Locomotion

 

By Hank74

 

Joe-10/10

Falco-10/10

Van Buren-10/10

Jack-10/10

Borgia-9/10

Arthur-9/10

Supporting Cast-10/10

Plot-9/10

Performance-9/10

Value-9/10

 

Total-95/100

 

 

Notes:

 

Well, this was a good finish to what I would call the most tumultuous season L&O has ever seen.  Think about what took place this year.  Ed gets shot, Serena gets fired, and Jerry Orbach tragically dies.  We also get to see Borgia come in and Falco temporarily.

 

The interesting thing is this being only the 23rd ep of season 15.  For the past seven years, we had 24 each year.  Something to consider. 

 

I liked the emotion being played out here from all angles.  This was a difficult case in that we didn't get to see more about the defendant's problems and history with his estranged wife.  Again, why wasn't either Skoda or Olivet brought in to analyze this person?  Why didn't we get to see more background about the causes for this man's supposed "depression."  I liked the "Law" part, I wasn't too crazy about the "Order" section in terms of it being a more cut and paste job between the defendant, the supposed psychologist, and the law.  More should have been done on this.

 

Fontana again cracks me up.  One minute, he's this John Wayne character threatening everyone, the next he's Columbo by detecting the suicide.  I like what he brought to the table this year, in the wake of Lennie's departure and Orbach's death mid season.  Again, we hope to see Ed back come season 16.  However, Det. Falco in his four stints was a riot!  I loved his character in this brief time and he was a perfect compliment to the "Law" section.  I can only wonder how he would have meshed with the likes of Greevey, Ceretta, Briscoe, and Logan.  It's an outrage that TBJ was cancelled because I think that show could have used him in the "star" role that was intended for Orbach before his passing.  Hopefully, very soon Michael Imperioli will get a call from Mr. Wolf to be in the franchise in some capacity and accept because he's that good for what L&O stands for.

 

Borgia was good for the second half.  An improvement over Serena in that she expressed her views, but eventually toed the company line. 

 

The big question now comes about Jack McCoy?  Was this his last case ever on L&O?  Could he be getting or planning for the same kind of send-off that happened to Schiff and Robinette.  I can tell you know that should SW decide to call it quits, I have one name for consideration to be his replacement next year: Andy Garcia.  But I'll get to that bridge should we cross it.

 

My only hope for season 16 is that it will be less chaotic but passionate at the same time.  I saw some improvements this year, but there are more miles to go before it can reach the glory years.  Speaking of, a great commercial for the season 3 DVD.