I would like to talk about the major casting changes on Law & Order: Criminal Intent. I know I’m a late on the topic, but I wanted to wait until all the information was out there. When I first heard the news, I admit, I almost cried; as it is one of my favorite shows. It is the only one of the three I watch. The USA Network says that it wants to lighten up the show’s tone, so they are getting rid of Goren and Eames and they are leaving Nichols and his new partner as the only detectives. I agree that the show was in need of a reboot, much like the righteous reboot that “24” needed and got. But I don’t agree that the way to go about this is by getting rid of the only reason anyone watches this show. Nichols is a good character, he is interesting and he keeps you watching. But he is not going to grow on me because anything he might have to offer, Goren has been giving us. Not to mention, it effectively kills the Sherlock Holmes aspect of the show, although it was diluted by the addition of the second set of detectives in season 5. Additionally, Nichols lacks that which helps us relate to a character and makes us understand a character; which is that dark, lonely, disturbed side that we see in characters like Goren, Gregory House and Jack Bauer. These are characters that reflect us in many ways.
One article I read said that the USA Network wants the show to be along the lines of Monk. While Monk is a good show, the character himself isn’t someone too many people would know, let alone be. It’s just fun to watch. Considering the kind of show that Criminal Intent has been and the kind of universe it forms part of, the Law & Order Universe; making the change they have decided to make, I think will cost them dearly.
Having Goren, Eames & Nichols work together rather than having two sets of detectives is a notion that got a lot of positive feedback. I too, thought it was an interesting way to revitalize the show, because there was the possibility that to some capacity the threesome along with Ross could have that same relationship that Goren, Eames, Carver and Deakins had. One attacks, one plays defense, another one referees and the last one has the final say. Given the kind of guys that Goren and Nichols are, having them collide on screen would be nothing short of powerful. And Ross would be forced to make tough decisions because of his relationship with Nichols and Goren’s analytical persona. As far as Eames, well, she’s the referee, the control group; she’s there to sort of defuse the bomb.
Also, a switch back to the “straight up cop work” that we saw during the first four seasons, would be great. Diving into the characters’ lives was good but it changed the show; and I think that is also what changed Goren. I prefer just revealing small details about the characters because it forces you to use your imagination to create a background for the character. Having them open ended, I find exciting.
Sadly, the decision has been made. As I said before, Goren and Eames are the heart and soul of Law & Order: Criminal Intent. And come the end of that season 9 opener, when Goren fades out, I think I will too.
Technorati Tags: Law & Order: Criminal Intent, USA Network, casting changes, Goren and Eames, reboot, “24”, Sherlock Holmes, relate to a character, understand a character, Gregory House, Jack Bauer, Monk
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October 14th, 2009 at 8:40 PM
Sign the petition to save Goren & Eames at:
http://www.gopetition.com/online/31034/signatures.html
October 14th, 2009 at 10:52 PM
One of the best blogging I have seen on this mess. I too think USA has gutted and destroyed CI and turned it into the Goldblum show who has already tanked one TV Show–though I liked it.
I especially enjoyed your Idea of the four together. This would had made for a great show. Too bad USA is lacking the creativity to develop something like that.
Excellent writing.
October 16th, 2009 at 1:19 AM
I agree, this is an excellent post on the subject, a subject that has given me much grief over the past few weeks. I adore Vincent D’Onofrio, I love the Goren/Eames partnership, I can’t stand Goldblum (who is always the same, not his fault, he can’t act) and won’t watch when Bobby and Alex are gone. THe people at NBC and USA are just too stupid for words if they think they can take the ehart out of the show and still have a show.
October 16th, 2009 at 2:09 AM
Grief, is he right word. When I said in the post that I almost cried, I meant it. In my heart L&O:CI was a show that I hoped would never end. Thank you for all the comments.