On first watch, expectations were mixed. While liking 'Law and Order: Special Victims Unit' as a show in its early seasons, part of me was worried finding that the character of Chester Lake would feature heavily. With a few exceptions, he didn't do much for me and it did seem that by the end of his stint that the writers didn't like him that much either. On first watch feelings were mixed, while surprisingly not having a problem with Lake the story was less than great.
Rewatching "Fight" some time back, my feelings are still a bit mixed. Lake does make one of his better appearances here and his chemistry with Fin gels a lot better than it did in "Outsider", but it was just very forgettable and dull. While not one of the worst episodes of 'Special Victims Unit', it is among the weakest of a hit and miss Season 9 and not a good representation of the brilliance that the show was often capable of which is a shame.
"Fight" does have good things. The production values are still slick and suitably gritty (without being too heavy in it). The music is not too melodramatic and is not used too much, even not being too manipulative in revelations. The direction has its moments. Lake is not bland this time and actually seems to care about the situation, while Adam Beach is less wooden and more at ease than most episodes.
Ice-T is also without issue and it was great to see more of Fin. The chemistry between Lake and Fin works much better than it did in "Outsider", there wasn't any in that episode whereas they were entertaining together here. The acting in general is fine and did think the brothers reunion was poignant as well.
However, a lot works against "Fight". The case didn't grab me at all, very slow moving and too thin. There is very little tension and it doesn't go anywhere in the middle too often. It's also very predictable and not much different from similar scenarios, which makes the episode feel forgettable. The dialogue for my tastes was too exposition heavy and talky, which was relatively uncharacteristic of 'Special Victims Unit' in its early seasons.
As well as awkward and unintentionally silly. There is nothing memorable about the supporting characters despite being gamely acted. The final quarter is rushed with the final solution feeling like it arrived too late. Plus the shocking event was more unintentionally funny than tense or shocking.
Concluding, not particularly good but watchable. 5/10.
