Suicide Box
By Hank74
Lennie-10/10
Ed-10/10
Van Buren-10/10
Jack-10/10
Serena-9/10
Arthur-9/10
Supporting Cast-10/10
Plot-10/10
Performance-10/10
Value-10/10
Total-98/100
Notes:
To begin, what do you think of the new "do"
which Serena now has? To you Serena critics, does this change your opinion of
her or not? How about you Rohm supporters?
Getting to the case in hand, I must say this ep has to be
seriously considered as the best of this season, surpasing "Open
Season" and "Chosen." A strong argument can even be made for
this being in the top 50 of all time. I'm not ready to elevate it the ICSS
league, although there were many similarities between this one and
"Sanctuary."
I liked how they took the attempted shooting of a cop and
turned it into a major police cover up with huge political overtones. The thing
which disappointed me was not seeing more of how this affected Arthur's ability
as being the DA in the same way we saw Adam with the above mentioned
"Sanctuary" or Nora in "Teenage Wasteland."
I did have some feeling the former ME would play some kind
of key role. But at least it was open ended as to what actually happened,
except for the acquittal which I saw was coming. The way they kept us in
suspense and are still making us think as to what really happened is why I'm
impressed with this ep and why there should be more endings like this instead
of the recent rash of plea deals, meetings, and nice little closings so that
everyone can go home.
Ed continues to impress me as one who can face the heat
and serve as a foil to Lennie. It's very rare to see him testify at trial. I
was thinking Lennie was going to be called to rebut him like that was done with
Rey during seasons 7-8. The performance also by VB was terrific as well,
reminding us of some of her best performances like "Sanctuary"
"Competence" and Myth of Fingerprints." It was also great that
at the very ending, instead of seeing Jack, Arthur, and Serena celebrate or
mope, we see the two African American regulars talk over some drinks, a la
Jack, about a case which once again raises the issues of race and justice.
Whether you like the Hines character or not, you must at
least say it was very well performed and did indeed remind you a bit of Johnnie
Cochran. I do think Hines should and will get an Emmy nod for best performance
by a guest actor in a drama. Moreover, he should win!
Finally, the opening scenes are getting not only longer in
terms of time, but more R rated with the kissing scenes and other little
taboos. Used to be a person would see a body, the detectives come in, talk to
CSU and the officers, tell a joke or two, and then roll to the opening credits.
Any purpose is going further on the first 3-5 minutes?