Nichols and Stevens discover that the murder of a magazine editor could be related to the Russian mob, but later uncover evidence of a relationship between the victim and the daughter of the... Read allNichols and Stevens discover that the murder of a magazine editor could be related to the Russian mob, but later uncover evidence of a relationship between the victim and the daughter of the editor who replaced him.Nichols and Stevens discover that the murder of a magazine editor could be related to the Russian mob, but later uncover evidence of a relationship between the victim and the daughter of the editor who replaced him.
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- TriviaShylocking is a slang term for loan sharking. The term originates from Shakespeare's "Merchant of Venice", the main character in the play was a Jewish man named Shylock who was a moneylender. This is also the origin of the phrase "Shylock" being used as an ethnic slur for someone of Jewish decent.
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Detective Serena Stevens: You're a stickler for behavioural theory. Listen to this:
[Reading out loud]
Detective Serena Stevens: These individuals can have a grandiose view of themselves and demand excessive admiration. They manoeuvre well in difficult situations, their self-esteem is fragile. Any threat to their self-image, might agitate or even enrage them.
Detective Zach Nichols: That's right out of a psych text book. You have Narcissistic Disorder, that's psycho-pathology that fits our Patricia to a t.
Detective Serena Stevens: Or a sign of the Zodiac. She's a Scorpio.
Detective Zach Nichols: Yeah. Well, you know my father would kill me for saying this, but uh. Equally valid.
- ConnectionsReferences The 10th Victim (1965)
Season 9 is a very variable season of 'Law and Order: Criminal Intent' that suffered from primarily too much change too soon that never completely gelled. It just in general, despite some very good episodes, lacked the same amount of spark that the best of Seasons 1-4 had. "Traffic" is one of the weaker episodes of the season, though not a show low point. It's far from terrible, but it's not too great either. My view is somewhat conflicted this time.
Certainly there are good things in "Traffic". It is a visually slick episode, typical for 'Criminal Intent' and the 'Law and Order' franchise, and one with the right amount of muted grit, the photography doesn't try to do anything too fancy or gimmicky while not being claustrophobic and keeping things simple. The music doesn't overbear with the theme tune still memorable. There are moments of tight direction.
Goldblum is always watchable and he understands his material and gives life to it without overdoing it. The supporting cast are above competent. The ending is nicely staged enough if not exceptional.
However, there are shortcomings. Callas is still not doing it for me as a character and has in general been underdeveloped, have absolutely nothing against Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio but she never seemed to click or look too enthusiastic in the role. Saffron Burrows is radiant to watch and is nicely understated, but opposite Goldblum in chemistry she generally seemed bland throughout her stint compared to his stronger personality and that's the case here.
Also on the whole found the plot rather over-stretched and dull, with very few surprises and too much been there done that. The script could have had more edge and tautness. The supporting characters seemed underdeveloped.
Mixed feelings on "Traffic" overall. 5/10.
- TheLittleSongbird
- Sep 14, 2021
Details
- Runtime1 hour
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- 16:9 HD