'Law and Order' was no stranger to episodes revolving around the mafia or with it being involved somewhere in the plot. The mafia continued to be familiar territory for the whole 'Law and Order' franchise, which is not a problem because when this type of trope is done well it is tense and attention-grabbing. Though there are the traps of convolution and implausibility if not done well. The premise may not be innovative, but the show and franchise frequently had episodes that are a lot more interesting than they sound.
"Faccia a Faccia" is one of those episodes. Season 8 was a very solid season, and the best and most consistent Season 8 of the Season 8s of the big three 'Law and Order' shows (this, 'Special Victims Unit' and 'Criminal Intent'). And "Faccia a Faccia" is one of the best, and it is an episode that gets better and better with each minute with intrigue from the very beginning but becomes quite special in the legal portions. Cannot recommend it highly enough and can't fault it.
As usual for 'Law and Order', the production values are solid and the intimacy of the photography doesn't get static or too filmed play-like. The music when used is not too over-emphatic and has a melancholic edge that is quite haunting. The direction is sympathetic enough without being leaden.
The script is taut and provokes a lot of thought, especially in the second half where more than one point of view is shown and in a way that rings true and worth considering. The story is deceptively typical at first but very quickly becomes very intricate and twisty, the many turns being sharp, clever and unexpected. The ending floored me on first watch and still has the shock factor, especially when such a good job was done making one think the truth was something otherwise.
Conflict has tension, with the suspense in the legal scenes being quite unsettling, and all sides are easy to swallow. The character of Emil Skoda was always interesting and this is one of his best appearances, while the character interaction is full of fun and tension. The acting is terrific in lead and supporting, all the regulars are without complaint and JK Simmons shines as does the truly chilling defendent.
In conclusion, wonderful. 10/10.
"Faccia a Faccia" is one of those episodes. Season 8 was a very solid season, and the best and most consistent Season 8 of the Season 8s of the big three 'Law and Order' shows (this, 'Special Victims Unit' and 'Criminal Intent'). And "Faccia a Faccia" is one of the best, and it is an episode that gets better and better with each minute with intrigue from the very beginning but becomes quite special in the legal portions. Cannot recommend it highly enough and can't fault it.
As usual for 'Law and Order', the production values are solid and the intimacy of the photography doesn't get static or too filmed play-like. The music when used is not too over-emphatic and has a melancholic edge that is quite haunting. The direction is sympathetic enough without being leaden.
The script is taut and provokes a lot of thought, especially in the second half where more than one point of view is shown and in a way that rings true and worth considering. The story is deceptively typical at first but very quickly becomes very intricate and twisty, the many turns being sharp, clever and unexpected. The ending floored me on first watch and still has the shock factor, especially when such a good job was done making one think the truth was something otherwise.
Conflict has tension, with the suspense in the legal scenes being quite unsettling, and all sides are easy to swallow. The character of Emil Skoda was always interesting and this is one of his best appearances, while the character interaction is full of fun and tension. The acting is terrific in lead and supporting, all the regulars are without complaint and JK Simmons shines as does the truly chilling defendent.
In conclusion, wonderful. 10/10.