Have never had any issue with the character of Logan, his 'Law and Order: Criminal Intent' episodes were very mixed in quality but he was always a redeeming merit. Although some will disagree, Wheeler has never been a problem for me and she is easily the best of Logan's three partners (being somebody who was mixed on Barek and never warmed to Falacci). Most of their episodes together ranged between watchable and very good.
Though also with a few great ones (i.e. "Maltese Cross", "Players", "Contract" goes close) and a few misfires ("Bombshell", "Assassin"). One of the great episodes of theirs is "Reunion". To me, it is one of the best Season 7 episodes, better than the pretty good but uneven previous 'Criminal Intent' episode "Please Note We are No Longer Accepting Letters of Recommendation from Henry Kissinger" and a massive improvement on the very disappointing previous Logan and Wheeler outing "Assassin".
"Reunion" doesn't really have anything desperately wrong with it. It could have been tighter in the pace at times.
On the other hand, it is an episode where almost everything works absolutely beautifully. It is well made, intimately photographed and slick with no signs of under-budget or anything. The music didn't sound melodramatic or too constant and the direction is accomodating while still having pulse. The script is intelligent and taut, with some welcome grit and dry humour from Logan.
Story never stops being riveting, with a tense knockout of an ending where Logan is in his element. It is mostly succinctly paced and it doesn't become simplistic or convoluted, despite a lot going on and plenty of less than simple twists and turns. "Reunion" captures the spirit of rock music in a thrilling and nostalgic way, complete with some fun music choices, while also showing how harsh behind the scenes it can be and have negative consequences in personal lives. Nice to hear a little more about Wheeler and did like that her being a fan of Black didn't get in the way of her job.
Character writing is strong, as is the nicely contrasted rapport between Logan and Wheeler. The acting is very good from all, especially Chris Noth (of course) and Michael Massee again excelling as a creep.
In summary, great. 9/10.
7 out of 9 found this helpful.
Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink