Identity
By Hank74
Lennie-9/10
Ed-9/10
Van Buren-8/10
Jack-10/10
Serena-9/10
Arthur-9/10
Supporting Cast-10/10
Plot-10/10
Performance-10/10
Value-9/10
Total-93/100
Notes:
To begin, this is an
improvement over what we have seen in recent weeks. I say that because the plot
was simple, the performances were compelling, and this was not a RFTH case.
Instead it was the
merging of two issues which we are facing right now in real life. First, at
what point do we start to take more control over our parents' and grandparents'
lives when the reach old age. Second, identity theft is a growing problem with
the evolution of new technology such as the internet and other devices. Once
upon a time, identity theft would be when you lose your purse or wallet and
someone racks up bills on your credit card. Now, someone could hack into your
computer or e-mail and plan to scheme you out of your life savings. Pretty
chilling stuff to consider.
Regarding the ep itself,
I again say the acting and the plot line was rather good and easy to
understand. Even I got some sense of what was going on in the first half with
the dets. following the money and how it ended up in so many hands. I then
liked how the second half began with the first defense atty (Roscoe Lee Browne)
being so respectful and chatting with Jack. When the issue of whether this atty
would be removed was discussed, I knew then this was the plan to bring in
Shambals Green. See, TPTB teased us when Van Buren asked Lonnie if he would
need an atty. For a moment I thought Shambala would walk in there and give the
usual attitude to the dets.
This was also a going
back into L&O time with Browne from Consultation, Shambala, and Dr.
Olivet back. It seemed we were back in season 3 or something.
So what did you think
about Shambala's return? Was it what you were hoping or expecting? Where would
you rater her performance compared to the six others we've seen her on? Also,
how do you think she did in going up against Jack? I was disappointed there
weren't more fireworks being set off between the two. It seemed Shambala has
mellowed a bit. Could if be that she has own practice or is working for a firm
now? Maybe. I would say Shambala still has the zeal to defend the
underprivileged and downtrodden, but maybe has tuned things a bit since we last
saw her in Sanctuary. It was a great performance by her, but I can't say
it's at the Indifference or Sanctuary level, which many say were
her best.
In a sense this was a
heartwrenching episode and you have to wonder what would have happened had this
gone to trial. A part of me wished this would have, but in the end the right
thing happened with all sides calling for a truce and work out a deal.
Now let's see whether
there is any momentum for the original from Shambala's long anticipated return.