Invaders
By Hank74
Joe-10/10
Ed-10/10
VB-10/10
Jack-10/10
Borgia-10/10
Arthur-9/10
Support-10/10
Plot-10/10
Performance-10/10
Value-8/10
Total-97/100
Notes:
I was
impressed with the way this season finale had some punch and intrigue compared
to recent years. I don't think this is in the same level as say "Old
Friends" or "Refuge," but the acting, script development, and
way we were kept in suspense from start to finish needs to be credited
here. Very well done!
Borgia now
becomes the third regular cast member in the history of this show to be killed
in the line of duty, joining Greevey and Kincaid. I know some might say
that Kincaid was not technically working when she died in that car crash.
I include her though since she was still on the DA's payroll when that tragedy
occurred 10 years ago. I can't believe it's been 10 years since
"Aftershock."
The way
Jack played this out on his side was classic. He is clearly a changed
person when it becomes personal and is willing to push any envelope or go to
any depths to get his way. I for one don't think he did anything
blatantly unethical, but he did tap around the line and that's why he's now in
trouble with the governor. This leads to an open question as to whether
we will see him for S17. My feeling is that he will be back because he is
the rock star of this show, especially now that Jerry Orbach is dead. No
more Sam Waterston, no more seasons of L&O. Simple as that. The
empire will soon crumble. Jack will escape this with his job in tact, similar
to what happened after what happened to him with "Monster" and the
trumped up ethics charges brought by Judge Feldman. He will beat this.
As to whom
should be the new second chair, and will now be the seventh person in that
role, I would now suggest that the original borrow a line from CI and have this
position rotate. In addition, I would suggest that it not be between two
people, a la CI. Instead, why not have a pool of about 4 to 6 people who
be in about 3 to 4 eps. What I'm getting at here is since it's clear that
"Conviction" will face the ratings DP, why not revive those
characters and have all of them, even Cabot, team up with Jack for S17.
Think of the different combos we could have with Finn, Steele, Desmond, Peluso,
Potter, etc. Their various styles would either cause fits for Jack or
compliment him. Maybe one can even rein him in because it's pretty clear
that Jack is on the final leash, if he escapes the governor's wrath.
Daniel
Benzali as the trial judge was terrific. I've been wanting to have him as
a guest in some capacity on L&O. As a matter of fact, he was on the
very first ep "Prescription for Death" back in 1990 as an ME.
He should come back though to compliment the fine judges we have now like monotone
Walter Bradley and pill popping Donald Karan. It wouldn't hurt though to
have someone come in a controversial judicial role like Judges Feldman and
Wright from the glory days. I also want to see Mellnick, Brolin, and
Dworkin come back as defense attys.
In the end,
I will not accept right now the idea of Jack McCoy trying his last case.
He is the anchor of the franchise and TPTB will find a way to show that reality
catches up on him, but save him to live another day. For it's very
simple. Jack McCoy/Sam Waterston=$$$$ for Wolf and NBC/Universal.
Case closed.