"Wish" Review (Spoilers)
Mar. 15th, 2024 06:48 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
matt_zimmerAlso reviews for the latest episodes of Star Wars: The Bad Batch, Teen Titans Go!, Family Guy, Bob's Burgers, The Great North, Night Court, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, and Law & Order: Organized Crime.
Wish
Note: None of the rest of the following review will discuss either the film's box office failure, or the expectations of it as the 100th Anniversary Picture. I'm reviewing it as a regular movie and not saddling it with additional baggage that is neither here nor there.
I KIND of liked it, but my praise is a little guarded. I feel like the ending could have been stronger. How? I'm not sure, but I didn't come up with the premise. I was kind of hoping for a twist. Not a surprise betrayal or anything that overdone, but I've found in my writing that when you care about project, and pour your heart and soul into it, surprise twists seem to both fall in your lap, and seem like they should have been there all along in hindsight. I feel like if the script had sat for another year, something special could have been wrung from it. I liked the movie as it is. But it's just good. A movie about wishes and magic should be wonderful.
One of the biggest things I have ALWAYS respected about Walt Disney Pictures is that with a few exceptions like Wreck-It Ralph and Zootopia, the films the studio makes are created around a story instead of a goofy cartoony high-concept premise, which is how Pixar, Blue Sky, Dreamworks, and Illumination always work. Animated films used to be about more than just talking objects that don't talk in real life. And what I appreciated about this story is there IS a bit of a high-concept built into the scenario. But as I was hearing it described, it sounded horrific rather than magical to me.
So the wish premise is not based on genies or shooting stars. The premise of people being lessened for their dreams being stolen from them is the Freaking Monkey's Paw! I know The Twilight Zone when I see it. I love that this thing the kingdom thought was wonderful is really horrible. And not too deep down either. Maybe the kids watching didn't think of it that way, but I instantly recognized it as the violation it was, and immediately understood the actual tension of the movie was undoing it. So that part's well done.
As far as animated sidekicks go, Star is cute, but bland. Valentino however is obnoxious. Maybe if I'll rewatch the movie I'll think he really was the entire time, but him being SUCH a hindrance really only started bothering me when Alan Tudyk started voicing him. I was like "Enough already!" He's practically Jar-Jar, if you ask me. I was gonna say Shortround, but if it were anyone but Tudyk voicing him, I don't think they'd get a 40 year later career redemption like he did.
My biggest problem with the ending is that only the problem of the high-concept premise is fixed. The monarchy is simply handed off to the queen who is next in line. While the people are showing their independence I might have preferred an ending where they actually got it.
But I'm stupid and silly and nobody should ever listen to me. I have no business telling Disney how to do THEIR business. But I was like, "That was good," and after Moana and Encanto, I was like, "That was great!" So, yeah, maybe a little comparison with earlier stuff might be in order after all. ***1/2.
Star Wars: The Bad Batch "Infiltration"
Tense, moody, exciting, cinematic, Noirish, boarded like a big budget movie, and with visuals to match. There is TV CGI animation. And then there is Lucasfilm.
Also, somebody get Dee Bradley Baker an Emmy already. ****1/2.
Star Wars: The Bad Batch "Extraction"
I have the horrible suspicion that the Operative is Tech. I don't want it to be, but I don't want Tech to be dead either. Think about it. It is the most likely place to take the narrative. I bet I'm right. In fact, it's such a good idea I'll be disappointed if I'm wrong. But I don't think I am.
I feel bad for Commander Wolffe. He's obviously still got that damn chip in his head. While he does, he can be no real help, and is literally brainwashed.
Considering how underwhelming Rebels was, and how outright POOR Resistance was, I'm glad to finally have a Star Wars cartoon back up to the quality of The Clone Wars. Even if it's in its final season. ****.
Teen Titans Go! "Catpin Freak"
I figure I owe this a little more than my joke review last week.
This is the single worst spin-off miniseries the show has ever conceived, in both premise and execution. The cast selection itself is appalling. I used to have an old rule in my reviews that if the Teen Titans Go! episode in question was just random sitcom nonsense we could see on a show like Regular Show or Gumball, and not actually using the DC Comics premise to its fullest, it got an automatic zero grade, regardless of quality, on general principle.
I whiffed by giving last week one star, but for the remainder of this miniseries' duration, that old rule is back. Luckily for me, the quality IS actually atrocious this week, so the zero fits anyways. 0.
Family Guy "Cabin Pressure"
There is some SERIOUS built-in resentment from Family Guy that Bob's Burgers stole their time slot and their thunder (and this was BEFORE the move to Wednesdays) and I am here for it. The fact that H Jon Benjamin is part of the public humiliation is pure comedy gold. Poor Darren.
I don't watch sports, but I am certain those contractual spoken promos are at times super inconvenient, and yes, inappropriate. Somebody lays a giant turd on Family Guy? What else is new?
I feel like as far as political references go Barbara Bush's haircut is... not current. Seriously.
The show going out of its way not to pay the supporting voice cast of The Cleveland Show to voice their characters. It's getting noticeable at this point.
That turd really turned into a saga. And it wasn't even made of gold.
Is it just me or has the show gone out of its way in recent years to say that Peter and Lois don't even like each other? I agree with both of them because they both suck.
I love Meg dapping Brian over living a dog life. I adore what the show has turned Meg into over these past couple of seasons. Before she was a gross punchline who was always miserable. Now she owns it like a boss and a queen. The character is so much more fun and funnier that you realize if the show's writers were more talented, this would have been the take all along. To be fair, I suspect a LOT of current comedy experimentation on the show is because they had to retire the politically incorrect jokes. But Meg is still funnier than she's ever been so how is the show worse off for that?
The reason Preston wasn't mad was predictable and cliched, but points for putting in the story legwork there anyways. It's dumb, but it fits.
Chris's creepiness is starting to bother me. I think the difference is that the show is portraying the behavior as objectionable instead of funny for the first time. Again, the political correctness probably is a factor there. But while Meg is helped, Chris is hurt. Quagmire is kind of a push.
I liked it. Poor Darren. I actually was a week late in seeing this on Hulu because I had no idea it aired. I think Fox is deliberately TRYING to kill the show. ****.
Family Guy "Teacher's Heavy Pet"
Occasionally the show does a story so repulsive I just can't even bother with it. This was one of those weeks. Purely appalling on every level.
Family Guy isn't allowed to tell racist jokes anymore? This isn't the answer. 0.
Bob's Burgers "Jade In The Shade"
It's not like this is a bad show, but I guess because The Great North has been having such a terrible year, I forgot how great it is since it's been off the air for a few weeks.
Didn't start off on a GREAT note, with Gene jiggling his stomach. I really cannot overstate how much I loathe Gene. What kills me is the writers don't seem to understand why I do, and keep having him say and do gross and pervy things as if it's funny instead of revolting.
But the episode picked up soon enough. Honestly, although I liked the resolution of the treasure hunt with Mr. Fischoeder, much of it was hit or miss. Or at least the parts that didn't have Logan and his mom. I love his whispering to her conspiratorially, and her asking him if he brushed his teeth.
Louise and Linda had their moments. It's on-brand Linda gets distracted by being sad about dead pigeons.
The Bubble Master is played by Gotham's David Zayas. He has SUCH a great voice, he should do more cartoons.
The wharf performers were all great. It shouldn't be impressive because it's animation, and the creators can literally show us anything they want. But the demonstrations were impressive because the producers painstakingly made them feel real-world credible. A cartoon doing that? No big deal. A real person? I'd be wowed. The show was smart enough to animate the routines as if they were real people. Which is one of the values of the show. Ironically, back in the early days of The Simpsons, that show had a real affinity for realism too. One of the best notes I ever heard about early Simpsons is that Santa's Little Helper was the first dog ever in animation that moved and acted like a real dog. And it's sort of sad to see The Simpsons stepped away from that stuff a bit, and got notably wackier, but this show is sort of following in that part of The Simpsons' footsteps.
But Matt, what about King Of The Hill? Aren't you gonna give that credit for realism? Not really. Simply because the entire thing would play the same both live-action and animated. That's not an actual unique talent / animation conceit. It frankly strikes me as kind of boring. Bob's Burgers doing stuff like this though? I'll take it.
Louise hanging up the reward money as a trophy shows she understands its actual value. And she appreciates it. I love that Fischoeder actually takes the money for the replacement keys and their flair, but let's be real. He's just being passive-aggressive to get Louise's goat. If he actually wanted to screw her he'd bill the family for the part of the pier she broke. The bit of charging Louise 33 dollars for new locks and keys is done simply because Fischoeder is enjoying himself.
Also, I would not be surprised if he knew Louise was never gonna spend that money, and would cherish it instead. Why give her the full fifty then? Why indeed.
I love the joke of the four people wanting to split the burger four ways. And I laughed when Gene suggested five because he could have some. I mentioned I HATE Gene. The fact that he sometimes makes me laugh makes me hate him even more deep down.
Off to watch the current mess that is The Great North: Season 2. If it's as great as this, I'll surprised. And no lie. Happy. ****1/2.
The Great North "Cheese All That Adventure"
It was only pretty good, but it was the first pretty good episode of the year, so points. Still, I DID notice after tonight's Bob's Burgers that this show almost never hits those highs. I'll take pretty good, but it's weird the show usually thinks I'll have an aversion to great.
Is Aunt Dirt gonna be a series regular? I ain't down with that. If she is, she shouldn't be voiced by Jane Lynch. She should be voiced by Ted McGinley.
Pretty good. But this season has not been great. ***1/2.
Night Court "Wheelers Of Fortune"
Most people don't remember this but Data from Star Trek: The Next Generation was NOT Brent Spiner's break-out role. It was Bob Wheeler on Night Court. He probably never would have been cast as Data if he hadn't shown his versatility with this character who is simultaneously stupid, weird, and just plain sad. He's funnier than he should be, even though the relaunch decidedly is not. They ought to bring in more legacy characters.
I thought Dan and Abby's moment at the end was nice which is good because little on this show is. I like that Dan said the phrase, and they both decided that meant he was channeling Harry. Not sure that tracks, but the lightning agrees.
Seriously though, this Gurgs chick is working my last nerve. I'd even let her obnoxiousness slide if Lacretta were actually funny. No exaggeration, in two seasons, the character hasn't made me laugh once. Not once. On a comedy, that's damning. If Marsha Warfield were dead, she'd be spinning in her comedy grave. Also, bring back Roz again.
I have synesthesia but I see letters and numbers as color, not people. Although I've noticed people often take on a similar aura to their names and the random colors I see. That may be a coincidence but it may not be. I learned about it only a few years ago. I had assumed before learning it was a thing that EVERYONE saw letters and numbers in color. I was shocked to realize it's a neurological condition. If you ask me, it's a neat one.
For the record the colors in the names don't tell you anything about the person. For example for me while Donald Trump's name DOES have a large aspect of orange to it, there is a lot more green surrounding it. Which proves the letter colors mean nothing. Wyatt being personally offended is wrongheaded.
Never thought this specific thing would ever come up on NIGHT COURT of all places, so kudos.
Kate Micucci is a cute voice-over artist, but I've yet to see her in a live-action role that isn't totally annoying. Ugh. That voice should be coming out of cartoon ducks and mystery solving teens. Not this trailer park person. I never exactly felt the Wheelers were ENTIRELY punching down, just because there's something funny and endearing about them. But I'm really struggling to find any part of Miccuci's character that ISN'T punching down HARD against the rural poor. It doesn't feel as lighthearted as the other Wheelers. There is a mean undertone to it I don't like.
An episode with a couple of nice scenes and Brent Spiner chewing scenery. This is what Night Court SHOULD be, but the relaunch rarely is. ****.
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit "Probability Of Doom"
I have to agree with Finn that Torie is a lunatic. Really, her actress heebied my jeebies in the right places. Holy crap.
Liv's therapist who does the swinging thing is annoying. Bring back Bill Erwin.
I love that Maria immediately gives Liv a hug at the end. Aww.
Finn not judging Curry negatively for her squeamishness is refreshing. Especially because he doesn't seem to like her.
The M.E. Truman has always impressed me. I do miss Warner but he has his own charms.
Pretty good week. ****.
Law & Order: Organized Crime "Original Sin"
According to the previews the story isn't over, which is good, because in my mind the Dad is just as guilty as the son.
So the I.A.B. guy is deliberately targeting Stabler for personal reasons. Do you know another name for that? Police corruption. Sheesh.
I was pleasantly surprised the (former) Chief Bonner joined the right side upon learning the truth. I'd like to think she would have done so even if she weren't fired. In fact, that's probably why the Dad DID fire her.
Cragen! Awesome seeing Dann Florek again. What a kick. He was in the very first episode of the first Law & Order, you know.
Bashir and Jet taking special note of Stabler working a case via earpiece at the same time he's doing a psych eval suggests maybe he actually needs one.
Vargas is slowly making Stabler come around. I don't like Vargas much myself, yet but I assume when Stabler fully changes his mind, I will too, so this was nice to see.
Great episode. ****1/2.
Wish
Note: None of the rest of the following review will discuss either the film's box office failure, or the expectations of it as the 100th Anniversary Picture. I'm reviewing it as a regular movie and not saddling it with additional baggage that is neither here nor there.
I KIND of liked it, but my praise is a little guarded. I feel like the ending could have been stronger. How? I'm not sure, but I didn't come up with the premise. I was kind of hoping for a twist. Not a surprise betrayal or anything that overdone, but I've found in my writing that when you care about project, and pour your heart and soul into it, surprise twists seem to both fall in your lap, and seem like they should have been there all along in hindsight. I feel like if the script had sat for another year, something special could have been wrung from it. I liked the movie as it is. But it's just good. A movie about wishes and magic should be wonderful.
One of the biggest things I have ALWAYS respected about Walt Disney Pictures is that with a few exceptions like Wreck-It Ralph and Zootopia, the films the studio makes are created around a story instead of a goofy cartoony high-concept premise, which is how Pixar, Blue Sky, Dreamworks, and Illumination always work. Animated films used to be about more than just talking objects that don't talk in real life. And what I appreciated about this story is there IS a bit of a high-concept built into the scenario. But as I was hearing it described, it sounded horrific rather than magical to me.
So the wish premise is not based on genies or shooting stars. The premise of people being lessened for their dreams being stolen from them is the Freaking Monkey's Paw! I know The Twilight Zone when I see it. I love that this thing the kingdom thought was wonderful is really horrible. And not too deep down either. Maybe the kids watching didn't think of it that way, but I instantly recognized it as the violation it was, and immediately understood the actual tension of the movie was undoing it. So that part's well done.
As far as animated sidekicks go, Star is cute, but bland. Valentino however is obnoxious. Maybe if I'll rewatch the movie I'll think he really was the entire time, but him being SUCH a hindrance really only started bothering me when Alan Tudyk started voicing him. I was like "Enough already!" He's practically Jar-Jar, if you ask me. I was gonna say Shortround, but if it were anyone but Tudyk voicing him, I don't think they'd get a 40 year later career redemption like he did.
My biggest problem with the ending is that only the problem of the high-concept premise is fixed. The monarchy is simply handed off to the queen who is next in line. While the people are showing their independence I might have preferred an ending where they actually got it.
But I'm stupid and silly and nobody should ever listen to me. I have no business telling Disney how to do THEIR business. But I was like, "That was good," and after Moana and Encanto, I was like, "That was great!" So, yeah, maybe a little comparison with earlier stuff might be in order after all. ***1/2.
Star Wars: The Bad Batch "Infiltration"
Tense, moody, exciting, cinematic, Noirish, boarded like a big budget movie, and with visuals to match. There is TV CGI animation. And then there is Lucasfilm.
Also, somebody get Dee Bradley Baker an Emmy already. ****1/2.
Star Wars: The Bad Batch "Extraction"
I have the horrible suspicion that the Operative is Tech. I don't want it to be, but I don't want Tech to be dead either. Think about it. It is the most likely place to take the narrative. I bet I'm right. In fact, it's such a good idea I'll be disappointed if I'm wrong. But I don't think I am.
I feel bad for Commander Wolffe. He's obviously still got that damn chip in his head. While he does, he can be no real help, and is literally brainwashed.
Considering how underwhelming Rebels was, and how outright POOR Resistance was, I'm glad to finally have a Star Wars cartoon back up to the quality of The Clone Wars. Even if it's in its final season. ****.
Teen Titans Go! "Catpin Freak"
I figure I owe this a little more than my joke review last week.
This is the single worst spin-off miniseries the show has ever conceived, in both premise and execution. The cast selection itself is appalling. I used to have an old rule in my reviews that if the Teen Titans Go! episode in question was just random sitcom nonsense we could see on a show like Regular Show or Gumball, and not actually using the DC Comics premise to its fullest, it got an automatic zero grade, regardless of quality, on general principle.
I whiffed by giving last week one star, but for the remainder of this miniseries' duration, that old rule is back. Luckily for me, the quality IS actually atrocious this week, so the zero fits anyways. 0.
Family Guy "Cabin Pressure"
There is some SERIOUS built-in resentment from Family Guy that Bob's Burgers stole their time slot and their thunder (and this was BEFORE the move to Wednesdays) and I am here for it. The fact that H Jon Benjamin is part of the public humiliation is pure comedy gold. Poor Darren.
I don't watch sports, but I am certain those contractual spoken promos are at times super inconvenient, and yes, inappropriate. Somebody lays a giant turd on Family Guy? What else is new?
I feel like as far as political references go Barbara Bush's haircut is... not current. Seriously.
The show going out of its way not to pay the supporting voice cast of The Cleveland Show to voice their characters. It's getting noticeable at this point.
That turd really turned into a saga. And it wasn't even made of gold.
Is it just me or has the show gone out of its way in recent years to say that Peter and Lois don't even like each other? I agree with both of them because they both suck.
I love Meg dapping Brian over living a dog life. I adore what the show has turned Meg into over these past couple of seasons. Before she was a gross punchline who was always miserable. Now she owns it like a boss and a queen. The character is so much more fun and funnier that you realize if the show's writers were more talented, this would have been the take all along. To be fair, I suspect a LOT of current comedy experimentation on the show is because they had to retire the politically incorrect jokes. But Meg is still funnier than she's ever been so how is the show worse off for that?
The reason Preston wasn't mad was predictable and cliched, but points for putting in the story legwork there anyways. It's dumb, but it fits.
Chris's creepiness is starting to bother me. I think the difference is that the show is portraying the behavior as objectionable instead of funny for the first time. Again, the political correctness probably is a factor there. But while Meg is helped, Chris is hurt. Quagmire is kind of a push.
I liked it. Poor Darren. I actually was a week late in seeing this on Hulu because I had no idea it aired. I think Fox is deliberately TRYING to kill the show. ****.
Family Guy "Teacher's Heavy Pet"
Occasionally the show does a story so repulsive I just can't even bother with it. This was one of those weeks. Purely appalling on every level.
Family Guy isn't allowed to tell racist jokes anymore? This isn't the answer. 0.
Bob's Burgers "Jade In The Shade"
It's not like this is a bad show, but I guess because The Great North has been having such a terrible year, I forgot how great it is since it's been off the air for a few weeks.
Didn't start off on a GREAT note, with Gene jiggling his stomach. I really cannot overstate how much I loathe Gene. What kills me is the writers don't seem to understand why I do, and keep having him say and do gross and pervy things as if it's funny instead of revolting.
But the episode picked up soon enough. Honestly, although I liked the resolution of the treasure hunt with Mr. Fischoeder, much of it was hit or miss. Or at least the parts that didn't have Logan and his mom. I love his whispering to her conspiratorially, and her asking him if he brushed his teeth.
Louise and Linda had their moments. It's on-brand Linda gets distracted by being sad about dead pigeons.
The Bubble Master is played by Gotham's David Zayas. He has SUCH a great voice, he should do more cartoons.
The wharf performers were all great. It shouldn't be impressive because it's animation, and the creators can literally show us anything they want. But the demonstrations were impressive because the producers painstakingly made them feel real-world credible. A cartoon doing that? No big deal. A real person? I'd be wowed. The show was smart enough to animate the routines as if they were real people. Which is one of the values of the show. Ironically, back in the early days of The Simpsons, that show had a real affinity for realism too. One of the best notes I ever heard about early Simpsons is that Santa's Little Helper was the first dog ever in animation that moved and acted like a real dog. And it's sort of sad to see The Simpsons stepped away from that stuff a bit, and got notably wackier, but this show is sort of following in that part of The Simpsons' footsteps.
But Matt, what about King Of The Hill? Aren't you gonna give that credit for realism? Not really. Simply because the entire thing would play the same both live-action and animated. That's not an actual unique talent / animation conceit. It frankly strikes me as kind of boring. Bob's Burgers doing stuff like this though? I'll take it.
Louise hanging up the reward money as a trophy shows she understands its actual value. And she appreciates it. I love that Fischoeder actually takes the money for the replacement keys and their flair, but let's be real. He's just being passive-aggressive to get Louise's goat. If he actually wanted to screw her he'd bill the family for the part of the pier she broke. The bit of charging Louise 33 dollars for new locks and keys is done simply because Fischoeder is enjoying himself.
Also, I would not be surprised if he knew Louise was never gonna spend that money, and would cherish it instead. Why give her the full fifty then? Why indeed.
I love the joke of the four people wanting to split the burger four ways. And I laughed when Gene suggested five because he could have some. I mentioned I HATE Gene. The fact that he sometimes makes me laugh makes me hate him even more deep down.
Off to watch the current mess that is The Great North: Season 2. If it's as great as this, I'll surprised. And no lie. Happy. ****1/2.
The Great North "Cheese All That Adventure"
It was only pretty good, but it was the first pretty good episode of the year, so points. Still, I DID notice after tonight's Bob's Burgers that this show almost never hits those highs. I'll take pretty good, but it's weird the show usually thinks I'll have an aversion to great.
Is Aunt Dirt gonna be a series regular? I ain't down with that. If she is, she shouldn't be voiced by Jane Lynch. She should be voiced by Ted McGinley.
Pretty good. But this season has not been great. ***1/2.
Night Court "Wheelers Of Fortune"
Most people don't remember this but Data from Star Trek: The Next Generation was NOT Brent Spiner's break-out role. It was Bob Wheeler on Night Court. He probably never would have been cast as Data if he hadn't shown his versatility with this character who is simultaneously stupid, weird, and just plain sad. He's funnier than he should be, even though the relaunch decidedly is not. They ought to bring in more legacy characters.
I thought Dan and Abby's moment at the end was nice which is good because little on this show is. I like that Dan said the phrase, and they both decided that meant he was channeling Harry. Not sure that tracks, but the lightning agrees.
Seriously though, this Gurgs chick is working my last nerve. I'd even let her obnoxiousness slide if Lacretta were actually funny. No exaggeration, in two seasons, the character hasn't made me laugh once. Not once. On a comedy, that's damning. If Marsha Warfield were dead, she'd be spinning in her comedy grave. Also, bring back Roz again.
I have synesthesia but I see letters and numbers as color, not people. Although I've noticed people often take on a similar aura to their names and the random colors I see. That may be a coincidence but it may not be. I learned about it only a few years ago. I had assumed before learning it was a thing that EVERYONE saw letters and numbers in color. I was shocked to realize it's a neurological condition. If you ask me, it's a neat one.
For the record the colors in the names don't tell you anything about the person. For example for me while Donald Trump's name DOES have a large aspect of orange to it, there is a lot more green surrounding it. Which proves the letter colors mean nothing. Wyatt being personally offended is wrongheaded.
Never thought this specific thing would ever come up on NIGHT COURT of all places, so kudos.
Kate Micucci is a cute voice-over artist, but I've yet to see her in a live-action role that isn't totally annoying. Ugh. That voice should be coming out of cartoon ducks and mystery solving teens. Not this trailer park person. I never exactly felt the Wheelers were ENTIRELY punching down, just because there's something funny and endearing about them. But I'm really struggling to find any part of Miccuci's character that ISN'T punching down HARD against the rural poor. It doesn't feel as lighthearted as the other Wheelers. There is a mean undertone to it I don't like.
An episode with a couple of nice scenes and Brent Spiner chewing scenery. This is what Night Court SHOULD be, but the relaunch rarely is. ****.
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit "Probability Of Doom"
I have to agree with Finn that Torie is a lunatic. Really, her actress heebied my jeebies in the right places. Holy crap.
Liv's therapist who does the swinging thing is annoying. Bring back Bill Erwin.
I love that Maria immediately gives Liv a hug at the end. Aww.
Finn not judging Curry negatively for her squeamishness is refreshing. Especially because he doesn't seem to like her.
The M.E. Truman has always impressed me. I do miss Warner but he has his own charms.
Pretty good week. ****.
Law & Order: Organized Crime "Original Sin"
According to the previews the story isn't over, which is good, because in my mind the Dad is just as guilty as the son.
So the I.A.B. guy is deliberately targeting Stabler for personal reasons. Do you know another name for that? Police corruption. Sheesh.
I was pleasantly surprised the (former) Chief Bonner joined the right side upon learning the truth. I'd like to think she would have done so even if she weren't fired. In fact, that's probably why the Dad DID fire her.
Cragen! Awesome seeing Dann Florek again. What a kick. He was in the very first episode of the first Law & Order, you know.
Bashir and Jet taking special note of Stabler working a case via earpiece at the same time he's doing a psych eval suggests maybe he actually needs one.
Vargas is slowly making Stabler come around. I don't like Vargas much myself, yet but I assume when Stabler fully changes his mind, I will too, so this was nice to see.
Great episode. ****1/2.
