Merritt sometimes is very harsh with the people she’s interviewing but at other times she fawns. What were your thoughts as she spoke to the various suspects? What was your opinion of her investigative style in general? Is there another fictional detective she reminds you of?
I think Merritt is a cross between Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple - but more Poirot than Marple. As a detective I think you have to approach people individually and based on the setting.
It seemed to me she was just reading the room and playing it how she best thought she would get information from that person. Not much different than “good cop” “bad cop”. I do think as the series progresses Olivia will turn into the Good Cop persona in those situations.
Her sudden conclusions based on tiny details made me think of Sherlock Holmes.
As you interview many people you learn what works and what doesn’t. It takes experience to read other people and figure out what style of questioning will work; you can also change styles as you see their reactions. What has always fascinated me is how many will respond even after you have offended them and the degree of boldness you can use to draw them out.
I agree with Joyce, I think her interview style has been honed by her experience and she changes the way she treats her suspects to fit their personalities.