All three of the previous Season 2 episodes were of a very high standard (especially "Anti-Thesis") and the season was generally as good as Season 1. Between the original 'Law and Order', 'Special Victims Unit' and 'Criminal Intent', the second season for 'Criminal Intent' was the second season that settled the quickest. The Season 2's for the other two shows also started off solidly but had the disadvantage of having to undergo a fair share of changes, something that 'Criminal Intent' did not have.
"Best Defense" doesn't reach the outstanding standard of the previous episode "Anti-Thesis", so it is a bit of a disappointment and a step-down in comparison. The high quality seen in the previous Season 2 episodes is still very much here though in "Best Defense", and on the whole it is still a very good episode with a lot of fine things. The ending underwhelms and there may not be enough of Eames, but the case and everything else is strong.
Production values are of a high standard, the gritty, slick style not lost. The music is not intrusive and not used constantly, also not being too melodramatic in any major revelations. The theme tune is not my favourite of the 'Law and Order' themes but one still remembers it and its quirkier, more rocky-sound makes it stand out amongst the other themes. The direction has breathing space but the story doesn't drag and the writing is always tight enough.
It is a very intelligently written episode and structured tightly, the playful interaction between Goren and Eames being entertaining and helps not make the episode too serious. While still taking the story seriously of course, the case is absorbing with some nice twists and turns. It is not an original story, with similar elements done elsewhere, but handled very well still. The supporting characters are all interesting, especially Peter Bonham, and well acted, while Vincent D'Onofrio dominates brilliantly. Courtney B. Vance also shines.
As said, it would have been nice to see more of Eames and more of her chemistry between Goren. Which entertains when there, but a little less of Goren on his own would have made a slight difference perhaps.
Didn't find the identity of the perpetrator that much of a shock, it did cross my mind as a possibility about a quarter of the way through. Worse was the motive, considering the nature of the crimes and what lengths were made it was disappointing that the motive seemed so trivial and anaemic.
Summarising, very good if not quite brilliant. 8/10