The fifth season of "Criminal Intent" saw a change in format: rotating stars. Regulars Vincent D'onofrio and Kathryn Erbe alternated with newcomers Chris Noth, reprising his "Mike Logan" character from the original "Law & Order, and Annabella Sciorra. Jamey Sheridan and Courtney B. Vance returned in their respective supporting roles of Captain Deakins and ADA Carver. The change in program allowed the writers variety in dealing with the different acting styles of D'onofrio and Noth, along with the different investigative techniques of the characters they played.
No where is this better shown than in the two-parter "In the Wee Small Hours," aired during the November sweeps. Both parts permit all six of the principals to appear together in a combined effort to solve the disappearance of a visiting high school student and the apparent involvement of a respected judge ("DS9's" Colm Meaney) and his son (Matt O'Leary).
Meaney, who appeared in the Oscar-nominated "The Commitments," affects a believable American accent (occasionally slipping into his Irish brogue) and effectively portrays a man with a fetish of his own coupled with a desire to keep his, as well as his son's, business private. His character will do whatever is possible, including intimidation of the detectives, to maintain his judicial standing and reputation.
Meaney, O'Leary, and additional guest Lucinda Jenney, as the judge's suffering wife, deliver Emmy-worthy performances.
And credit must be given to Geneva Carr in her role of the Nancy Grace-like "Faith Yancy". Not only does Carr match the lawyer/TV host's relentless hosting/questioning style but she does a pretty good southern accent, too.
The writers of this installment had fun crafting dialog that is reflective of the different characters, rife with sarcasm and wit. "In the Wee Small Hours" benefits from its longer length, allowing more character interaction and development, ending with a highly satisfying resolution.
And a revelation involving the Goren and Eames characters is surprising.
