Am not always a fan of the 'Law and Order' franchise having heavy focus on the personal lives of characters. The original 'Law and Order' actually did this very well whenever it did so, especially with Briscoe, where the development for the focused upon character was illuminating and where it revolved around complex issues handled tactfully. Late 'Special Victims Unit' was less successful, where the storylines were soapy, regressed the characters rather than forwarded them and dominated too much.
While Fontana had already come on a long way as a character, he had not really had an awful lot of development prior to "Ghosts". So this story was in a way needed, and on the whole a very good job is done with him and the story. The story, and the episode definitely did the right thing looking on a past case and having a character trying to put things right, has a lot of power, and it really does further Fontana's character while not taking over the case too much. He doesn't come off too well here considering what he did in the past, but it is hard to be too upset with him. "Ghosts" is very good, both for 'Law and Order' and as an episode for anything.
"Ghosts" perhaps starts off on the ordinary side and the episode tries to cram in a little too much towards the end.
However, the character development for Fontana was great, being illuminating and making him a more interesting, more rounded character in a situation that proves that even good detectives can make major errors. It also manages to be a big part of the case, which is a tough subject handled in an unyielding but moving way. Will admit to being in tears at the end. The story is always compelling, though the more complex and emotionally powerful second half is better than the first. McCoy's role is handled very well.
The acting is very good too, with Dennis Farina giving one of his best performances of the show. Raymond J. Barry gives a very poignant portrayal of a father grieving, the character felt most for.
It's well made, intimately photographed and slick with no signs of under-budget or anything. The music didn't sound melodramatic or too constant and the direction is accomodating while still having pulse. The writing doesn't ramble, although as usual there is a lot of dialogue to digest, and really provokes thought, disturbs and brings a lump to the throat. It is especially intriguing and thoughtful in the second half.
Concluding, very good episode. 8/10.
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