Welcome to the "Episode of the Week" discussion thread! Recently, there has been some talk about not having a separate section on the USA board where "serious", more in-depth analysis of LOCI episodes happens, so this thread is an attempt to create such a place. There are great discussions happening over on the shipper boards, but I can understand why some would be hesitant to venture over there! Shippers and non-shippers alike are welcome to post their viewpoints here, just as long as everyone has evidence to back themselves up, perhaps in the form of pictures or even video clips. It lends credence to your arguments and helps other readers to understand where you're coming from (and your evidence might even teach someone a thing or two! ) My intention is not to make this an "us versus them" discussion at all, but a place where general themes, character motivations, plotlines, etc. of LOCI can be explored thoroughly. We could have a week-long test run to see how everything goes, and determine what needs fixin' and what doesn't. Hopefully this will be a formidable distraction from confusing season 9 rumors and basic boredom during the offseason months.

Ok, now for the fun stuff!

I'm not sure what would be the best way to pick episodes and keep things fresh, so I'll ask everyone in the form of a poll! I'm open to any and all suggestions to make this a great thread for everybody! More updates to follow as soon as there is feedback

Previously Discussed Episodes:
Zoonotic (2.22) - Page 2, Post #25
Semi-Detached (4.1) - Page 4, Post #66
The Healer (5.18) - Page 4, Post #80
A Person of Interest (2.23) - Page 5, Post #95
Senseless (7.10) - Page 6, Post #113

I think picking random episodes would be great. Also, with the way the repeats are run, some of the discussions could coincide with those episodes to give everyone who wants to discuss it a chance to view it, if they don't have access to the episode on DVD or on their computer. With S1-3 (and soon 4) it's easy enough for most people to get their hands on an episode to watch it and discuss it while it's fresh in their mind, but with the later seasons, if you don't have a copy downloaded, or on your DVR, you need it to be on one of the networks so that you can have a chance to view it again.

Just a couple of suggestions. This is a great idea, BTW.

What OBC said! My Monkish side would absolutely love to discuss the episodes in order but I'd be mummified dead by the time we get to the end of season 8, lol, and my brain cells hurt already... So I voted "picking random episodes".
Thank you footsteps for opening this thread!

I have to agree that as much as I would love to go season by season, ep by ep, I don't know that I'd be able to. Picking the eps as they pique someone's interest or if someone simply has a favorite ep to discuss would probably be the best. I'm much more familiar with the most recent seasons (6, 7 and 8) than I am with the older seasons, although I have seen them all more than once. But I also never have a problem watching any episode in the course of research. (It's not obsession if it has a reason behind it, right? )

Seriously, though, I'm happy to see this thread started and look forward to discussing the eps themselves, the characters thoughts and reasosnings and people's ideas about the episodes in general.

I was going to say pick an episode that is airing in reruns on Bravo or USA but then I remembered that not all of us live in the USA so......I don't know.....

I think it would be a good idea to pick an epcisode that is showing on USA network during the week and have that episode discussed. That way it would give everyone an opportunity to view the episode, even if they don't have a DVR or the DVD's.

I voted for the "random" episodes also, but I really mean "selecting certain episodes (deliberately) but not in any particular order". I don't know how much discussion we'd get out of, say, Bombshell, but we could talk about Endgame for a whole week for sure. And Frame for probably a month

Thanks for introducing this topic, miss footsteps!

BTW, we could do a poll per week to pick the eps (so you'd select the ep this week for next week's discussion) which would give folks a chance to rewatch it. Also I think we should have one week in the future of just picking eps that feature, say, Nichols, or Wheeler, or Logan, or maybe even Nicole, so we don't get stuck just on the Goren/Eames path. That would help flesh out those characters and themes better, I think, and we don't discuss Nichols/Wheeler/Logan on the shipper threads so they don't get much board discussion time. I hope I'm explaining this right--in other words, say, the week of October 11 is "Nichols week", so we pick from Major Case, Revolution, Passion, or The Glory that Was.

And we can see what eps are coming up on USA from looking at their schedule here online.

Thoughts?

yeah, the entire series is daunting.

i pick a season, go through in order. i used to watch for the cases, but these days i am enjoying the linear narrative of 'Goren and Eames' and how they relate to each other, so the order is important.
i watch with different 'filters' too - making note of the use of colour, for example. or 'blocking' - where the actors are standing in relation to each other in each scene. i have a growing interest in the different director's styles.
some episodes are just so yummy that i'll watch them anytime.

"In American Literature, the descent into madness is preceded by obsession, usually a consuming obsession."
- N. Wallace in 'Anti-Thesis'

I also think it would benefit all of us to discuss an episode that is currently being aired or even announce it a little ahead of time if we have access to the schedule then anyone that wants to participate can plan to watch that episode or record it for watching if they have to work or be somewhere when it is on.

Oh my goodness! So many great ideas!






Thanks, OBC! You're welcome, GTS! While the angel on my right shoulder tells me to listen to my rational, logical side and go through episodes in order, the devil on my left shoulder has convinced me to go rogue and side with random episodes. I think I would be in a comatose state if we started at Season 1, Episode 1 (though in an ideal world I would LOVE to do that).



I can't wait either, JudyG! I'm actually more familiar with the earlier seasons, we don't have cable in my house so the USA Network seasons are a bit muddled in my mind! And no, it's not obsession if it has a purpose! I call it research!





I agree, hullbound and wilmingtonfan - that's one of the reasons I wanted to ask everyone how to pick episodes. I think the reruns on Bravo usually stay in relative order (on the day of the marathon at least), so maybe we can do something like that for the first week or two and see how it works!



Redheaded_tigger, you read my mind! I was definitely considering picking the episodes a week in advance to give those who don't have ready access to episodes a chance to find them. I also love the idea of doing themed weeks! It spices up the discussion and gives us a chance to get the most out of the show.


I'd love to hear your take on so many episodes, Uni! I know you've talked a lot about Goren and Eames' relation to each other in the shipper threads, and it would be cool to bring that insight here. Love your Nicole Wallace quote, btw!



I agree, KellyK! IMDB usually maintains a pretty accurate and thorough list of upcoming episodes and which channels are airing them, which can be found here: IMDB - LOCI Schedule

Phew!! I think I got everyone! Thanks so much for all the feedback, it's really helpful to see where everyone stands! Keep it comin'!
As a random side note, did you know there is a limit to how many emoticons you can have in a single message?? Who would want to limit that?! LOL

oooohhh... very nice idea, the "character week" thing. I like that. It allows every character to have equal discussion time. Pars condicio

As for following the schedule, well... we don't get USA Network nor Bravo in Europe (or anyway, I don't), so we overseas fellows will have to adapt




Seem like you did apply for that internship position as LOCI crew assistant in the end, uh? Can't remember what it was, assistant cast director? lol... This thread is going to become a second job for you, footsteps

Yeah, I step out for one day, and look at all the responses! Man, if I had my way and I was working in the casting office, TPTB would have to re-hire the 3 extremely talented individuals they just let go! Just keep passing copies of their resumes around secretly hahaha

Here is a link to all the future LOCI episodes that are showing in the US, maybe those abroad would find it useful? It continually gets updated: IMDB: LOCI US Airing Schedule

Yeah... I'm sure if you were working at the casting dept. we would all be a lot happier, footsteps

Thanks for the link! It does seem a bit messy to me, mixing seasons, but hey, good thing anyway

After looking at the episode schedule for the upcoming week, I realized USA is running a real-life marathon with 14 straight episodes tomorrow on Saturday, Sept. 26th. (Maybe they thought 14 hours would feed our sorrow after their announcement? ) I figured that since 10 people voted to pick random episodes in the poll (and no other choice was coming close) I would try to fit in this poll before the marathon tomorrow. BRAVO, on the other hand, is having a mini-marathon of its own on Sunday, showing "Rocketman" (6.19), "Bombshell" (6.20), "Endgame" (6.21) and "Renewal" (6.22), so I was thinking for those people who like to look at a group of episodes in order, that group of episodes could also be discussed in this thread at the same time. It might get a little confusing, but if it doesn't work out we can scrap that

Unfortunately, I don't know how to clear the results of a previous poll, so for whatever reason the first 4 choices in this week's poll have the results of the previous poll still locked in. If someone knows how to clear them, please let me know, I would greatly appreciate it! In order to keep things fair, I'm noting as of this point that the 1st choice has 1 vote, the second has 2 votes, the third has 10 votes, and the 4th has 2 votes, for a total of 15. I'll subtract those votes from whatever comes in from now until 8:59am EST so that the real winner will emerge (if that makes any sense? It does in my head! )

Again, this is the schedule of episodes we're following for now: IMDB: LOCI U.S. Schedule

Chin up, all! Hope everyone understands and tries to have little fun with LOCI this weekend!

Hi, just a suggestion--maybe we need another thread just this once for the ep poll itself? Even with the explanation you gave, which is very understandable, I think it may still be confusing, or, well, people will forget to mentally subtract out the previous votes. I also think people may not vote because they think choice #3, Proud Flesh, has pretty much already "won", subconsciously forgetting what you did say. But I'll defer to you and the mods on that.

If we're opening something new, I'm starting the bidding with Siren Call. That ep reeks of symbolism! Love it!

That's true, tigger! Hmm, I would definitely prefer if we could start a new poll...maybe in the meantime, not to start another thread just yet, I'll try to move this poll question to the second question slot on the form, see if that works. I'm running low on ideas

I'm watching Albatross, was, tomorrow on USA, LOCI marathon, go figure?

Uh oh! Maybe the USA Network schedule is not the same in every area?? I need some asprin! Albatross is a good episode though!

And I now know how to work the poll! (So to speak...hahaha) Feel free to vote for Siren Call, tigger!

Bump, for bumping's sake Time to get those votes in!

Oh my gosh, it's a dead heat!

Thanks for doing this footsteps! I'm kind of intimidated by some of the very eloquent posters here so even if I don't have a lot to add, I'll certainly learn a lot reading their thoughts. Looking forward to it.

This will be fun! And I like the idea of taking on Logan and Nichols episodes as well.

No problem, AuntDahlia! Once the kinks get ironed out in the first week or so, we should have a well-oiled machine running here! Sometimes I feel the same way about getting involved in a conversation, but every opinion (no matter how big or small) counts!

Siren Call and Zoonotic are definitely near the top of my list, but hopefully the dead heat will have cooled and we'll have a clear winner by tomorrow morning!

One last before I go to LaLaLand It's a dead heat!

Hey LOCI lovers, let's go with Zoonotic this week. I dreamt about LOCI and Robert Goren last night (it was a sad dream). Watched Albatross. Didn't feel any better. Watched One. Definitely didn't feel any better. I don't know if I can deal with all the symbolism in Siren Call this week.

And I dreamt about hyenas last night. Oh wait, those were just TPTB at USA . . . .

QUOTE

Episode Summary: The investigation into the murder of a crooked cop leads to a preening veterinarian and his friend, an obsessive doctor whose ex-girlfriends have all been infected with a rare disease.

Hope to see you join the discussion!

yeah... zoonotic. The episode has always been on my list of "bad veterinarians". Sara/Sarahs and veterinarians usually don't get nice roles in movies/tv shows... ok, except for the veterinarian in Baby Boom.

Anyway, I'll re-watch the show as soon as I can and hopefully join the discussion!

Interesting choice. Wasn't Zoonotic the episode that Andrew McCarthy was supposed to do but he acted like a jerk and got himself booted off? Anyone know any details? The actor they got to replace him is perfectly creepy. And isn't this the first time we see Carrie Preston, the actress who was also in "Magnificat" and "Bedfellows"? Ooh, I see on IMDB that she's married to Michael Emerson who was the creepy fake economist in "Phantom" (creepy on Lost, too). Well, I just have to conclude, Zoonotic is in some ways a creepy episode. But funny, too.

I think Andrew McCarthy was in an episode, but I can't remember if it was on CI?? Either way, those 2 doctors creep me out when I watch Zoonotic, ugh! The way Borman just thinks he's God's gift to women, eww!

Oh, just looked it up - McCarthy was in a 2007 episode called "Offense", where he played the A.D.A. I guess he cleaned his act up the second time around?

REMINDER: Zoonotic is on now, for those who haven't imposed a ban on USA yet! Enjoy!

Andrew McCarthy was in that episode with the varsity football team and a murdered witness girl, right? A L/W episode, I think...
I so cannot make the connection between title and episode some times, LOL...

But yes, "zoonotic" is easy to remember, such a familiar word for me.
Borman is Definitely creepy there. Whoa... disgustingly creepy. That scene he strips is... *no comment* lol

Absolutely love the scene with Angel the Escort

OMG--I totally forgot how funny this ep was. I literally laughed out loud--I think I haven't seen this one in 5 months.

Gonna cogitate on it and then post, but I'm glad this is the ep of the week. Siren Call matched my crummy mood, and this one lightened it. Good choice, all.

I loved this episode! This scene was funny, I like how dry and sarcastic she was..



And the way it was filmed was great too...I love reflections...I know, I'm weird, but...hey..



Totally loved this guy! Sara's just upset because she doesnt work with anyone like this...lmao...He rocked...in all his creepiness! I also loved the way he discusted Eames and made Goren raise his eyebrows alot...lol...good stuff.

I totally forgot about that scene! Classic


AHHHH! He makes me want to do this: hahahaha!

This is my favorite scene from this episode...



Goren is like...wow this guy is unbelievable..





Eames is all...after you...



Damn straight your going first!



Now Goren got her back!.



Oh no no no...ladies first!



The look on Eames's face says it all...what a scumbag...



Looks like shes trying to control the urge to smack him!



Eames is looking at him like..Get him Bobby!





Now they both have the creeps...lol



Goren seems amused..whereas, Eames looks like shes about to bork...



WHEW! That look on his face is more primal then the animals!! THUD!



Loved this episode....

Who says this show isnt light, and humorus?

oh man... I LOVE the primal look on Bobby's face! LMAO...

(and no, I am NOT jealous of that creepy guy )

Kayne, um, thanks for all the stills of Dr. Borman in his undies. I'm going to have nightmares now.

I taped this over the weekend and hope to watch tomorrow night and will be ready to discuss. Anyone else? Are we still doing this or should we postpone?

I'll be able to watch the episode tonight and then join the discussion.

Any caption requests?

I'll be able to watch the episode tonight and then join the discussion.

Any caption requests?

I have to get a chance to watch it as well, which will definitely be tomorrow. Unfortunately the timing of this thread with "The News" didn't mesh so well. I don't want to speak for anyone else, but I know I personally couldn't watch CI for a couple of days, it just didn't feel right. Maybe some others feel the same way...but I'm coming back around and am glad for this distraction! Hopefully people are thinkin' deep and insightful thoughts that take a while to write down Looking forward to reading anything that people have to say!


Hmm, none right now that I can think of off the top of my head, but I'm going to watch it tomorrow so I'll definitely let you know! Thanks for the offer!

Shameless thread bump!

Hey footsies!!!! What episode is this from?

Hey there! I believe it's from the episode "Semi-Professional"

Good one footsies!

LMAO Footsteps....I love that picture! lol...



Oh come on Aunt D! Dr Bormen is hot! You know you want him...he's looking good in those speedos! Think about how he looks from behind, if he were to drop something...

Not jealous Sara, just longing for the day that a Doctor like him will mosey on into your vets office.....heh heh heh...

So, about the episode...did they ever find out where the two grams of anthrax went? And a fine? Thats it? A fine for having all those viles? Sheesh, and I'm worried about crossing the border

I know everyone's hot and heavy on the save the actors campaign (and rightly so) but I watched and I took notes so someone will hopefully discuss this with me.

Zoonotic

My first impression of the episode is that it is probably the funniest episode of Criminal Intent. But beneath the humor we have a very dark story. A crooked/black-mailing cop, a duo interested in twisted threesomes and women infected with animal viruses. It’s these complex layers of stories that I think I was missing last year. I like that this does start out as a whodunit. I appreciate the whydunits but I like when it takes them a little more digging to finally get down to the crux of what is going on. Little did we know when the officer died where we’d end up! Speaking of which, I definitely don’t have the mind of a criminal. I’d never think of quizzing escorts to find men with STDs to blackmail. And I kind of think it’s a stretch this guy could hack into the medical insurance records and find out about Dr. Stern. Did he actually find out about the virus or was he just blackmailing him because of the insurance fraud? Either way, since I can barely decipher my own statement of benefits I get from the insurance company I’m not sure how he was able to look through what have to be hundreds, if not thousands, of records to find that info. If he’s that smart, he should have used his powers for good to move up in the department instead of out blackmailing people. So, I’m not sure why Deakins, et al were so intent on keeping his crime off the record. They said it was for his daughter, but still. A lot of criminal have kids.

The entire cast was good in this one. Dr. Stern was appropriately creepy and Dr. Borman was the biggest preening buffoon ever. I loved it! I just wonder, creepy as he was, what would draw women to Dr. Stern in the first place. We’re supposed to believe these were desperate women so they fell for him but that didn’t really convince me too much. They seemed to all be smart, attractive women. Why go with him and an even bigger question WHY would they go along with the switch to Borman. There isn’t enough alcohol in the world! And what intrigues me, once again being a very straitlaced kinda gal, is how Dr. Borman and Stern hooked up to start their little bait and switch trick. I take it hat Dr. Stern took lectures or whatever at the zoo but how did it progress from there. I wonder how and why he ever proposed the idea to Dr. Borman. I know subversives in the world do find each other, I just find it wild that they do.

The scenes with Angel the escort (Whatever, you’re cute) and Dr. Borman at the zoo were so fun to watch.


But, Eames is the star of the show!
“Do all divorced cops have the same decorator?”
“Because you have so much in common with your animals?”
“No thanks, I’ve seen my share of specimens.”
“ . . . when she opted out of your health plan.”
“His speedos must be pinching the blood supply to his brain.”

And her face when Borman says the women were going out of their minds with pleasure - priceless Eames!
Carver’s face when Borman was preening in the interrogation mirror was pretty great too. Could anyone take this man seriously?

Anyway, like I said before, an episode with plenty of chuckles but yet miles away from a Murder She Wrote type approach. We don’t end with Eames, Goren and Deakins yukking it up in the squad room. We’re brought back to seriousness and reality by the missing anthrax. And yeah Kayne we do find out where that anthrax went when a certain Nicole Wallace shows back up. Just how she hooked up with Dr. Stern to get it is a mystery to me though.

Thanks for the trivia everyone posted earlier. I didn’t know Andrew McCarthy was supposed to play Dr. Stern and was dropped. Interesting . . . And I also didn’t know Carrie Preston was married to Michael Emerson! She was so good in Magnificat (one of my favorite episodes). I looked her up after you posted that and I see she’s now on “True Blood.” I don’t have HBO so I don’t watch that but I know it’s popular, so good for her. Michael Emerson is soo good and creepy on LOST. I’m happy he won the Emmy.

Ok, now someone else’s turn!

I'll rewatch tonight and join you in conversation.

Thanks so much for your thoughts, Aunt Dahlia!! I really appreciate it! Seriously, when I read the "Save the Actors" campaign, I get a nervous knot in the pit of my stomach I've basically felt on-edge 24/7 since last week. I dunno, it's weird. Is the same happening to anyone else?? My thing is that we'll never know the whole story, and it might not be what we think it is... Eh. I guess I just don't like ruffling people's feathers (though some do deserve it ). Don't get me wrong, though! I am a HUGE fan! To each his own. Ok, I'll stop trying not to ruffle people's feathers now

That is why I really look forward to "fluffier" threads like this one! I'm heading off to the movies tonight, but I will definitely join you and heartbrokenfan, (and anyone else who is around ) in conversation about Zoonotic when I get back!

Decipher insurance statements...lol...AuntD...you crack me up..

As to your comment about why did Deakins let this decetive slide...I think they just didnt want to give the department another "blackeye"...and Goren and Eames..well, I think they just felt for the family. And the fact that his family would get his benifits, is always good. But your absolutly right, he shoulda just went the straight path and he woulda got a commendation.

Dr Stern was a nasty sort wasnt he? Not attractive in the least. reminded me of the guy in high school who always acts above everyone else and belittles people. Why these women were interested in him I dont know...because he's a doctor? Gag.

Dr. Borman...well, he's just gross! He is definatly the guy you dont wanna be left in alone in a room with! probably turns into a horney octopus!

Eames really did have some great lines this time. Roberts facial expressions said more then him though! I love the way Gorenand Eames can just look at each other and know what the other is thinking...then they move in for the kill!

Like this scene...





This part..where Dr.Bormen says something like, tell me everything, dont leave out a word..(I threw up a little in my mouth)




I think Eames has that vomit taste as well...They couldnt find soap strong enough! Priceless!



And the way Goren looks at him and shivers in discust! LOVED IT!

Then this scene...



Eames is like..I cant wait to get rid of these guys...



Eames's expression says it all...Oh really? well let me show you something...



She's so smug! love it!




Really? I thought that Nichole got the anthrax from that other guy...umm..I'm gonna call him Kroiden? The guy in that episode where Goren zoomed in on him because he was a deadbeat dad...Then Nichole strung him up in th e shower to make it look like a suicide? Goren got blamed for pushing him too far? You know the one...Maybe Dr. Stern worked with Kroiden at some point...I dunno...but it makes me think!

Just gettin' a head start on next week Zoonotic discussion ends Saturday night!

Oh goody, I had a question about this ep. What was it that Croyden's wife said? After Croyden killed himself Eames told bobby that the didn't listen to Croyden's wife.