I just watched the season premiere of Law & Order: Criminal Intent. I was really looking forward to it, not only because it's my favourite show, but because of the anticipation of who would replace Jamey Sheridan's character as the new captain.

Unfortunately, I must say I did not like the premiere at all. Actually, in my opinion it was the worst episode of CI ever.

I didn’t care for the new captain. I’m sure that’s just because I’m comparing him to Deakins and in time I'll get used to him. But that’s not the real problem.

The real problem is that the style was COMPLETELY different from what we’ve come to love through the show’s first five seasons. The pace was awkward - scenes cut from one to another too quickly. There was no dramatic tension built up when Goren would realize something and go with it. The music was overdone, and the lines were cheesy.

But most importantly, it sorely lacked the component of the show involving ADA Carver. You cannot have a LAW & Order show without that. The scene with Eames struggling to find a way out of the “dungeon” would be great for serial killer movie, but not for this show.

This episode lacked everything that makes Criminal Intent great. If this is what can be expected for the rest of the season, sadly, it will no longer be one of my must-watch shows of the week.