The story for "The Mobster Will See You Now" did sound interesting and did have potential to work. It's not innovative, but one shouldn't always expect uniqueness from 'Law and Order: Criminal Intent' or from the 'Law and Order' franchise in general. Did like the idea though, not so much the slightly cheesy title, and the character of Nichols has really grown on me, didn't like him at first (through no fault of Jeff Goldblum though just to say) but once his episodes got better he did too.
While not one of the best episodes of Season 9 (not like "Love on Ice", "True Legacy" and the "Loyalty" two parter), "The Mobster Will See You Now" is still a very good episode. Elevated by one particularly good supporting turn and the conflict. It's not one of those blow one away episodes or an innovative one, there is also better in the whole of 'Criminal Intent' but as far as Season 9 goes "The Mobster Will See You Now" is one of the better entries.
It isn't a perfect episode. It is another episode that gets over-complicated in spots, especially when things become more complex and more revealed in a shorter time frame.
Also another episode where the supporting cast are more memorable than the still reasonably solid regulars. The central conflict that the whole story is centered around is more interesting than the chemistry between Nichols and Stevens.
However, a lot is great about "The Mobster Will See You Now". The case drew me right in and ends in a way that is plausible and not predictable at all. The case is suitably intricate, with plenty of surprising turns, a couple of which being quite twisted. The script is taut and smart, with no signs of rambling, confusion or overdone emotion. Nichols is still fun without being too quirky while not losing any spark.
Furthermore, it is shot with the right amount of intimacy without being claustrophobic and that the editing has become increasingly tighter over-time has been great too. Nice use of locations too. The music doesn't get over-scored or overwrought, even in the more dramatic revelation moments. The direction doesn't try to do too much and is understated but never flat or unsure. The best things about "The Mobster Will See You Now" are Erin Fritch's outstanding performance and the beautifully written and quite layered central conflict.
Overall, very good and often great even. 8/10.
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