The character of Zach Nichols didn't do much for me in his first two episodes, neither of which doing much for me as episodes. My problem does not lie with Jeff Goldblum but the writing. In the next two though, my opinion on him completely changed and the episodes in question were also much better. So one understandably hopes that "Salome in Manhattan" is closer in quality to those latter two episodes than regressing to the quality of the first two.
"Salome in Manhattan" thankfully is closer to the quality of the previous two Nichols and Wheeler outings "Astoria Helen" and "The Glory That Was". Nichols thankfully is also closer in character writing to how he was written in those two than the too quirky for the sake of it character writing of his first two appearances. "Salome in Manhattan" is a very good installment, and while not quite on the same level as the previous episode "Family Values" it is among the better Nichols and Wheeler outings of Season 8.
It is not quite perfect. The ending did feel rather rushed in pace and how things are explained, and the episode would have been better if the perpetrator and the whole truth in fact was more of a surprise. Much of "Salome in Manhattan" was so well done and it was a shame that the final 10 minutes or so weren't as good as the rest of the episode.
So much is done right however. It looks good, with the usual slickness and subtle grit. Really liked too that the photography was simple and close up but doing so without being claustrophobic. The music has presence when used, and luckily it isn't constant, and when it is used it doesn't feel over-scored. The direction allows the drama to breathe while still giving it momentum as well.
Moreover, the script is tight and constantly intelligent and intriguing, a few of my favourite lines coming from Rodgers. The story never stops being entertaining and suspenseful, with a lot packed in, with many clever twists and turns that aren't too predictable or incoherent.
Nichols is settling well, as is his partnership with Wheeler which is more balanced and together. The performances are excellent.
Overall, very good. 8/10.