise and out of it, 'Special Victims Unit' (the longest running) and 'Criminal Intent'. Despite not feeling the same post-Briscoe. 'Special Victims Unit' started off brilliantly, but became hit and miss Season 7 onwards and has not lived up to the early seasons generally for a long time. 'Criminal Intent' also was truly fine in its early seasons, but became wildly inconsistent mid-run.
"Haven" for me is not one of the best 'Law and Order' episodes or even one of the best of Season 8, which on the whole was re-watching it recently is very good. It is still a good if uneven episode that is evidence of how truly great, even fantastic, the season's best episodes are. "Haven" is a case of one half being better than the other and of missing the extra something that other episodes of the season had. The acting also adds a lot. As said, it's still good. It's just not fantastic.
Am going to start with what could have been done better. Actually think that it could have done with more surprises, other episodes of the season were twistier and the twists were a lot more unpredictable (whereas here the only shock is the end).
It perhaps could have done with more tension and emotion, from tackling more difficult subjects in a more complex and pull no punches way. The first half isn't quite as good as the second, it's interesting enough and Briscoe and Curtis' banter is entertaining, there is just a feeling of we've seen this all before.
However, there is an awful lot to like about "Haven". Despite how the above sounded. One of the better aspects is the acting, with one of the guest stars making a particularly big impression. Jerry Orbach, Benjamin Bratt, Sam Waterston and Angie Harmon are all excellent, Orbach really relishes those one-liners of his, his chemistry with Bratt (who has settled very well) has gone from strength to strength. Waterston is very resourceful and authoritative and Harmon shows why Carmichael was my personal favourite of McCoy's assistants. The supporting cast are all strong too, especially Ruben Santiago-Hudson.
The script is intelligent, lean enough and thought-provoking on both sides of the arguments, although it doesn't quite have the extra spark. It is particularly good in the legal interactions. The story does pick up in the second half, where the material becomes richer.
Moreover, the production values are still fully professional, the slickness and subtly gritty style still remaining. The music is sparingly used and is haunting and thankfully non-overwrought. The direction shows some nice tension in the legal scenes.
In summary, not great but very worthwhile and with more than enough to show why 'Law and Order' was so great in its prime. 7/10.
