The type of story "Family Values" has is a familiar one for the 'Law and Order' franchise and in other shows of the genre. That doesn't matter that much to me as it is a type of story that is fascinating and often done very well to brilliantly. When done very well, the episodes in question are very suspenseful and unsettling as ought. One would understandably worry though that it would be too derivative and predictable, and then anything that centres quite heavily around religion risks being heavy handed.
"Family Values" for me is far from derivative and predictable and the religious aspect was not done too heavily or one-dimensionally, though others may disagree. This is a great episode that is very well crafted and creepy. It is not one of 'Law and Order: Criminal Intent's' best ever episodes, but it is again to me among Season 8's better episodes and in the better category of the show's latter seasons too. Which says quite a bit as the show's quality was variable from Season 5 onwards.
What immediately stands out is the case, which is very disturbing indeed. "Family Values" has one of the highest body counts of 'Criminal Intent' and each death more graphic and gut wrenching than the previous. Despite the perpetrator being known from the very beginning, the motive is a lot less obvious and there are still chills and suspense in the atmosphere. It's all how it's figured out, in classic Goren and Eames style, and getting to the truth.
Moreover, "Family Values" looks slick and has the right amount of muted grit, the photography doesn't try to do anything too fancy or gimmicky while not being claustrophobic and keeping things simple. The music doesn't overbear with the theme tune still memorable and the direction is accommodating yet tight enough. The script is tight and thought-provoking, the final scene standing out.
It's this scene that makes "Family Values" as good as it is, as well as Vincent D'Onofrio and Kathryn Erbe's typically terrific performances and their chemistry. Not to mention the spine-chilling performance of David Harbour.
Everything with the drama teacher however felt too thrown in and not much at all is done with it.
All in all, great. 9/10.
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