Leslie
Super Fantastisch
You are so right on both points.newtothegame said:2. Ron Rifkin and Victor Garber's talents were noticably underused this season. Their powerfully contained and expertly calculated character portrayals are intriguing. Likewise, the deliciously complicated and diabolical nature of their relationship is an anchor of the show in my opinion. I watch this show just as much to relish the pregnant undercurrents of plotting and deception expressed in their eyes and their spare dialogue. It appears that the less they say, the more they seem to be thinking and planning, the more loaded the situation becomes. They seem like two predators constantly in the process of sizing each other up and amazingly both always seem to be in total control of the situation. The tension is magnificent.
3. They need to let scenes breathe more, both visually and emotionally. This was a strong point of the first two seasons and negative aspect of several of the later episodes this season where they tried to cram too much plot development into the show. It suddenly became more about the plot than about the characters. They have so many talented actors who deliver a much deeper, well-rounded performance through quiet, non-verbal means such as body language, facial expression and intuitive, natural interplay with the other actors. The willingness to allow silence and slow time a role in this series has given it a very powerful, dramatic impact that you don't often see in prime-time television. I miss it!
Les