In today's column, I look at how Jeff Goldblum fits in as the new B-team detective on "Law & Order: Criminal Intent," and at the frustrating season two premiere of "In Plain Sight."
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Jeff Goldblum joins 'Criminal Intent,' 'In Plain Sight' returns - Sepinwall on TV
In today's column, I look at how Jeff Goldblum fits in as the new B-team detective on "Law & Order: Criminal Intent," and at the frustrating season two premiere of "In Plain Sight."
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When they first starting doing the Mike Logan episodes, his original partner, played by Annabelle Sciorra, had a bit of the genius detective character traits, whereas Logan was the bruiser. That allowed the two casts to solve similar cases. When Sciorra left the show and they dug through the L&O "Trial by Jury" alumni for her replacement, the Wheeler character did not have the genius detective traits of her predecessor.
So are you glad that they've brought in another genius, even if he's just as weird as Goren?
Bah! I was hoping Mary's mother and sister would be gone entirely this season.
Alan, you mentioned that Jinx has mostly been used for comic relief. I can honestly say I never picked up on that. Maybe Warren isn't capable of being funny. She just comes off as a nuisance. It's a difficult type of role to pull off, and maybe the actresses who can - Susan Sullivan, Holland Taylor, Jessica Walter and Kelly Bishop - aren't fragile enough to play Jinx. I could see Jean Smart doing it.
I'm still looking forward to In Plain Sight coming back. I hope there's enough Marshall to counteract the annoyance of Jinx and Brandi.
I always viewed Jinx and Brandi to be a significant source of Mary's pain rather than comedy. By moving into her house and her life, they rob her of any respite from her job. She spends her days taking care of other people, and now her nights too. I don't like them, but I didn't think I was supposed to. And the scene at the end of last year with the box of letters was pretty powerful emotionally. It revealed how hollow both Jinx and Brandi really are...but also part of the reason why, and how Mary will finally stand up for herself when driven far enough over into a corner.
I am glad about another genius? I will miss Mike Logan, because of his connection to the golden age of L&O. As for a replacement, I do think it will better to have a second genius team, than to try to combine Wheeler with say a Jesse Martin, Jeremy Sisto or Benjamin Bratt type detective and go for the contrast. I look forward to seeing the Jeff Goldblum episodes.
I was not crazy about the personal stuff they had been doing last season, such as Wheeler's dad or Logan's murdered girlfriend. I also hope they get back to solid mystery writing and antagonist character development, and to pacing the show better without resorting to a series of reveals in the final scene to wrap things up.
I like IPS, but man, do I ever hate Mary's family and her stupid woobie off-and-on boyfriend. Alas, they are all apparently back this season too? I was hoping they'd at least ditch Raphael because the whole "any second now he'll sleep with Brandi' storyline made me want to stab people.
I would concur on the "let her do her job"-ness. Also, more Marshal Marshall, please.
Jennifer, I agree with almost everything you said, except the part about stabbing people. At least just threaten the writers of the show with bodily harm.
Seriously though, I couldn't be more on the fence on this show. It has some big problems and some promise. You would think that the writers/creators would figure out that at least THREE characters on this show need to go. Guess which three?
I don't watch any of the L&O franchise, but I'm setting the DVR for Goldblum.
otoh, I had to bail on IPS about 4 or 5 eps in because I just couldn't handle that mother/sister combo. TV is supposed to entertain you, right? Not make you run to the closest el stop to touch the third rail. That's when you know it's time to move on.
on the L&O:CI front, I'm excited to see what Goldblum does with the role. I loved Noth's Logan and will probably miss him, but the way the show is structured lends itself more to the quirky, so I have high hopes for Goldblum.
IPS... I love Mary, I love
Marshall. Jinx needs to be a peripheral character and so does Raphael. Brandi needs to go to Federal prison and disappear from the show. FOREVER.
On IPS: By the last few shows of the season, I was hitting the fast-forward anytime the mother or sister were on-screen, unless they were in a scene with Mary--and sometimes even then. I like Mary, I like Marshall, and I like their boss. I can't believe all the other characters are STILL AROUND. And the producers haven't figured out how to give us a Witness Protection case every week! There are 20 other murder investigation shows out there!
I can't wait to watch both shows. One for Jeff Goldblum who like William Shatner is fascinating to watch as an actor.
Or "In Plain Sight" just so I can continue to grumble under my breathe while watching until i get kicked out of the room!
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