'Law and Order' was a brilliant show in its prime and overall is actually my favourite of the 'Law and Order' franchise and out of it, 'Special Victims Unit' (the longest running) and 'Criminal Intent'. Despite not feeling the same post-Briscoe. 'Special Victims Unit' started off brilliantly, but became hit and miss Season 7 onwards and has not lived up to the early seasons generally for a long time. 'Criminal Intent' also was truly fine in its early seasons, but became wildly inconsistent mid-run.
"Ambitious" is not one of the best episodes of Season 9 or of 'Law and Order', but it is certainly not a lesser episode. Most of it in fact was great, but pacing problems towards the end brought it down from great to overall very good. Which is a good position actually for the season and the show considering the high quality. This was an episode that really did stick out for me on first watch, especially when the truth is revealed. "Ambitious" may have gone down in my estimations since a little but it is still a good example of the early seasons being not to overlook.
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 is tight but also accommodating enough, letting the story breathe while still giving it momentum thanks to some nice tension in the second half.
Moreover, the script is very well written and meaty, especially when things comes to trial and the whole intriguing conflict with the Feds. The story is engrossing and thought probing, especially in the second half and the dilemmas of getting a conviction with the conflict that comes with the case.
Character writing and interaction are on point, especially in the legal portions and the performances cannot be faulted either. Jeremy Davidson is suitably loathsome and it is easy to want his character to be sent down.
Only one significant drawback here, and that is that "Ambitious" gets over-complicated and rushed in the final third from trying to pack too much in, not uncommon for 'Law and Order' before and since.
All in all, very good. 8/10.
"Ambitious" is not one of the best episodes of Season 9 or of 'Law and Order', but it is certainly not a lesser episode. Most of it in fact was great, but pacing problems towards the end brought it down from great to overall very good. Which is a good position actually for the season and the show considering the high quality. This was an episode that really did stick out for me on first watch, especially when the truth is revealed. "Ambitious" may have gone down in my estimations since a little but it is still a good example of the early seasons being not to overlook.
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 is tight but also accommodating enough, letting the story breathe while still giving it momentum thanks to some nice tension in the second half.
Moreover, the script is very well written and meaty, especially when things comes to trial and the whole intriguing conflict with the Feds. The story is engrossing and thought probing, especially in the second half and the dilemmas of getting a conviction with the conflict that comes with the case.
Character writing and interaction are on point, especially in the legal portions and the performances cannot be faulted either. Jeremy Davidson is suitably loathsome and it is easy to want his character to be sent down.
Only one significant drawback here, and that is that "Ambitious" gets over-complicated and rushed in the final third from trying to pack too much in, not uncommon for 'Law and Order' before and since.
All in all, very good. 8/10.
