Law & Order: Criminal Intent (TV Series) My Good Name (2005) User Reviews

John Riggins

[Argyll12 · 8/10 · 20 May 2023]

He performed quite well in a limited role, but seems a little out of place for a New York LEO. He sounds and looks like a Texan (he's originally from Kansas). He spoke 50 words. Otherwise, the show was quite good and shows the corrupting influence of politics and how one's shenanigans can catch up with one.

It does bother me the lack of compassion Goren and Eames show when they catch their man and continue dumping on him especially when he sees what tragic mistakes he made. They show that when the perp asks for a little respect. Considering he's going to concede to everything and seems to have genuine remorse, it's a surprise they keep pounding away at him. Of course, as a murderer, they feel dumping on him is justified.

My brilliant name

[TheLittleSongbird · 10/10 · 29 October 2020]

On paper, the story for "My Good Name" sounds quite conventional, somebody with power hiding bad secrets and would do anything to keep it that way sounds age old and very familiar territory for the 'Law and Order' franchise. That didn't bother me too much though, because despite that being a familiar trope it has often been done very well and even brilliantly at the best of times in the franchise from as early on as the early seasons of the original 'Law and Order'.

"My Good Name's" execution of this what sounds conventional premise in a not so conventional way. It turned out to be a lot more than the trope of a powerful person with secrets that has been frequently seen in the franchise (and in other shows) before and since "My Good Name", and sees some depth to a regular character that was fairly neglected this season. As far as the generally solid but uneven Season 4 goes, "My Good Name" is to me one of the best episodes.

Production values are slick as usual and the placement and tone of music is always appropriate and not intrusive or melodramatic. The direction keeps the suspense going and doesn't let it go.

The writing is as ever intelligent and tight, with some great interaction between Goren and Eames and very mature handling of its theme of the conflict of loyalty and public interest (a familiar theme that always is relevant and rings true today). The story is a complex one, when it very easily could have done absolutely nothing new and been too easily telegraphed, with some nice plausible twists. And does so without being convoluted or muddled, comprehension of what was going on was never a problem for me.

Absolutely love Goren and Eames together, Goren's perceptions and hard boiled edge and Eames' sass still shine (do not agree that Goren doesn't shine here). Really appreciated the depth to Deakins, a character not seen enough this season and had yet to be properly developed at this point of 'Criminal Intent' but this was his best episode yet, as well one of his best ever episodes as an individual character, and his conflict is immensely believable and poignant.

Can't fault the performances, Vincent D'Onofrio (the heart of the show and the consistently main reason for why the show is as good as it is) cannot be raved about enough and Kathryn Erbe matches him beautifully. Jamey Sheridan's performance here is one of his standout performances on 'Criminal Intent', the internal conflict portrayed movingly. Michael Rispoli was born for his role, suitably smarmy yet his appeal to others is plausible.

Summing up, brilliant. 10/10

Unbelievable intrigue and drama that leads to an explosive finale of scenes that are unbelievable.

[rbkjr · 10/10 · 14 September 2017]

The whole reason I watch and love this show is because of Vince D'Onofrio or (Bobby Goren, his character's name in the show). The way he builds suspense, violence, and every other aspect of interacting with other characters in the scenes, is just amazing. The final last 10 minutes of this show are better than any television episode that I've ever watched in over 50 years of viewing, and I'm an avid television watcher. I don't know if Vince was so engaged with doing this series that he didn't have the time or energy to consider doing more outside this show... But the one thing that always comes to mind that's so opposite of the character that he played in this series was the part in the movie he did with Jennifer Lopez called "The Cell". He was so avant- garde in that part, that you can't almost believe that it's the same person that you've watched playing the best NYPD homicide detective for the major case Squad in all the years of watching Law & Order: Criminal Intent. As a straight, heterosexual male, I won't say that I love Vince D'Onofrio... But I definitely will admit to the BIGGEST "Man Crush" ever on the BEST TV ACTOR EVER! By the way, a big thank you to WE TV, the station that runs day-long marathons of this show along with other versions of the Law & Order series... It would be impossible to see some of the episodes that I never watched, including the one that I just reviewed here. The moniker of the channel "WE" supposedly stands for "women's entertainment" if I'm not mistaken... Well this show definitely qualifies for more than just female viewing... because all takers need the opportunity to see the greatness of Vincent D'Onofrio in this part.

A Powerful, yet Conflicted Man

[pepper_f · 10/10 · 9 May 2022]

This episode was AMAZING with its execution of what seems like an ordinary concept. The plot intrigues with its twists and turns and the characterization is amazing as the plot progresses and we start getting to know more about what Frank Adair is really up to. Michael Rispoli and Jenna Stern are really good at acting their roles and their characters are pretty believable. The theme of manipulation in this episode is conveyed greatly as well, in my opinion. Can relate to feeling conflicted because someone is telling you to do something you don't want to do. The ending is also perhaps one of the most memorable in the series which is another factor as to why this episode has really grown on me. Vincent D'Onofrio and Kathryn Erbe are pretty good in their roles as usual.

Otherwise, this is a terrific episode with what seemed to be an ordinary plot but actually, turns out to be a lot more complex than it is.

There goes the greatest cop I ever knew

[Mrpalli77 · 6/10 · 15 September 2017]

Frank Adair (Michael Rispoli) is a respected police officer ready to get in politics. He's got a wife, children, a lot of strong supporters but there are some secrets buried in his past (a junkie mother beaten to death by his dealer when he was 9 years old). Besides he gets a bad habit of cheating on his wife. What happen when the number three eager to become the number one? Get rid of the rival is the best option. The PR brand new mistress (Jenna Stern) could work as private eyes, but she's not capable of being a boss (treating her assistants as slaves that cause a huge turnover); anyway she'll do whatever it takes to reach her goals.

I find this episode pretty boring, bad performance for "Captain Jack Sparrow" James Sheridan and Goren isn't at the top this time.