"Surveillance" has another subject that shouldn't have any limit in the number of times it's tackled in film and television. Stalking has always been a major issue and still is, not to mention that it is absolutely terrifying and anxiety-inducing, and should be addressed more. 'Law and Order: Special Victims Unit' have shown before "Surveillance" that they can tackle stalking well with full impact, showing it in one of Season 1's most disturbing episodes "Stalked".
Just like "Surveillance" is one of Season 3's most disturbing in the creepiest of ways, as well as one of the best and most atmospheric. On paper the story does sound like familiar territory, but actually the execution of it is not as familiar as one would think. With its interesting take on unknown twisted rivalry and on the stalker in question and why they did what they did. It actually felt very fresh and it was a brilliant episode overall, one of the few of the season to not have obvious faults.
Photography and use of locations are still striking as is some very atmospheric lighting. The music avoids being too constant, over-bearing or being tonally over-wrought. The direction is alert, bringing precisely the right amount of tension to the latter scenes, yet accomodating. All the lead and supporting performances are without complaint, the acting for the culprit gives the chills and the team have terrific chemistry together. Emily Deschannel is very good at portraying Cassie's vulnerability.
The subject of stalking as said is always worth tackling and there should not be a limit on how much it's tackled anywhere, if anything it should be discussed a lot with it being a big everyday issue and not always dealt with seriously enough. How it is dealt with is done suspensefully but also with tact, the motive adding to the culprit's delusional creepiness. The script is taut and provokes thought, with some sporadic humour from Munch that doesn't jar with "Surveillance's" dark nature.
Regarding the story, it is eventful without being over-stuffed and never dull. As well as being suspenseful and creepy, the final twist adding further to the unsettlement while still being plausible and being a different take on what it revolves around. The climax gets my vote as the most frightening one of Season 3, did not expect it at all and it made me bite my nails. Capped off by one of the most chilling final lines not just of 'Special Victims Unit' but also of the whole 'Law and Order' franchise.
All in all, brilliant. 10/10
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