Despite really liking Season 5 on the whole, it did end disappointingly with its odd final episode. So there was the hope that "Birthright" would be back to the outstanding quality that 'Law and Order: Special Victims Unit' at its best showed frequently. And the potential for that to be the case was big, as "Birthright" centres around a great concept and a theme that sparks much debate and still relevant and important today. A kind of story and theme that is vintage 'Special Victims Unit' and what it does well in.
"Birthright" didn't disappoint in a brilliant Season 6 premiere, that sees 'Special Victims Unit' return to form. One of the better season openers of the early seasons, and one of the most thought-provoking and poignant. This is a subject that is not easy to tackle, the hard-hitting and controversial ones never are (but 'Special Victims Unit' was extremely good at tackling difficult issues in a way that resonates and disturbs), and "Birthright" explores it wonderfully and with full impact.
Everything works here. The production values are slick and have a subtle grit, with an intimacy to the photography without being too claustrophobic. The music isn't used too much and doesn't get too melodramatic. The direction is sympathetic but also alert. The script is tightly structured and intelligent, conveying a wide range of emotions, especially in the latter stages when the complexity comes in.
The King Solomon story sums up the case and its moral dilemmas so well. The story is very compelling and powerful, with a heart-wrenching ending and intelligent and uncompromising approach to the moral dilemmas that come with such a difficult subject. The character interaction and writing is very well rounded and is not one dimensional in a case where one feels for both mothers and where one sees both points of view.
Novak has really come into her own and has really grown on me compared to when she was first introduced early on in Season 5. She has a real command and emotional connection when summing up the moral dilemma in court. The episode is beautifully acted by all, especially by Diane Neal, a heartfelt Abigail Breslin and Lea Thompson.
Brilliant episode all in all. 10/10
