TMC
04-03-2022, 11:15 PM
https://www.looper.com/819831/the-best-episodes-of-law-order-criminal-intent/
BY DUSTIN PINNEY/APRIL 2, 2022 7:00 PM EDT
In many ways, "Law & Order" is the "Star Trek" of crime shows. After all, both franchises have spanned decades and birthed several spinoffs (https://www.looper.com/727894/did-this-law-order-spin-off-ruin-the-original-show/). While the original series dealt with cops and lawyers in New York City, each subsequent series focuses on more specialized areas. For instance, "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" deals with crimes of a sexual nature, while "Law & Order: Criminal Intent" focuses on the Major Crimes Unit.
"Criminal Intent" could've easily been a straightforward cop show with run-of-the-mill characters who serve only to provide exposition to keep the plot moving. However, the series is much more interesting than that. This time, there's a detective at the center of the action named Robert Goren, played by Vincent D'Onofrio. He marches to the beat of his own drum and often looks at things differently than his colleagues. He's an eccentric and brilliant mind, but he is dealing with some serious trauma.
Having such an interesting lead certainly helps the series stand out, but its long-running storylines, fascinating villains, and occasionally experimental structure, made it truly original. To honor the series, we're looking at some of the very best episodes the series produced and what made them so good.
BY DUSTIN PINNEY/APRIL 2, 2022 7:00 PM EDT
In many ways, "Law & Order" is the "Star Trek" of crime shows. After all, both franchises have spanned decades and birthed several spinoffs (https://www.looper.com/727894/did-this-law-order-spin-off-ruin-the-original-show/). While the original series dealt with cops and lawyers in New York City, each subsequent series focuses on more specialized areas. For instance, "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" deals with crimes of a sexual nature, while "Law & Order: Criminal Intent" focuses on the Major Crimes Unit.
"Criminal Intent" could've easily been a straightforward cop show with run-of-the-mill characters who serve only to provide exposition to keep the plot moving. However, the series is much more interesting than that. This time, there's a detective at the center of the action named Robert Goren, played by Vincent D'Onofrio. He marches to the beat of his own drum and often looks at things differently than his colleagues. He's an eccentric and brilliant mind, but he is dealing with some serious trauma.
Having such an interesting lead certainly helps the series stand out, but its long-running storylines, fascinating villains, and occasionally experimental structure, made it truly original. To honor the series, we're looking at some of the very best episodes the series produced and what made them so good.