"Patsy" was one of those 'Law and Order' episodes on first watch that had a number of good things but did feel on the ordinary side and didn't stick in the mind long after. There are episodes of the show and the 'Law and Order' franchise in general that felt like this, but there are many on both counts where that type of episode on first watch fared better on rewatch and were better than remembered seeing it through older eyes.
After being very impressed by all but one of the previous Season 10 episodes, "Patsy" was a slight disappointment. Especially when following on from two outstanding outings in a row. Don't get me wrong, it is still good and has a lot that is very well executed indeed (the best aspects even being brilliant). Do prefer episodes that have tougher topics explored more uncompromisingly and also the ones that are more complex and also more complete feeling.
Beginning with the not so good, even for an ending meant to be uncertain the ending did feel too abrupt and something of a head-scratcher. This was a case that needed all the questions answered and it is agreed that one finishes the episode left with more questions than expected.
While there are far more improbable defense arguments, the defense argument while quite entertaining is a bit too silly and out there. The final quarter is on the over-crowded and muddled side, due to not enough development to too much information.
However, a lot is great. It is a slickly made episode, the editing especially having come on quite a bit from when the show first started (never was it a problem but it got more fluid with each episode up to this stage). The music is sparingly used and never seemed melodramatic, the theme tune easy to remember as usual. The direction is sympathetic enough without being too low key on the whole.
The script is taut and intelligent, with everything intriguing. The story is not perfect, but it is never dull and doesn't feel simplistic or like there were not enough twists or surprises (plenty in fact). Most of it is not too complicated, apart from the final quarter. All the regulars are very good, while James Rebhorn manages to bring believability to a role that easily could have been silly in the wrong hands and Sebastian Roche makes one feel uneasy.
Overall, pretty good but not great. 7/10.
After being very impressed by all but one of the previous Season 10 episodes, "Patsy" was a slight disappointment. Especially when following on from two outstanding outings in a row. Don't get me wrong, it is still good and has a lot that is very well executed indeed (the best aspects even being brilliant). Do prefer episodes that have tougher topics explored more uncompromisingly and also the ones that are more complex and also more complete feeling.
Beginning with the not so good, even for an ending meant to be uncertain the ending did feel too abrupt and something of a head-scratcher. This was a case that needed all the questions answered and it is agreed that one finishes the episode left with more questions than expected.
While there are far more improbable defense arguments, the defense argument while quite entertaining is a bit too silly and out there. The final quarter is on the over-crowded and muddled side, due to not enough development to too much information.
However, a lot is great. It is a slickly made episode, the editing especially having come on quite a bit from when the show first started (never was it a problem but it got more fluid with each episode up to this stage). The music is sparingly used and never seemed melodramatic, the theme tune easy to remember as usual. The direction is sympathetic enough without being too low key on the whole.
The script is taut and intelligent, with everything intriguing. The story is not perfect, but it is never dull and doesn't feel simplistic or like there were not enough twists or surprises (plenty in fact). Most of it is not too complicated, apart from the final quarter. All the regulars are very good, while James Rebhorn manages to bring believability to a role that easily could have been silly in the wrong hands and Sebastian Roche makes one feel uneasy.
Overall, pretty good but not great. 7/10.