Written by Walon Green, Directed by Jean de Segonzac

Over the past year I decided to check out a few episodes from Law & Order: Criminal Intent mostly because Jeff Goldblum had joined the show. My aunt was the one who would always talked about how it was the best of the franchise, due in no small part to the performance by Vincent D’Onofrio as Det. Robert Goren. Upon watching the few episodes from last season that I did, I found out that my aunt was right on the money. Golblum is great as Det. Zach Nichols and offers a quirkiness to his character that has brought new life into the show. However, I must emphasize that D’Onofrio is by far one of the best actors working in television. I have not yet had the privilege to check out the episodes from season six and seven; one’s which focus on Goren’s more personal struggles but eagerly look forward to their DVD release.

This is the famous (or perhaps infamous) season opener that changes the entire show forever. Both D’Onofrio and the equally fun Katherine Erbe as Det. Eames (Goren’s partner) are departing from the show after eight years worth of cases. In addition, Eric Bogosian who plays, Capt. Daniel Ross is ***SPOILER ALERT*** killed off in the first half hour of the premiere, which as indicated by the ending scene, will send Goren into a downward spiral that will most likely cost him his job. In other words the show is transitioning (as shows often do) a new group of actors (with only Goldblum staying on) who will hopefully appeal to a larger audience. While I have had only a limited amount of time with the show I still do not yet know how I feel about these characters leaving. There are certain shows (CSI for example) that start off as procedural and then become more character driven. Much like Grissom on CSI, Goren IS Criminal Intent. Goren is such a powerful force in every scene that he’s in that it will be very tough to see him go and I hope the show continues to be as interesting as it has been.

The story of this first episode revolves around Capt. Ross and his apparent betrayal of The Major Case Squad by agreeing to help an arms dealer for a substantial amount of money. We find out, after his death of course, that he was working under cover with the FBI to bring this group down. Goren and Eames set out to find his killer and finish the case for him, but continued to be hindered by FBI interference. Nichols joins their cause, largely because he and Capt. Ross were partners for a number of years. This story sets up the model of acting that all actors should strive for. Golblum and Erbe give spot on performances that convey the anger and sorrow they feel for the death of their friend. It is (as if it were surprising) D’Onofrio that steals the show, at least in the first hour however. One scene in particular really shows what this guy can do: Just after Ross’s death the FBI has sealed the area off and are not letting Goren or Eames through to see their fallen friend. Goren basically rips the FBI a new one, while also fighting to keep back his tears. To drive the point home he says, “We take orders from our boss and our boss is over there!”.

This episode was an hour of high adrenaline, conflicting emotions and some farewells to a lot of great character moments. This premiere sets up what could be a very interesting year; one which I am very much looking forward to. Goldblum is a reason to keep watching, despite the departure of D’Onofrio because his character is a lot of fun. Goren is fun to watch because he really is a genius, and the implications of what being a genius does to his mind sends the audience into some very dark territory. But again, FUN dark territory. Golblum as Nichols on the other hand is the light to all of the darkness. He approaches crime scenes with an upbeat sense of humor, mostly to diffuse the idea that he is probably equally as smart as Goren.

The two new leads, whom we have not been introduced to yet are Saffron Burrows as Det. Serena Stevens and Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio as Capt. Zoe Callas. I have a lot of hope for both actresses, largely because of their body of work. This could indeed be one show that succeeds in reinventing itself despite the loss of great actors and great characters. I for one am looking forward to what will come…