Fan review by Mari, April 2007
I have not watched many episodes, so I need to get the series from Netflix. Because I am just not getting how the math is so important on this show.
Maybe the math was at a minimum on this particular episode. The "tit for tat" thing seemed to need further breaking down. A few formulas flashing on screen for a second just isn't enough for me to be convinced how this show uses math effectively to solve crime. Without the math, it seems like any above average crime drama show. (Not that I am a math wiz by any stretch of the imagination.)
The episode THE ART OF RECKONING was quite good. I enjoyed the storyline where Professor Larry (Peter MacNichol) came back on the space shuttle and was uncomfortable with life terra firma. Charlie Epps
(David Krumholtz) was clearly frustrated in the huge personality change, but I am inclined to believe that after his experience, he would come back a different man. Living in space for an extended period of time would be as life changing as witnessing a violent death, or visiting an impoverished country.
The tension between the condemned's ex and the daughter was effective. At first I wanted to judge the mother as harsh not to allow the daughter to see her father for one and only time before he is executed. After a bit, though, it's understandable. The wife is angry, and afraid.
Wood Harris gave a good performance as the man on death row.
Jeremy's character, Assistant US Attorney Alvin Brickle, was indeed a fun one. I wonder if they'll bring him back for future eps???? Another fresh new character and face. I LOVED how he was not familiar with guns. "Point and click???" heehee! Brickle and David Sinclair (Alimi Ballard) had a good rapport onscreen. The chase scenes in the orchard were funny/scary and the whole thing was very entertaining. Even in the tiniest roles, Sisto puts in 110% or better. Down to the sweet look on his face as the guys were eating pizza and watching Mr. Funes and his daughter meet for the first time. Sigh.... : )
You didn't get to see much of Navi Rawat or Kathy Najimy at all. Is Diane Farr still on maternity leave at this point? How often do we get to see Judd Hirsch on the show? He wasn't on very often.
Looking at what I typed, I guess it's time to get the whole series and see what all the math fuss is about.
I hope I don't sound really critical. Overall, I DID really enjoy last night's show. I am hoping in other episodes you can see Hirsch more often.
UPDATE 05/12/07 Since "THE ART OF RECKONING" aired 2 weeks ago, I have watched the show and have really enjoyed it more than I guessed I would. Last night's episode was very good, and I liked the storyline with the 2 brothers seeing the therapist together to try to sort out their difficult sibling relationship.