"Paranoia" is another "ripped from the headlines" type of story. 'Law and Order' did this type of story very well to brilliantly in its early seasons and even later on, as evidenced by the previous episode "Hot Pursuit". This time, the episode takes its influence, or at least it seems to take its influence, from the Gina Grant case and also that of Sinedu Tadesse. Like the cases in "Hot Pursuit", they were harrowing and shocking to read about as well when looking up on them.
After three outstanding episodes in a row ("Savages", "Jeopardy" and "Hot Pursuit", "Savages" especially), it is hard to not expect another outstanding episode. Sadly, for me that was not the case with "Paranoia", a case of good potential not completely lived up to and a couple of steps backwards for Season 6. It is also an example of one half being better than the other, it took its time to get going but once it did it turned out much better. It is a good episode, was just expecting a good deal more.
Starting with the many things that are good in "Paranoia", the photography is slick and subtly gritty as usual and while the locations are limited in number they are still pleasing to look at and the more intimate ones aren't claustrophobic. The music is haunting while not going over the top and not being intrusive, too constant and melodramatic music would have ruined the mood and would not have let the dialogue do the talking as effectively. The direction is sympathetic and alert enough.
Mostly the script is taut and intelligent, that make a lot of interesting points in the legal scenes worth pondering on and contains some smart references to 'Macbeth', Jeffrey Dahmer and OJ Simpson. The legal scenes are immensely engaging in all senses, there are some nice not too obvious turns and the story is eventful without being over-plotted or confused. The mental illness angle is handled beautifully and provokes a lot of thought. The acting is strong all round.
Did feel that the policing side of the case weren't as good or as interesting however, too on the generic and bland side from feeling too much like re-visiting familiar ground. "Hot Pursuit" did a much better job with its "ripped from the headlines" type story, with more consistent execution and that was a case where the policing and legal angles were equally great.
It would have fared better if Briscoe and Curtis' rapport gelled more here, it was actually beginning to in the previous three episodes but here in "Paranoia" it was like the progression did not happen. And also if Curtis was more interesting in personality and didn't take too long to connect more with everything else, like the chemistry he was showing signs of progression but it goes backwards here. Didn't feel like there was enough tension in the first half.
Bottom line, well done in a lot of areas but could have been a good deal better. 7/10
After three outstanding episodes in a row ("Savages", "Jeopardy" and "Hot Pursuit", "Savages" especially), it is hard to not expect another outstanding episode. Sadly, for me that was not the case with "Paranoia", a case of good potential not completely lived up to and a couple of steps backwards for Season 6. It is also an example of one half being better than the other, it took its time to get going but once it did it turned out much better. It is a good episode, was just expecting a good deal more.
Starting with the many things that are good in "Paranoia", the photography is slick and subtly gritty as usual and while the locations are limited in number they are still pleasing to look at and the more intimate ones aren't claustrophobic. The music is haunting while not going over the top and not being intrusive, too constant and melodramatic music would have ruined the mood and would not have let the dialogue do the talking as effectively. The direction is sympathetic and alert enough.
Mostly the script is taut and intelligent, that make a lot of interesting points in the legal scenes worth pondering on and contains some smart references to 'Macbeth', Jeffrey Dahmer and OJ Simpson. The legal scenes are immensely engaging in all senses, there are some nice not too obvious turns and the story is eventful without being over-plotted or confused. The mental illness angle is handled beautifully and provokes a lot of thought. The acting is strong all round.
Did feel that the policing side of the case weren't as good or as interesting however, too on the generic and bland side from feeling too much like re-visiting familiar ground. "Hot Pursuit" did a much better job with its "ripped from the headlines" type story, with more consistent execution and that was a case where the policing and legal angles were equally great.
It would have fared better if Briscoe and Curtis' rapport gelled more here, it was actually beginning to in the previous three episodes but here in "Paranoia" it was like the progression did not happen. And also if Curtis was more interesting in personality and didn't take too long to connect more with everything else, like the chemistry he was showing signs of progression but it goes backwards here. Didn't feel like there was enough tension in the first half.
Bottom line, well done in a lot of areas but could have been a good deal better. 7/10
