"Brazil" is one of the ripped from the headlines type of stories. The original 'Law and Order' mostly did the ripped from the headlines cases very well and sometimes even brilliantly (much more consistently than 'Law and Order: Special Victims Unit'). While some of the later ones weren't so great they were still better than those in the latter seasons of 'Special Victims Unit'. The original 'Law and Order' (and the franchise in general) also excelled when tackling difficult subjects, and this is no exception.
Despite liking Season 20 on the whole, more so on rewatch and much more so than expected (seeing as final seasons don't always get a good reputation, that for the US 'House of Cards' for example was a right mess), "Brazil" was a miss for me. The subject could have been tackled more sensitively and more done with it and the ripped from the headlines aspect has been done much better elsewhere as well. As far as Season 20 goes, "Brazil" is one of the few average or less ones.
It does have its good things. It is shot with the right amount of intimacy without being claustrophobic and that the editing has become increasingly tighter over-time has been great too. Nice use of locations too. The music doesn't get over-scored or overwrought, even in the more dramatic revelation moments.
Also didn't have a problem with the acting, despite not caring for the character writing for the supporting characters. It starts off quite well.
On the other hand, "Brazil" didn't come together. It does suffer from trying to cram in too much plot wise, too much of a kitchen sink quality when it comes to the real life inspired-esque elements. Which made the case on the choppy side, it would have been better just sticking to one main plot and not have two or more plot strands. It also felt bland, due to doing very little with the subject. Too many things are not delved into, very on the surface, and there is a dull and routine feel at times and a lack of cohesion. The subject could have been handled more tactfully, some heavy-handedness in the second half and the conclusion is agreed truly ludicrous that makes the witness look like a delusional idiot.
Writing lacks tautness and can ramble from having a little too much talk. The supporting characters are not very well fleshed out and lack subtlety. Pacing is erratic, dull and bland first third but an over-crowded and jumpy second, it's never perfect.
Summing up, watchable but a long way from being a show or season high point. 5/10.
