"Shangri La" is another episode to tackle a tough subject that is not always easy to do tastefully. It is an uncomfortable subject and could easily be done in a sleazy and exploitative manner, but it is actually scary that this kind of thing happens. Which is one of the reasons as to why this episode is as unsettling as it is to watch, but not in a bad way don't get me wrong. Season 13's premiere was so wonderful, so it was hard to not have high expectations.
Despite a higher rating as of now, to me the previous episode is superior. But that is no knock on this, as it is still an excellent episode that handles this difficult and uncomfortable subject a lot more tastefully than the synopsis suggests. Also consider both two of the best episodes of a pretty solid season (a good deal more consistent than the Season 13 of 'Special Victims Unit' as unlike that show none of the season's episodes were below average to me).
The production values as ever have slickness and grit, with an intimacy without being claustrophobic. The music has presence when it's used but does so without being intrusive, some of it is quite haunting too. The direction is also understated but the tension never slips. The script is taut and intelligent, a lot of talk but doesn't ramble or confuse.
Furthermore, the story shocks yet intrigues. It pulls no punches but isn't distasteful, and while some of it is bizarre it didn't come over as incoherent. The motive was not expected and the second half in particular is very thought provoking and easy to be riveted by. While a vast majority of the acting is just right and Jerry Orbach and Jesse L Martin are such a great pairing, the star of the episode is an outstanding Stephi Lineburg in a difficult role that is easy to overdo.
My only issue is with Elizabeth Rohm, who goes from one of her rare good Southerlyn performances to being wooden again and Southerlyn does not have much material of note to make her interesting.
Overall, excellent. 9/10.
Despite a higher rating as of now, to me the previous episode is superior. But that is no knock on this, as it is still an excellent episode that handles this difficult and uncomfortable subject a lot more tastefully than the synopsis suggests. Also consider both two of the best episodes of a pretty solid season (a good deal more consistent than the Season 13 of 'Special Victims Unit' as unlike that show none of the season's episodes were below average to me).
The production values as ever have slickness and grit, with an intimacy without being claustrophobic. The music has presence when it's used but does so without being intrusive, some of it is quite haunting too. The direction is also understated but the tension never slips. The script is taut and intelligent, a lot of talk but doesn't ramble or confuse.
Furthermore, the story shocks yet intrigues. It pulls no punches but isn't distasteful, and while some of it is bizarre it didn't come over as incoherent. The motive was not expected and the second half in particular is very thought provoking and easy to be riveted by. While a vast majority of the acting is just right and Jerry Orbach and Jesse L Martin are such a great pairing, the star of the episode is an outstanding Stephi Lineburg in a difficult role that is easy to overdo.
My only issue is with Elizabeth Rohm, who goes from one of her rare good Southerlyn performances to being wooden again and Southerlyn does not have much material of note to make her interesting.
Overall, excellent. 9/10.
