Season 2 saw a step in the right direction with "Baggage", after a brief slight dip between "Malignant" and that episode. Things got even better with "Suite Sorrow" which saw the season back completely on track and returning to form. So there was high hopes for "See Me", especially considering having heard so many good things about it before watching it first time some years ago and that it is one of the most hard-hitting and relatable concepts of the season.
The execution is also equally as hard-hitting, poignant and relatable, in what turned out to be one of Season 2's, which was a solid if more variable compared to the previous one season overall, best episodes. And one of the best of the early seasons, despite a darker and more emotional approach here compared to what was seen before "See Me" is still classic 'Law and Order: Criminal Intent'. This more comparitively serious approach was more than appropriate for such a heavy subject matter and should not be a strike against it.
As usual, the production values are high and like as what has been said before, to me they improved in Season 2. More finesse, more sharpness. The music fits the tone of the episode very well, without going overboard. Nothing melodramatic here and the use of it doesn't get too much in placement. The script provides a lot of insight and some of the dialogue is among the most poignant of the season.
Have no issues with the story either. This is one powerful story, that doesn't trivialise or dumb down its themes while not laying them too thick. What sets "See Me" apart from a lot of 'Law and Order: Criminal Intent' is the character development for Goren, harrowing stuff that sees a more personal side and foreshadows what was to come later on in the show. The episode does a great job with Goren trying to understand the perpetrator's actions and with it getting personal for him wanting insight into schizophrenia itself, while not losing what makes him a great character in general. The final scene is an emotional powerhouse.
Vincent D'Onofrio shows that he can do truly affecting drama as well as hilarious comic timing and intensity. Christopher Evan Welch also gives a powerful performance, giving complexity to a character that could easily have been completely detestable.
Overall, brilliant episode and a season high-point. 10/10