'Law and Order: Special Victims Unit' have done many character-driven episodes, with there being at least one in each season. In terms of quality, they have varied. Some are illuminating and powerful, where one gets insight into how and why the character focused on came to be the way they are. Others are very soapy, can be too heavily focused on and get in the way of the case solving. Those centered around Olivia have fallen into both those extremes for example.
"PTSD" is one of those Olivia-centric episodes, which sees her struggling with coping with the trauma from the events of Season 9's "Undercover" (fantastic episode by the way). Actually thought that her trauma was dealt with surprisingly well and wasn't the overly-melodramatic episode that the synopsis made me sound. It was the case, or at least the way it was handled, that was less good. Which is sad after such a big return to form with the previous episode "Persona."
There is a good deal that is good here. First and foremost, Mariska Hargitay is incredible with her more intense moments so vividly hard-hitting. The supporting cast are very good too, if not quite in Hargitay's league. The depiction of PTSD was vividly intense and moving and it didn't feel over the top. So much so that it is not really that surprising that Olivia finds the case difficult. Did appreciate that there was a better than expected balance of personal life and case, the former not being too over-bearing and actually realistic given the nature of the case.
It was great too to see more of Cragen, he tends to not be used enough, and also to see more of Fin's softer, caring side. He and Olivia gel very well here and that has been obvious with all the times they've worked together. There is emotional power and intensity, especially later on. On a visual level, the episode is solid and the intimacy of the photography doesn't get static or too filmed play-like. The music when used is not too over-emphatic and has a melancholic edge that is quite haunting. The direction is sympathetic enough without being leaden, while having enough momentum.
Was however not hugely enamoured by the overall storytelling and the case. "PTSD" did feel on the rushed side from trying to cram in too much in a too short space of time, which did mean that the story was not always as clear as it could have been. There is too much conclusion jumping, especially when prematurely concluding that a suspect is guilty without evidence or much ground to stand on.
Still dislike Greylek as a character, too aloof, full of herself and robotic, and Micaela McManus' wooden acting. Some of the writing could have been tighter.
Bottom line, not bad at all but not great. Neither one of the best or worst of this generally disappointing season. 6/10.
"PTSD" is one of those Olivia-centric episodes, which sees her struggling with coping with the trauma from the events of Season 9's "Undercover" (fantastic episode by the way). Actually thought that her trauma was dealt with surprisingly well and wasn't the overly-melodramatic episode that the synopsis made me sound. It was the case, or at least the way it was handled, that was less good. Which is sad after such a big return to form with the previous episode "Persona."
There is a good deal that is good here. First and foremost, Mariska Hargitay is incredible with her more intense moments so vividly hard-hitting. The supporting cast are very good too, if not quite in Hargitay's league. The depiction of PTSD was vividly intense and moving and it didn't feel over the top. So much so that it is not really that surprising that Olivia finds the case difficult. Did appreciate that there was a better than expected balance of personal life and case, the former not being too over-bearing and actually realistic given the nature of the case.
It was great too to see more of Cragen, he tends to not be used enough, and also to see more of Fin's softer, caring side. He and Olivia gel very well here and that has been obvious with all the times they've worked together. There is emotional power and intensity, especially later on. On a visual level, the episode is solid and the intimacy of the photography doesn't get static or too filmed play-like. The music when used is not too over-emphatic and has a melancholic edge that is quite haunting. The direction is sympathetic enough without being leaden, while having enough momentum.
Was however not hugely enamoured by the overall storytelling and the case. "PTSD" did feel on the rushed side from trying to cram in too much in a too short space of time, which did mean that the story was not always as clear as it could have been. There is too much conclusion jumping, especially when prematurely concluding that a suspect is guilty without evidence or much ground to stand on.
Still dislike Greylek as a character, too aloof, full of herself and robotic, and Micaela McManus' wooden acting. Some of the writing could have been tighter.
Bottom line, not bad at all but not great. Neither one of the best or worst of this generally disappointing season. 6/10.