The type of story here might be old and one that one sees many times in shows of this genre, but it is the kind of story that has often been done incredibly well with a lot of intrigue and tension. Am a fan of 'Law and Order', especially the early seasons (on the most part too Season 4 was a very good representation of how great the show was), and Theodore Bikel was always watchable. Seeing more of a focus on Schiff was welcome.
"Snatched" may not be an exceptional episode or one of the best episodes of Season 4, not like "Profile" or "American Dream", or of 'Law and Order'. It is very good though, improving upon the previous two episodes "The Pursuit of Happiness" and "Golden Years", with one brilliantly written character relationship and one performance in particular that save the episode from being standard and making it a very good one instead.
Perhaps the case isn't anything extraordinary, was not that surprised by the truth with it being a fairly familiar trope.
It was also for me a little on the rushed side at the end.
What elevated "Snatched" to a better level were a few things. Bikel gives a very strong performance and dominates the screen whenever he's present, could understand his character's dilemma as a father. Absolutely loved his chemistry with Steven Hill, here giving for me one of his best performances of the show with his conflict in one of his most personal cases being acted in a very subtle yet authoritative way. The relationship between the two characters was what gave the episode its heart and seeing them together was both tense and moving.
Michael Moriarty is typically strong as Stone and Jerry Orbach (showing why Briscoe deserves his high critical reputation) and Chris Noth's rapport has both entertainment value and edge. The writing is taut and thought-provoking, shining particularly with Stone and the dialogue between Sol and Schiff. The story absorbs on the whole regardless of it not being mind-blowing case-wise.
As ever, the photography and such are fully professional, the slickness still remaining. The music is used sparingly and is haunting and non-overwrought when it is used, and it's mainly used when a crucial revelation or plot development is revealed. The direction has some nice tension while keeping things steady, without going too far the other way.
On the whole, very well done with Bikel, Hill and their character relationship raising the episode from being potentially standard to something better. 8/10
"Snatched" may not be an exceptional episode or one of the best episodes of Season 4, not like "Profile" or "American Dream", or of 'Law and Order'. It is very good though, improving upon the previous two episodes "The Pursuit of Happiness" and "Golden Years", with one brilliantly written character relationship and one performance in particular that save the episode from being standard and making it a very good one instead.
Perhaps the case isn't anything extraordinary, was not that surprised by the truth with it being a fairly familiar trope.
It was also for me a little on the rushed side at the end.
What elevated "Snatched" to a better level were a few things. Bikel gives a very strong performance and dominates the screen whenever he's present, could understand his character's dilemma as a father. Absolutely loved his chemistry with Steven Hill, here giving for me one of his best performances of the show with his conflict in one of his most personal cases being acted in a very subtle yet authoritative way. The relationship between the two characters was what gave the episode its heart and seeing them together was both tense and moving.
Michael Moriarty is typically strong as Stone and Jerry Orbach (showing why Briscoe deserves his high critical reputation) and Chris Noth's rapport has both entertainment value and edge. The writing is taut and thought-provoking, shining particularly with Stone and the dialogue between Sol and Schiff. The story absorbs on the whole regardless of it not being mind-blowing case-wise.
As ever, the photography and such are fully professional, the slickness still remaining. The music is used sparingly and is haunting and non-overwrought when it is used, and it's mainly used when a crucial revelation or plot development is revealed. The direction has some nice tension while keeping things steady, without going too far the other way.
On the whole, very well done with Bikel, Hill and their character relationship raising the episode from being potentially standard to something better. 8/10
