'Law and Order', and actually frequently the whole 'Law and Order' franchise (especially early and mid seasons 'Special Victims Unit'), often excelled when it came to having cases that made the viewer feel truly sad and angry. It also often excelled when it came to tackling difficult topics. As far as Season 17 goes, this is in the top 3 topics that comes closest to evoking that sort of reaction, that of making one feeling sad and angry in what is a sad case.
"Charity Case" does very well with the topic, exceptionally well in fact on the most part. It is a case of one half being better than the other, and it isn't a small difference this time, which was not uncommon with 'Law and Order'. The good things though are numerous and most of the good things, well actually pretty much all, are truly great. Was worried that there would be too much of a sensationalist feel, with the story on paper sounding like a ripped from the headlines scenario, but that didn't come over as the case.
Never did find Cassady an interesting character, she never really developed or had many strong traits, and Milena Govich didn't have much personality as her. "Charity Case" is not an exception.
The first quarter is on the ordinary side and would have registered more if the chemistry between Govich and the ever great Jesse L Martin was stronger.
However, the good things far outweigh the not so good. The production values are typically slick with the right amount of grit, nothing is too fancy or too gimmicky. Nor is anything too static, drab or garish. The music is not too constant or emotionally manipulative, meaning not over-emphasising the emotion to make one think that's how we should be feeling. The direction is accommodating but also has pulse.
While not subtle, the writing is intelligent and taut, leaving one deep in thought. The case is an interesting one and really draws one in in the second half, it is also one that leaves one feel both angry and sad afterwards. The moral dilemmas that come with it are handled well and don't come over as implausible or preachy. Other than Govich, the acting is very good. Jennifer Beals being wonderful in a powerful performance that left me scared and moved.
Overall, another very good episode. 8/10.
"Charity Case" does very well with the topic, exceptionally well in fact on the most part. It is a case of one half being better than the other, and it isn't a small difference this time, which was not uncommon with 'Law and Order'. The good things though are numerous and most of the good things, well actually pretty much all, are truly great. Was worried that there would be too much of a sensationalist feel, with the story on paper sounding like a ripped from the headlines scenario, but that didn't come over as the case.
Never did find Cassady an interesting character, she never really developed or had many strong traits, and Milena Govich didn't have much personality as her. "Charity Case" is not an exception.
The first quarter is on the ordinary side and would have registered more if the chemistry between Govich and the ever great Jesse L Martin was stronger.
However, the good things far outweigh the not so good. The production values are typically slick with the right amount of grit, nothing is too fancy or too gimmicky. Nor is anything too static, drab or garish. The music is not too constant or emotionally manipulative, meaning not over-emphasising the emotion to make one think that's how we should be feeling. The direction is accommodating but also has pulse.
While not subtle, the writing is intelligent and taut, leaving one deep in thought. The case is an interesting one and really draws one in in the second half, it is also one that leaves one feel both angry and sad afterwards. The moral dilemmas that come with it are handled well and don't come over as implausible or preachy. Other than Govich, the acting is very good. Jennifer Beals being wonderful in a powerful performance that left me scared and moved.
Overall, another very good episode. 8/10.
