Unlike other shows in the sprawling Law & Order franchise, Criminal Intent doesn't only focus on the apprehension and prosecution of malefactors; it shows the criminals planning, executing, and in some cases covering up their crimes (which in some ways makes the series more interesting, since it gives the viewer inside information that the investigators don't have, creating added suspense). Criminal Intent covers particularly complex crimes assigned to the NYPD's Major Case Squad, a crack team of experienced grade-A detectives. Vincent D'Onofrio stars as Detective Robert Goren, a brilliant and eccentric investigator with a gift for connecting minor, seemingly insignificant, details and then trying to recreate an evildoer's thinking. Goren's partner is Detective Alexandra Eames (Kathryn Erbe), a no-nonsense cop whose procedural skills help keep their investigations grounded. Captain James Deakins (Jamey Sheridan) supplies bureaucratic backup and Assistant District Attorney Ron Carver (Courtney B. Vance) lends his prosecutorial expertise whenever legal issues arise. Criminal Intent shares with other Law & Order shows a fondness for dialogue-heavy, procedure-saturated scripts, but propelled by solid performances, the 21 third season (2003-04) episodes collected here are nearly all winners, with the writers, directors, and cast at the peak of their respective games. DVD extras include five featurettes (including profiles on Sheridan, Vance, and the character of Goren). Highly recommended. [Note: also newly available from Universal are Law & Order: The Fourteenth Year and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit--The Fifth Year.] (E. Hulse)
Law & Order: Criminal Intent--The Third Year
Universal, 3 discs, 923 min., not rated, DVD: $59.98 November 29, 2004
Law & Order: Criminal Intent--The Third Year
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