The concept for the story of "Saving Face" sounded very interesting, even if not entirely original. While Goren and Eames are the far better characters and their partnership a good deal more entertaining, the very different partnership between Logan and Barek intrigues in its own way. Have actually always liked Logan (who was also in the early seasons of the original 'Law and Order') and Barek, while too low key in some appearances, wasn't too bad either.
"Saving Face" is not one of the best episodes of Season 5 or of 'Law and Order: Criminal Intent'. It is certainly a lot better than "Unchained" but a far cry from the exceptional quality of the "In the Wee Small Hours" two parter or the extremely promising quality of the first three episodes of the season. The story on the most part is well done, Logan is fine as is the chemistry between him and Barek, but "Saving Face's" final act is not near as strong and Barek is a good deal more interesting in other appearances of hers.
For me, "Saving Face" does fall apart in the final 10 minutes or so. Too rushed and very over-heated dramatically, do have to agree too about the perpetrator's father's dialogue and behaviour being truly ridiculous and not realistic. Some of the dialogue this time is overcooked and doesn't always sound natural.
Actually don't dislike Barek at all and actually think she should have had a fairer chance, but she is far too low key here and her involvement is pretty dull this time round, her perceptions are intelligent but they don't entertain in the way Goren's do.
Is "Saving Face" a bad episode? No, not at all. Actually still quite liked it. The production values are slick and have a subtle grit, with an intimacy to the photography without being too claustrophobic. The music isn't used too much and doesn't get too melodramatic. The direction has enough taut urgency when needed while giving the case breathing space. The script is flawed later on but is quite thoughtful and intelligent, with a nice flow, to begin with.
Did like the story on the whole, the final 10 minutes are a letdown but the case is never too simplistic or too convoluted and doesn't feel too ordinary. Other episodes have more tension and emotion, but "Saving Face" is not completely devoid of either. Logan is as gritty and dryly humorous as ever and while his chemistry with Barek is not as playful as one between Goren and Eames it was good to see work more as a team equally and with a little more emphasis on the procedural elements. 'Criminal Intent' had a good record with interesting perpetrators, and "Saving Face" is no exception. Chris Noth commands the screen well and Samantha Mathis proves herself to be a fine guest star.
Overall, pretty good but with a few major reservations. 7/10
"Saving Face" is not one of the best episodes of Season 5 or of 'Law and Order: Criminal Intent'. It is certainly a lot better than "Unchained" but a far cry from the exceptional quality of the "In the Wee Small Hours" two parter or the extremely promising quality of the first three episodes of the season. The story on the most part is well done, Logan is fine as is the chemistry between him and Barek, but "Saving Face's" final act is not near as strong and Barek is a good deal more interesting in other appearances of hers.
For me, "Saving Face" does fall apart in the final 10 minutes or so. Too rushed and very over-heated dramatically, do have to agree too about the perpetrator's father's dialogue and behaviour being truly ridiculous and not realistic. Some of the dialogue this time is overcooked and doesn't always sound natural.
Actually don't dislike Barek at all and actually think she should have had a fairer chance, but she is far too low key here and her involvement is pretty dull this time round, her perceptions are intelligent but they don't entertain in the way Goren's do.
Is "Saving Face" a bad episode? No, not at all. Actually still quite liked it. The production values are slick and have a subtle grit, with an intimacy to the photography without being too claustrophobic. The music isn't used too much and doesn't get too melodramatic. The direction has enough taut urgency when needed while giving the case breathing space. The script is flawed later on but is quite thoughtful and intelligent, with a nice flow, to begin with.
Did like the story on the whole, the final 10 minutes are a letdown but the case is never too simplistic or too convoluted and doesn't feel too ordinary. Other episodes have more tension and emotion, but "Saving Face" is not completely devoid of either. Logan is as gritty and dryly humorous as ever and while his chemistry with Barek is not as playful as one between Goren and Eames it was good to see work more as a team equally and with a little more emphasis on the procedural elements. 'Criminal Intent' had a good record with interesting perpetrators, and "Saving Face" is no exception. Chris Noth commands the screen well and Samantha Mathis proves herself to be a fine guest star.
Overall, pretty good but with a few major reservations. 7/10