Have said in some of, well make that a few too many of, my reviews for the previous Season 11 episodes that Season 11 was not an even season at all. There are some fabulous episodes, such as "Endurance", "Hubris", "Teenage Wasteland", "Ego" and "Judge Dread". Some episodes also disappointed, those in question being "Return", "Thin Ice", "Whose Monkey is it Anyway" and "Swept Away: A Very Special Episode". The others range between decent and very good.
While there are better episodes of Season 11 and that there was potential for it to be even better, considering that it is the season finale and with a story that sounds this good, "Deep Vote" is very good and intriguing. An episode with many expertly done things and not much wrong, but is just lacking in the extra something that the best episodes of the season had. While having very few of the things that made the disappointing episodes lacking.
Do agree that there are characters that come over as not particularly clever, with the killer being one of the stupider ones of the season.
Also thought that the conclusion was on the rushed side.
On the other hand, there is so much that is note-worthy in a good way. It does look 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.
Furthermore, the script is typically tight and intelligent with an uncompromising grit and the ability to make one think long and hard. The story is very absorbing throughout and the tension needed for the complications that the prosecution has to undergo to get their proof is very believable and strong. It is not too simple and neither is it too complicated, even with it being very eventful. The acting is excellent from all.
In conclusion, very good end to an uneven season. 8/10.
While there are better episodes of Season 11 and that there was potential for it to be even better, considering that it is the season finale and with a story that sounds this good, "Deep Vote" is very good and intriguing. An episode with many expertly done things and not much wrong, but is just lacking in the extra something that the best episodes of the season had. While having very few of the things that made the disappointing episodes lacking.
Do agree that there are characters that come over as not particularly clever, with the killer being one of the stupider ones of the season.
Also thought that the conclusion was on the rushed side.
On the other hand, there is so much that is note-worthy in a good way. It does look 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.
Furthermore, the script is typically tight and intelligent with an uncompromising grit and the ability to make one think long and hard. The story is very absorbing throughout and the tension needed for the complications that the prosecution has to undergo to get their proof is very believable and strong. It is not too simple and neither is it too complicated, even with it being very eventful. The acting is excellent from all.
In conclusion, very good end to an uneven season. 8/10.
