Goren and Eames go up against a determined father and his gifted child while investigating the death of a social worker and the deputy mayor.Goren and Eames go up against a determined father and his gifted child while investigating the death of a social worker and the deputy mayor.Goren and Eames go up against a determined father and his gifted child while investigating the death of a social worker and the deputy mayor.
Photos
Josh Burrow
- Adolph Kulik
- (as Joshua Burrow)
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaCaptain Deakins remarks, "Dads kill over hockey, why not over education?"
This is a reference to real-world murder of Michael Costin, a referee for children's hockey, in July 2000. Thomas Junta, the father of one of the children coached by Costin, beat Costin to death and was later convicted of involuntary manslaughter. He served 8 years and was released in 2010.
It's also a possible reference to Thin Ice (2000) as all of the New York-based Law & Order series are related and often cross over.
- GoofsGoren states that Robbie's IQ was recorded as 246 on the Stanford-Binet scale. This is impossible as the scale's highest possible score is 160. Goren probably meant that Robbie's IQ was recorded as 146.
- ConnectionsReferences A Beautiful Mind (2001)
Featured review
About a boy
"Dead" was a great opening to Season 2 of 'Law and Order: Criminal Intent', on the whole one of the better shows in the 'Law and Order' franchise (prefer the earlier seasons than the later ones though and feel the same about the original and 'Special Victims Unit'). Which on the whole proved to be just as good as the consistently solid and at its best brilliant first season, so expectations were high and were very much met. Expectations were high too for the following episode "Bright Boy".
Again, those high expectations were met if not quite exceeded. "Bright Boy" is not quite as good as "Dead", with not as fascinating or as creepy a killer and the story not quite as succinct. It is still though a very compelling episode and a very good representation of the show, with a fair share of entertaining moments and also manages to be surprisingly emotional. Helped by the character of Robbie and his chemistry with Goren, the hearts of the episode and a big part of its appeal.
"Bright Boy's" story as said is not quite as easy to follow at times, with it getting on the convoluted and not easy to believe side towards the end.
So much though in "Bright Boy" works. The episode is at its best with the interaction between Goren and Robbie. Goren always had touching chemistry with children/younger characters, evident in "Homo Homini Lupus" as far as previous episodes go, and his interaction with Robbie is so tenderly handled and had genuine poignancy as they got closer. Some amusing touches too that bring a smile to the face.
There is a very relatable story here that will resonate especially with anybody pushed to the limit and striving for success, it will even hit home. Despite any problems towards the end, the emotional power of the episode from the case being as sad as it is is pretty undeniable. The script is both taut and sympathetic with many moments that provoke thought, again shining most with Goren and Robbie. Goren is still fascinating as a character, he is amusing and hard-boiled but also with a softer side as shown here. The mystery itself is compelling and never too obvious thanks to some nice turns in the plot that mostly work.
Vincent D'Onofrio plays him to perfection and shares great chemistry with a more subtle Kathryn Erbe. Tim Guinee is very good at making one feel anger at his character, but along with D'Onofrio it's Liam Aiken's affecting performance that lives in the memory (especially in the more vulnerable moments when Robbie opens up). The production values are as slick as usual and the music is a good fit.
In conclusion, very good mostly. 8/10
Again, those high expectations were met if not quite exceeded. "Bright Boy" is not quite as good as "Dead", with not as fascinating or as creepy a killer and the story not quite as succinct. It is still though a very compelling episode and a very good representation of the show, with a fair share of entertaining moments and also manages to be surprisingly emotional. Helped by the character of Robbie and his chemistry with Goren, the hearts of the episode and a big part of its appeal.
"Bright Boy's" story as said is not quite as easy to follow at times, with it getting on the convoluted and not easy to believe side towards the end.
So much though in "Bright Boy" works. The episode is at its best with the interaction between Goren and Robbie. Goren always had touching chemistry with children/younger characters, evident in "Homo Homini Lupus" as far as previous episodes go, and his interaction with Robbie is so tenderly handled and had genuine poignancy as they got closer. Some amusing touches too that bring a smile to the face.
There is a very relatable story here that will resonate especially with anybody pushed to the limit and striving for success, it will even hit home. Despite any problems towards the end, the emotional power of the episode from the case being as sad as it is is pretty undeniable. The script is both taut and sympathetic with many moments that provoke thought, again shining most with Goren and Robbie. Goren is still fascinating as a character, he is amusing and hard-boiled but also with a softer side as shown here. The mystery itself is compelling and never too obvious thanks to some nice turns in the plot that mostly work.
Vincent D'Onofrio plays him to perfection and shares great chemistry with a more subtle Kathryn Erbe. Tim Guinee is very good at making one feel anger at his character, but along with D'Onofrio it's Liam Aiken's affecting performance that lives in the memory (especially in the more vulnerable moments when Robbie opens up). The production values are as slick as usual and the music is a good fit.
In conclusion, very good mostly. 8/10
- TheLittleSongbird
- Feb 25, 2020
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