After having another Logan and Barek episode, this time it was rather a disappointing one in alternative to the excellent one that introduced their chemistry and Barek, we are back with Goren and Eames (the original and best 'Criminal Intent' partnership, and to me we are not talking marginally) in "Acts of Contrition". And one cannot help thinking on reflection how much better "Unchained" would have been if they were there.
While not a Season 5 or 'Criminal Intent' high point, "Acts of Contrition" is a very good episode and nearly great. Not as good as the first three episodes of the season, all three of which being outstanding, but a huge step up from the underwhelming "Unchained" (which actually didn't suffer from Logan and Barek but instead the story). So much is great here with very little wrong, but what is particularly notable in "Acts of Contrition" is the emotional impact, the ending and the performance of Susan Misner.
There is very little to criticise here. Goren is somewhat subdued compared to usual here, wouldn't have said no to him having more to do and for him to have had more of his perceptive yet neurotic little character moments that make him so much fun to watch.
It runs slightly out of gas later when the surprises don't come as often and aren't as unpredictable.
But only because the episode was so fascinating from the get go. From the beginning and for most of the episode, "Acts of Contrition" was pretty refreshing. Such as a rare instance up to this point of the show of the detectives messing up early on, more misdirection than usual and Sister Olivia and her harrowing past are for the show quite unique as far as supporting characters go. It was great to see more of Carver and Eames bringing her usual coyness and sass while getting down to business more so than usual. The ending is incredibly powerful, a very easy type of scene to overact but very movingly written and acted.
Vincent D'Onofrio and Kathryn Erbe are both without complaint, but even better is the powerhouse turn from Susan Misner. "Acts of Contrition" is well made, intimately photographed and slick with no signs of under-budget or anything. The music didn't sound melodramatic or too constant and the direction is accomodating while still having pulse. The writing doesn't ramble, although as usual there is a lot of dialogue to digest, and really provokes thought, disturbs and brings a lump to the throat.
Concluding, very good. 8/10