Law & Order: Criminal Intent - The First Year (DVD, 2003, 6-Disc Set)

Only an actor as good as Vincent D'Onofrio can take what could have been just another TV cop and turn him into the most intriguing character on TV. I look forward every week to see how Bobby Goren's wiles will be used this time to bring the culprit to justice. Depending on what needs to be done, Goren can be arrogant, vulnerable, sympathetic, cruel, sweet, hilarious, or whip out some esoteric bit of knowledge that makes everything fall into place. I think of Goren as a frustrated actor who uses the interrogation room as his stage.
D'Onofrio's voice can be hypnotic, going from a soft seductive purr to a clap of thunder in the space of one scene. His voice can be nearly as silkily mesmerizing as that of co-star Courtney B. Vance, and that's saying something!
While for me D'Onofrio is the main attraction, it's not the only reason I like Criminal Intent. The plots are the best written of all the Law & Orders, using twists, turns, and red herrings worthy of the best mystery writers. While Kathryn Erbe as Eames may at first seem to be in Goren's shadow, I think as you watch her over several episodes, it becomes clear that her character is the perfect complement to Goren. She stays strong and grounded and tends to the details while Goren weaves together the big picture. This collection of the first year's episodes was a welcome treat for me. From the first episode, both the cast and stories were polished and well-crafted, as if the team had been together for a long time. I highly recommend this DVD collection. On a rating of 1 - 10, 10 being an excellent buy I would certainly give this DVD a perfect 10!

Criminal Intent is IMHO, the best installlment of the Law and Order series yet. Detective Robert Goren (played by Vincent D'Onofrio) is a cheeky, likable guy who has an uncanny ability to see right through a suspect, zeroing in on every weakness. Alex Eames (Kathryn Erbe) is a solid, competent detective with a dry wit who plays off her partner's quirky manner well. Supporting cast Jamey Sheridan and Courteny B. Vance are well-developed enough to hold their own. All in all an excellent series for fans of classic L & O as well as newcomers to the series.

I have watched all of the Law & Order shows/spin-offs but this is my favorite. I love Detective Goren's intricate knowledge of crimes and criminals. I enjoy the relationship between all the characters and how they bring Det. Goren's family dynamics out on the show. I bought this because I want to be sure I get to see every episode from the very beginning. When I get more money I plan to look for the remaining years as well.

This Law & Order series focuses less on what happens in court and more on the detective side of the crimes. It has great character development on both sides of the law and offers its fair share of plot twists and surprises. Vincent D'Onofrio's role as Dect. Robert Goren is great and entertaining. Kathryn Erbe's role as Dect. Alexandra Eames offers a serious and intelligent contrast to Goren's sometimes quirky behavior. Though not the #1 favorite series of some die-hard Law & Order fans, it is a must see for detective and mystery fans.

Fan or not, these discs contain great drama. I had seen the entire first year when they originally aired, but didn't remember all the episodes. I recommend this set for every Law & Order fan, as well as every mystery or drama enthusiast.