When one hears nothing but great things about an episode and sees many fans deem it a season and show high-point/favourite, it is very hard to not have high expectations. Especially when the concept also is so great. The case on both counts with "Shibboleth". Season 4 had a lot of great ideas and themes, some intriguingly strange, on paper, as did 'Law and Order: Criminal Intent' in general, though not all of them completely lived up to their potential.
"Shibboleth" is one of those 'Criminal Intent' episodes with particularly interesting ideas that not only did live up to its potential but it also exceeded it. Am in complete agreement with those that consider it one of the best episodes of the fourth season and when it comes to the show in general it is right up there as a standout. "Shibboleth" is a very disturbing, sometimes strange and at times surprisingly moving episode, with great performances and interesting characters. Nothing conventional about how the story is told.
There is a huge amount to love about "Shibboleth". It starts off brilliantly, one of my favourite openings of the show in fact thanks to its nail-biting creepiness. The intrigue never dampens, neither does the suspense there from the start or the emotional impact. There is a strangeness at times, such as the murderer's unique (for the show) modus operandi, but the strangeness doesn't get over the top or senseless thankfully.
It is a brilliantly written episode as well. Goren's perceptions, Eames' sass, the very nuanced character development of Durbin and how the perpetrator makes one sick to the stomach are very note-worthy and there are some both tense and entertaining exchanges throughout. The case is one of the season's best, it is intricate without being over-plotted or convoluted, it is very tightly paced without being rushed and it is laden with atmosphere from the very beginning that really haunts.
Goren and Eames work so well together and are still great characters. Am another person too that absolutely loved seeing more of Carver, always liked him and have always felt he was underused so it was great to see him at his most interesting in some time. Durbin is fascinating as a character, his vulnerability beautifully written and acted while the perpetrator is one of the season's and show's most sadistic. Vincent D'Onofrio and Kathryn Erbe are terrific as always. Paul Sparks does tormented so movingly, fear and compassion poignantly delivered. Kevin Conway is here absolutely chilling.
Concluding, incredible. 10/10