Season 3 of 'Law and Order: Special Victims Unit' was full of episodes that had heavy and divisive subjects always worth addressing and should be addressed more, that could have gone either way in execution. Just as much as the previous two seasons, which were also full of those and on the most part handled them very well to brilliantly. That is the same generally with Season 3, don't really think there was any episode that executed its subject badly.
Including "Justice". Sure it is not one of the best 'Special Victims Unit' episodes, nowhere near. It even isn't one of the best Season 3 episodes. Having said that, mostly it was well done even to me there was something missing. Personally didn't think that "Justice" exploited its subject matter or was too sleazy, despite the major trap of being so, and that it is a subject that does need attention. Will agree though that there are episodes of the show that are on the cheap and sensationalist side and sometimes with subjects not as difficult.
"Justice" actually doesn't have that much wrong. Nothing major anyhow to me. Do think though that other episodes of 'Special Victims Unit' have a little more tension and emotion somewhat and some with subjects just as sensitive or even more so handle them with more subtlety.
Perhaps it was a little obvious too early that what was troubling the victim was something truly terrible close to home. What and who though was a shock.
However, "Justice" as ever is well shot and has a haunting yet not too over-dramatic vibe to the music. The theme tune is memorable. The direction has breathing space while not letting the drama go limp. It is also well acted with an unsettling performance from Keir Dullea in the first of three appearances for the 'Law and Order' franchise (the others being in the later seasons of the original 'Law and Order'). All the regulars are great.
The case is generally a strong one. One that has the shock factor and makes one feel truly bad for the victim, without to me being exploitative. If anybody respectfully thinks otherwise, that's not a problem with me. There are a fair number of twists without being obvious, confused or too many. The truth regarding the victim is not what one sees coming in who was responsible and the motive. The script is taut and thoughtful, as one expects from prime-'Special Victims Unit'.
Very good overall. 8/10
Including "Justice". Sure it is not one of the best 'Special Victims Unit' episodes, nowhere near. It even isn't one of the best Season 3 episodes. Having said that, mostly it was well done even to me there was something missing. Personally didn't think that "Justice" exploited its subject matter or was too sleazy, despite the major trap of being so, and that it is a subject that does need attention. Will agree though that there are episodes of the show that are on the cheap and sensationalist side and sometimes with subjects not as difficult.
"Justice" actually doesn't have that much wrong. Nothing major anyhow to me. Do think though that other episodes of 'Special Victims Unit' have a little more tension and emotion somewhat and some with subjects just as sensitive or even more so handle them with more subtlety.
Perhaps it was a little obvious too early that what was troubling the victim was something truly terrible close to home. What and who though was a shock.
However, "Justice" as ever is well shot and has a haunting yet not too over-dramatic vibe to the music. The theme tune is memorable. The direction has breathing space while not letting the drama go limp. It is also well acted with an unsettling performance from Keir Dullea in the first of three appearances for the 'Law and Order' franchise (the others being in the later seasons of the original 'Law and Order'). All the regulars are great.
The case is generally a strong one. One that has the shock factor and makes one feel truly bad for the victim, without to me being exploitative. If anybody respectfully thinks otherwise, that's not a problem with me. There are a fair number of twists without being obvious, confused or too many. The truth regarding the victim is not what one sees coming in who was responsible and the motive. The script is taut and thoughtful, as one expects from prime-'Special Victims Unit'.
Very good overall. 8/10
