True Believers

An elfin blond who sleeps around (and appears to have a personality disorder) with everyone from her teacher to some rando whose name she doesn't know accuses a Black man of rape.

St. Benson takes the side of the blond without question, ignoring her own racism in chasing down a Black man simply because he was accused, to the degree of screaming at his stunned family to "shut up" after she practically kicks down the door. When it goes to trial, it's discovered the blond lies, and still Benson refuses to change her mind. Is it tribalism? Is it racism? Of course it is. The defense attorney even points out the investigation cut a lot of legal corners and that if the accused had been White, the trial would never have happened.

This is all good fodder for a real examination of racism. Benson has always played loose with her own prejudices, hiding under the skirt of "standing up for victims." But the episode cops out. Instead of Benson having to face any real consequences, as usual it has to put her in a heroic spotlight. For shame.

This episode was done in 2011, when racism in the police force certainly was not an unknown problem. But now that it's post George Floyd, imagine how prescient the show might have been had it actually dealt with the racism rather than sugar coat this into yet another "Benson can do no wrong" homily. And at the end, the blond is still treated as the victim, even when the defense attorney points out that no one knows what real happened who wasn't there.

"True Believers" is yet another episode to have a main interest point. This time it was the episode that introduced the character of Bayard Ellis, a great character with great authority and principles and had always loved his chemistry with Olivia ("Monster's Legacy" being a prime example). It's another example of a "she said, he said" story, which is not a favourite type of story of mine as some episodes that have this kind are too one sided and judgemental, and one where the truth is known to the viewer well before the SVU and attorneys and it's all about proving it.

For me, "True Believers" was a good solid episode that benefitted hugely from the main guest star in particular and also with how the moral dilemmas of the case, and there is a lot of that here, are presented. Part of me was at the same time rather frustrated by it though, with the ending and treatment of the victim not sitting right with me. Not one of the best episodes of Season 13 but a marked improvement over the previous episode "Missing Pieces".

What particularly elevates "True Believers" to a greater level is the wonderful performance of Andre Braugher, in the show's best guest turn since Jeremy Irons. It was so great that such a well written character was a on and off recurring character, he has such great authority and an intimidating tough presence that knows his stuff. Even if one is outraged by the conclusion, it is hard to disagree with Ellis' point of view here (especially in regard to the line up). Love his chemistry with Olivia, Mariska Hargitay also excelling. The regulars are all fine and the chemistry is without issue. It was interesting for the first time (at the top of my head) in a while to have the squad's unprofessional and shoddy detective work acknowledged and scrutinised in court.

Moreover, the legal portions are tense and extremely well written and acted (it was great to see Cutter again and Linus Roache is strong, although Cutter's prosecution arguments are usually much better than the one he presents here). Also in a way quite painful considering both the prosecution and defense points of view are understandable, not a common occurance in 'Special Victims Unit'. The script is concise and thought provoking. The production values are fine, have always liked the photography's intimacy and grit and the look of the show has come on a good deal over-time (and it was good to begin with). The music (wisely used sparingly this time) doesn't intrude and has a haunting quality, have not always remembered to say that the theme tune is easy to remember and holds up. Direction is solid.

However, "True Believers" doesn't quite live up to full potential. The sloppy and unrealistic detective work (as bad as some of the detective work in Seasons 10-12, especially with the line up) that was enough to get the case thrown out. Do have to agree with everybody that the ending is frustrating and truly unjust when whether the defendant is guilty or not is pretty obvious even when in court, it would have been less so if the evidence was less circumstantial and if Cutter's closing argument wasn't as weak as it was.

Did think too that the victim was treated far too judgementally and cruelly, she should not have been judged so negatively for performing not long after suffering a trauma when it is actually not that unrealistic and has been known to happen. There are musicians that have carried on working and performing within even hours of having a trauma, musicians with a "the show must go on", "I have no choice" or "music heals wounds" mentality, despite having a health scare (me), loving a loved one (Sir Colin Davis) or suffering an injury (Joyce DiDonato).

Overall, good but not great. 7/10.

The health and safety procedures applied to a rape victim are also described in this story. Previously, examination of both sides in the form of claims was presented in 6s 8e. At 12h 3e, physical examination details and emotional trauma were presented. Sarah's case diffrent points to technical advances in terms of medical and psychological support.

This time, we are witnessing the law processes of a rape case. The questions that a woman's active sexual life can raise, confronting undesirable allegations when accusing a man: the bars she goes to, her attitude, and racial dilemmas, raise more reasonable doubts...

Who is really right? Two sharp papers...

The dialogue between the Chief of Office a.d.a. The custodian of the law and svu Olivia the custodian of rights and Sarah the victim. It is a summary of the approach to women in today's law.

The Olivia and Ellis dialogues are legendary.

It is a wonderful episode that takes a picture of today's understanding of justice with every scene and every dialogue.

Man is guilty and a drug dealer and a lawyer takes on the case and allows him to go free. Brings up the boring tiresome race card lol which has nothing to do with anything.

Poor girl who was rape, would have been a better ending if the father would of put a hole in the suspects head. One of the worse episodes yes, someone else said it also. Be sure to skip this episode, you're not missing anything.

Thanks to the quarantine, I am currently watching my way through 2 decades worth of episodes. This is the best one I have seen.

The episode is good overall. What got me excited was the last 3 minutes and 10 seconds. Andre Braugher nails it with his character all the way through, but is amazing at the end. The conversation between him and Marisa Hargitay was perfect. Perfectly written, perfectly acted. Should be required viewing for everyone as it brings up issues and perspectives with racial relations that are never seen by most people.