Photo by: Virginia Sherwood/NBC 2019 NBCUniversal Media, LLC
The record-breaking season 21 premiere of Law & Order SVU was jam-packed with changes for the SVU and it portends an interesting season. By beginning the episode in a bar that’s showing “Gunsmoke” on television - and panning away - it symbolizes the torch being passed to SVU, which now holds the record for the most number of seasons (21) for a prime-time drama in the U.S. Here’s some of the big changes that transpired in this episode:
1. Sonny Carisi now works as an ADA for new Special Victims Unit Bureau Chief Vanessa Hadid.
2. Fin and Rollins are now the lone SVU detective pair (until such time that someone else is added, if that ever happens)
3. Judge Barth has stepped down and is now in private practice.
4. Chief Dodds gets moved to Staten Island to “ride point” for the Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Task Force as the “powers that be have decided [he] can’t be trusted to work with the DA’s office going forward.”
5. Olivia Benson is promoted to Captain, a condition Dodds made for his move to Staten Island.
This is a lot to absorb in one episode, but it’s better it was done all at once. Like ripping off a band aid, it’s best to uncover these changes right away so the show can quickly get some fresh air and heal. Warren Leight has returned as showrunner and it’s obvious in many good ways.
Judge Barth moving into private practice allows Barth to be a thorn in SVU’s side in a different capacity, a nice prospect for fan favorite Jenna Stern. Fin and Rollins becoming the only detective pairing could get old fast – it already felt a little tired in this episode – so hopefully they will add someone quickly to bring a spark into the detective team. Dodds getting exiled to Staten Island was a logical move as he’s been making quite a few waves for One PP over the years and it was just a matter of time before he wore out his welcome. Law & Order fans will recall that Mike Logan was sent to Staten Island but resurfaced in the Law & Order movie “Exiled” and then in Law & Order Criminal Intent, so I keep the hopes that Dodds will make a return somehow to the SVU universe. Peter Gallagher was a great addition to the series and I would be saddened if this was the last we see of him.
Carisi’s move to the DA’s office may require some time for adjustment, for him AND for fans. I don’t know what the hiring qualifications are for a real ADA in Manhattan, but I would think some first-hand trial experience would be required. Carisi admits he has none. While we did see him do some close work with Barba in the past, he did zero work with Peter Stone, as far as I can recall. He’s thrown into the deep end right away in liaising with the SVU for a case involving a very powerful man – Sir Tobias Moore - who has deep connections with the DA’s office and other influential people. It seems Carisi’s hiring was done for the DA’s office to get an “in” with the SVU. Did new Bureau Chief Hadid assign Carisi to Toby’s case in the hopes he would unknowingly give her a heads up so she could counter what SVU was doing, or that Carisi would somehow bungle the case and Sir Toby would not be prosecuted? Hadid is too quick to threaten Carisi with being fired when the SVU didn’t clue him into Toby’s arrest, so she's not trustworthy right out of the gate. Lucky for Carisi, the case seems to be working out in the prosecution’s favor. But what other ulterior motives for hiring Carisi does Hadid have and will she later use Carisi as a pawn to make trouble for Benson? Regardless, Carisi will need some time to learn his new job and navigate internal politics. It may take time for his colleagues – and for fans - to find him credible in this role. I admit that I'm more willing to see Peter Scanavino take on this role than have to "break in" another new ADA cast member, and I believe Peter can do the job nicely.
Benson being promoted to Captain was a natural progression for her character. I suspect there will be many more challenges for her – both personal and political - in her new position, and without an ally like Chief Dodds there to help her navigate the politics of One PP, things could get messy.
The cast photos in the opening sequence have been “refreshed” and they look great. Overall, I liked the feel of the episode as they used various different locations outside the squad room to help bring energy and bring the story to life.
The case itself was a bit of a disappointment. A ripped-from-the-headlines story (Harvey Weinstein), it didn’t seem like it took much time to go from accusation to the trial. This was one of those stories that could have easily taken two episodes to cover. I fully understand we’re talking about a show that usually tells a story in 40 minutes of screen time, but for how long the Weinstein story played out, a two-episode story – and not necessarily two consecutive episodes – would have made the story and its message more powerful. Ian McShane was well cast and played the creepy sexual predator like it was second nature (which is a little unsettling when you think about that). This was a fantastic start to the season and I’m looking forward to more of season 21!
As side note – I’ve received a few emails asking if I will be recapping the information given on the new Law & Order SVU podcasts. I likely won’t have time to listen to the podcasts - at least not right away – and already barely have the time to do the episode recap/review. I wouldn't be listening to the podcast before I write my review anyway, as I want to review each episode based on the story as it has aired without any other side commentary influencing my opinion. If anyone wants to add any feedback they have from the podcasts, feel free to add them in the comments on each episode blog post.
Here is the recap:
“Gunsmoke” is playing on a TV in The Beekman Pub while Benson supervises the hanging of a banner that says “we will miss you.” Chief Dodds comments that he sees she spares no expense, and Benson quips it’s not like they throw a lot of parties. Meanwhile, at SVU with Rollins, he is packing his things. He’s nervous about his “big leap”. She invites him for one last drink.
Meanwhile, Pilar Reyes waits outside the office of Sir Tobias “Toby” Moore, the CEO of Picflix, watching a video of him talking to a large group of people. His assistant Cindy enters and said Toby is on a call and will be there in two minutes. As she preens, we see that Toby is watching her via hidden camera. The assistant brings Pilar into his office, and he quickly dispatches Cindy. Toby fawns over her and then suggests to start the audition. He walks her through what he wants.
Elsewhere, Carisi and Rollins walk to the pub. He knows he is a long way from doing a trial but has practiced Barba’s summations in front of a mirror. As they enter, Carisi finds he is walking into a surprise party, with Benson, Fin and Dodds in the forefront.
Back at Toby’s the audition continues and Toby doesn’t like her performance. He coaches her but then gives her a drink to relax.
Back at the pub, Benson announces that Dodds told her to check the paperwork, but there was no mistake, as of midnight tonight, Carisi is…and Fin finishes that he is passing over to The Dark Side. Everyone laughs, and Benson finishes that Carisi will be bringing his charm and expertise to the DA’s Special Victims Unit under Bureau Chief Hadid. Dodds jokes to Hadid that Carisi is her problem now, and she returns with a quip about a 90 day return policy.
Meanwhile, Toby isn’t thrilled with Pilar’s performance and continues to coach her, but wants her to take off her blouse. She stunned and says she is not comfortable with that. He puts great pressure on her, ordering her to take her blouse off – NOW.
The next day at SVU, as Benson and Rollins arrive, an officer explains that Pilar Reyes was driven over from the One-One, who says she was assaulted by a media bigwig, Sir Tobias Moore. In the interview room, Pilar explains to Benson and Rollins how she was assaulted. She kicked him but he blocked her way, and then forced her to watch him finish all over the couch, the lampshade, etc.
At the office of Bureau Chief Vanessa Hadid, at One Hogan Place on Saturday, August 10, Benson and Chief Dodds discuss the allegations against Toby with Hadid, who adds it is her first month and Carisi’s first day. They discuss Pilar, who Benson says is credible. There were no witnesses, he made sure the office was empty. They are doing due diligence. Dodds asks for warrants for the screen test and couch, his whole office. Hadid wants them to vet Pilar more but Benson stands by Pilar. Hadid says Toby will say she is making this up, and makes Carisi the riding ADA.
As Benson walks through the courthouse main hall, she is on the phone with Fin, telling him to take Rollins with him. She hangs up and comments to Dodds that Hadid seems reluctant. He thinks she is astute; if the case blows up, it won’t touch her. Benson is glad she put Carisi on the case, saying he is “one of us.” Dodds reminds her “WAS”, saying Carisi works there now.
At the AirBNB for Pilar Reyes at 192 Riverdale Avenue in Brownsville, Brooklyn on Saturday, August 10, Fin and Rollins speak with Pilar. She is packing, saying her agent told her to get out of town and already overstayed her visa. Fin sees a gift basket from Toby with his phone number and asks if she called him. Pilar replies no, he makes her sick. Rollins suggest she do so to arrange a meeting and they would have eye on her but Pilar is adamant against it, saying she does not want to see him again. Fin says yes she does.
Later, Pilar meets Toby in a bar, and she is dressed provocatively. She admits she is nervous but he tells her not to be hard on herself and suggests he give her another audition. She reluctantly agrees. He has a suite upstairs with a camera. Benson, who is watching with Fin, wonders where is she going and Fin says he told her to stay in the lounge. Pilar gets testy and Toby thinks this is a shakedown.
Afterwards, Benson, Fin, Rollins and Dodds play the recording of Toby’s continued threat to Pilar for Carisi. Carisi is irritated, saying it would have been good to know they were doing a controlled meet, and Dodds comments things were moving fast. Benson says Toby put himself in the room with her and threatened her, and Rollins adds they have arrested people with a lot less. Benson and Fin continue to pressure Carisi but he balks, saying he has to run this by Hadid, thinking she will do the right thing.
At the Picflix world premiere, Benson, Fin and Rollins wait outside for Carisi, and they worry he has not arrived. Inside, Toby is on the red carpet with his wife. Carisi arrives outside and tells them they are not doing this, word came down from the 8th floor to slow things down. Benson is angry, saying she doesn’t know what kind of hooks he has, he’s not getting away with this.
The next day, Hadid is on a local talk show explaining her mandate, saying if you are an offender, time’s up. Benson and Dodds watch from the sidelines. After the show is over, Benson tells Hadid she likes what she is hearing. Benson explains they want an arrest warrant and Hadid pushes back, complaining that she and Carisi should have prepped the victim. They both push back and forth and when Dodds asks for a search warrant for Toby's office, Hadid suggests they get the audition tape – she can sell that upstairs.
Later, as they walk near East 47th Street with Fin and Rollins, Benson and Dodds explain what Hadid wants. Rollins says she’s found a lot of information on the internet but no arrests and charges never get filed or the victim recants. Fin thinks he is paying them off and Benson thinks he will go right for Pilar. She tells the detectives to keep digging and pull in Carisi. Benson tells Dodds she is going right at the target.
Benson meets Toby in a hotel bar, and when Toby discusses what she does and maybe turning it into a series as her “second act”, Benson replies that, “I’m quite happy with my first act, not quite ready for the second.” He says sometimes is has a way of finding you, like it found him. Benson comments she got a tip he was being targeted for a shakedown and he mentions Pilar, saying she threatened him. He says Pilar is lying and he refuses to go with Benson, saying Benson should be checking her. He quickly leaves, and Benson takes his glass from his drink.
Back at SVU, Benson explains to Pilar how Toby will try to dig up dirt. Rollins enters and tells Benson she has a visitor, and Benson leaves the room to find Judge Barth waiting. They enter her office, and Barth says it was her decision to step down, adding that ending her marriage wasn’t but two kids in college it was either private practice or public bankruptcy. She is representing Toby, and Benson is stunned. Barth is informing Benson that Toby now has counsel. Barth sees Pilar in the interview room, saying that Benson should be skeptical of Pilar. Benson says she is credible but Barth says there are rumors Pilar was a prostitute and Benson thinks Toby started those. Barth hands Benson a flash drive with a few of the auditions on it, including Pilar’s. Barth says Pilar is a much better actress with Benson than she is on camera. As Barth leaves, Benson looks back on Pilar with concern.
Later, Benson, Fin and Rollins watch the auditions. Rollins notes that the scenes always end before Toby makes his move, and Fin comments it’s editing. Benson says there are five cases, the lines blurred between coercion and direction. Benson thinks he overplayed his hand, telling them to find out if any of the women will come forward.
At the Health Barre at 61 Sterling Place in Park Slope, Brooklyn on Monday, August 12, Rollins speaks with one woman who outlines her situation with Toby. Fin speaks with another at a restaurant who implies she has a non-disclosure. Rollins continues to get the story from the first woman, and it happened in Austin. Benson speaks with yet another woman, Amelia, who was his babysitter who explains what happened but will not testify.
Back at SVU, Rollins and Fin discuss these victims and the NDAs, and that Pilar has a lawyer now. A woman arrives asking for Fin, she is Gemma Brooks, an actress, who says her friend can’t talk about Sir Toby but she can.
In the interview room with Benson and Fin, Gemma explains her encounter with Sir Toby from 5 years ago. Later, Benson tells Dodds she believes her story, she has specific and consistent details. She signed and NDA but is willing to swear that it was coerced. She heard about the investigation from another actress. They observe as Gemma brings out a dress she wore and shows it to Fin and Rollins. Benson wonders if she should call Carisi in, but Dodds tells her to hold off and keep it under wraps until they can get Toby’s DNA. Benson explains she already has it – from the glass at the bar. Dodds tells her to test the dress and when it’s a match, pick him up. She asks if they are good to go, and Dodds says they arrest people all the time without the DA signing off. Meanwhile, Rollins explains to Gemma that once they file charges Toby will do anything he can...and Gemma says she knows, that’s how he keeps getting away with it. She can’t let him do this to one more woman.
Later, and Benson and Fin wait in the car, she explains that Dodds wanted to keep this quiet; he doesn’t want the press to find out before he tells Hadid. They see Toby arrive in his car and quickly arrest him. Cindy says she will call Barth, and Toby adds “and all the rest.” Toby smiles and Benson asks if he finds this amusing, and he says he does, there’s nothing as funny as watching a beautiful woman make the biggest mistake of her life.
At SVU, Fin removes the cuffs and puts Toby in the holding cell. Barth comes to get Toby and he is released. Barth chides Benson, saying she knew Toby had counsel and courtesy would have had her arrange the arrest through her. As the cell is opened, Barth tells Toby that SVU completely disregarded all protocol. Toby asks “Did they” and to Benson, asking why would she do that, the DA already dismissed Pilar’s casting couch story as fantasy. Benson explains the other women who came forward and says the charge is rape in the first degree and explains Gemma’s assault. Toby realizes it’s Gemma and asks Barth how they got to her.
Meanwhile, Carisi updates Hadid who is irate that his friends and NYPD didn’t give him notice, asking why she shouldn’t fire him right now. He explains he is between a rock and a hard place but she says the main reason she hired him is because he has a history with them. Carisi says SVU has a case, there is a pattern to the assaults, but Hadid highlights there may not be any within the statute of limitations, or in their jurisdiction. Carisi sheepishly admits they have one for now but she is solid. Hadid gets a text and looks at the TV and comments to tell her the name is not Gemma Brooks. Gemma is on TV with Toby and Barth, and Gemma states it is not true, saying glowing things about Toby and that is was consensual. Benson, Fin, Rollins, and Dodds are watching at SVU and they are flabbergasted. They know Gemma and Toby played them with the tape. Carisi arrives and Fin asks if she fired him already. Carisi replies no but he is hanging by a thread. Dodds says they all are, getting a call from the commissioner. Fin notices Toby taped the statement in the same room he did Pilar, and Carisi notices the furniture is not the same. They realize the furniture has been swapped out.
Later, Rollins shows surveillance video of the furniture switch on Sunday night. A cleaning crew came in on Monday morning, and shortly afterward, a group of people enter, including a former US attorney for the southern district, a former attorney general, cabinet member, deputy mayor…and 15 minutes later, Bureau Chief Hadid shows up and “half of the 8th floor”. They are all stunned. Benson thinks they are there to destroy Pilar’s credibility. Rollins highlights they have the assistant on tape destroying evidence. Benson instructs them to bring her in.
Cindy is in interrogation with Fin and he tells her she is an accessory to rape. He mentions destroying evidence. Fin brings up that Toby will throw her under the bus and back up over her. In a panic, Cindy says he can’t know. Fin looks over to the observation window where Benson and Rollins are watching. Rollins thinks they can take a run at Gemma and she will walk back her denial, but Benson says it is too late, after Gemma’s press conference she hopped a plane to New Zealand to direct a movie for Picflix. Rollins comments he has a way to get to everybody, and Benson thinks maybe they need someone new. She tells Rollins to call Vice.
At Bayard Rustin Homes in Gowanus, Brooklyn on Wednesday August 14, Benson and Fin meet with Katriona “Kat” Tamin and discuss Toby and his connections and what they need done and how Kat needs to play the part. They wired his hotel room in midtown and that his assistant is cooperating. They will be across the hall and pull her out before it gets too rough. Kat tells them not to do that, she explains she can take care of herself and will signal when they can come in.
Later, Kat is in the hotel room and dressed provocatively as Benson, Fin and Rollins watch Toby set the stage. Toby gets her against a frosted glass door and begins to force himself on her. Kat plays the part of trying to resist, saying she does not want to do this. He starts to choke her and when Fin asks Benson how long will they let this go on, Benson tells them to go now. Rollins comments Kat did not use the signal word “bastard” but Benson doesn’t care. They burst in the room and arrest him, and Kat asks calmly why did they rush in? Toby calls her a skank and that she set him up, and she says yeah, she’s not so green after all. Toby says Benson really is a stupid bitch, asking if she knows who she is dealing with. She says to Fin to get him out of here.
Afterward, Toby gets out of the car, cuffed, to a large group of waiting reporters and paparazzi. He tells Benson it is entrapment and he will be out in an hour. Benson counters with “not a chance.” As they walk him up to the building, Toby ask Benson who is she really angry at – an uncle, daddy, or just all men? As reporters shout questions, Toby denies wrongdoing and that NYPD has a vendetta.
At New York County Supreme Court at 60 Centre Street on Thursday, August 15, Carisi enters an elevator and Benson, Rollins come in right behind him. He asks what are they doing here, and Rollins explains it is his first arraignment, they wouldn’t miss it. Carisi says “spoiler alert” and then says Toby will get bail and then it will be a motion a day for 10 months. Benson comments that these guys believe they can’t be held accountable but Carisi needs to take him down. Carisi nods. As they step out of the elevator, they find a large group of women, including Pilar, holding signs that have messages such as #MeToo and that Sir Toby assaulted them as well. Pilar thanks Benson for believing in her. Before she enters the courtroom, Benson looks back on the sea of women with signs. She enters the courtroom.
Afterward, at the pub, Benson and Dodds watch Hadid, with Carisi at her side, at a press conference, talking about the NYPD’s message that no matter how rich and powerful you are, sexual assault will not be tolerated. Benson asks them to turn it down. Dodds comments that Hadid can turn on a dime, and Benson says Hadid is back on their side for now at Carisi is safe, it’s all good. But Dodds gets a look, and Benson asks if he is okay. He explains that the powers that be have decided he can’t be trusted to work with the DA’s office going forward. He explains he is being sent to Coventry; as of Monday morning, he will be riding point for the Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Task Force on Staten Island. Benson, shocked, says they can’t do that, and Dodds counters that feathers were ruffled and head have to roll. Benson says she will call the press and One PP and whoever she has to, adding this is ridiculous. Dodds tells her to let it go, he’s had a good run and it’s not time for her to stick her neck out. She states that she will be the judge of that, and Dodds say NO, she still has work to do and gas in the tank. He adds it would be a wasted sacrifice…”Captain.” Her face shows surprise, and Dodds explains he made it a condition of his exile. He urges her not to worry about him, he’ll be back. Benson looks choked up and tells Dodds he is a good man. He counters that she is a class act, adding “long may you run.” They have a toast as Benson looks like she is beginning to cry. She touches his arm and they both have a drink as we fade to black.
Cast:
Mariska Hargitay - Lieutenant Olivia Benson
Ice-T - Sergeant Odafin “Fin” Tutuola
Kelli Giddish - Detective Amanda Rollins
Peter Scanavino - ADA Dominick “Sonny” Carisi, Jr.
Guest stars:
Ian McShane - Sir Tobias "Toby" Moore
Peter Gallagher - Deputy Chief William Dodds
Zuleikha Robinson - Bureau Chief Vanessa Hadid
Jamie Gray Hyder – Katriona Tamin
Carmen Berkeley – Pilar Reyes
Jenna Stern – Elana Barth
Elizabeth A. Davis – Gemma Brooks
Frances Eve - Amelia James
Anna Rizzo – Monica Belasio
Victoria Oliver – Nina Phelps
Rachel Towne – Cincy Morrison
Matt Buechele – Uni Jones
Nancy Giles – Nancy Giles
Annika Pergament – Tabloid Reporter #1
Chris Harnick – Tabloid Reporter #2
Rebecca Bratland – The Duchess
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Interesting start for the new season, but in terms of actual plot it was one of the weakest "ripped from headlines" episodes since the by-the-numbers re-creation of the diplomat-vs-hotel maid story in 2011.
ReplyDeleteI thought the changes they made were smart moves for the show. The stories involving the crimes are getting boring, which could be due to the fact that we hear stories like this every day on the news, and SVU just rewrites them as fiction. Making Carisi an ADA is tough to swallow. He has no trial experience. It's possible someone can get an ADA's job with zero experience in Podunk USA but Manhattan? I doubt it. Can anyone shed light on reality here? Does someone with zero trial experience get an ADA job in Manhattan? We have no choice but to run with this and since it's Peter I'll go with the flow for now.
ReplyDeleteThe story involving Toby Moore was weak.
Benson being made captain was inevitable but with Dodds out of the picture, she will have to butt heads with some new people. I'm very interested in how this will play out. Sorry to see Peter Gallagher go, though.
Fin and Rollins - could they get any blander? They'd better get someone in quick to stir up that pot.
I don't like to be critical of a person's appearance but I have to say this. Ian McShane was fabulously creepy as the perp but I was distracted by his many big, white teeth. It was like they were going to leap off the screen and bite me. Scary.
A decent start for a show that's done 21 seasons. An amazing achievement!
I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this episode. Not gonna lie I was a bit worried when they were bringing back Leight that the show would feel like it was moving backwards. Simply because it's a former show runner that things might feel like it's gone back to season 13. The episode, not only felt new and fresh,
ReplyDeletebut it also gave a sense of progression and I was grateful for that. I thought putting Carisi as ADA was a welcomed surprise. Waiting to see who would be the new ADA I would have not thought it would be him. And since they started the episode with a farewell party for him it made even the opening credits suspenseful. I never watch the credit sequence. It's usually a time to look at my phone or somewhere else but I found myself intently watching and waiting to see if Peter Scanavino's name and image would be up there so yeah it had me tuned in from the go.
I feel differently than you do about the ending. Firstly, it felt disjointed to have Dodds seemingly going after Olivia's shield and sending a memo out about her that appears to be damning to them sharing a beer together and Olivia ready to go to bat for him. There are some details missing. Reminds me of Rollins and Benson having an all out war in Part 33 but appear in next episode as though none of that had happened and there is still cohesion between them.
Then there was the promotion to Captain. Natural progression isn't really how I see it and I'm not sure it needed to happen this season. I'm really not sure what the purpose of that was or why so early on in the season. If the last show runner had a thing for animal metaphors this one has a thing for promotions. Last time around B went all the way from det to Lt under his tenure. In the past it worked. I guess what I'm trying to figure out here is how does this add to the substance of the character or show as a whole like it did when she found herself shifting from detective/team member to running the squad. That was something that did a lot to advance the character and the show as a whole - it created movement for the other characters as well as they adjusted to the new dynamic. The storyline that will likely do that this season is Carisi's move to ADA as captain Benson is still in charge of the same squad and that dynamic stays largely the same. I'm not sure what it serves. It feels more like a move you'd make in a final season when you're working towards resolution of characters. Maybe this was a nugget for people to rave and tweet about but for the storytelling I didn't see the point. Feels like all we found out is- Benson is about to be paid more to do same job. But I don't mean any of this to be hostile. Just my view that for such a winning episode it had such a weird ending. As stated I feel like Carisi's move to ADA already provides a lot for exploring shifting dynamics. Benson as Captain feels like double dipping. We shall see what they have in store. I'm not hostile towards it. Just don't think it has same dynamic effect as her move from det to Sgt. and subsequently, commanding officer.
I hope too, that we don't get 'squad is celebrating Benson becoming capt when suddenly the phone rings and 2 detectives must rush out and leave.' Won't kill me if they do but inasmuch as that scenario has been done several times over including farewell parties for munch and carisi I think those minutes could go towards telling the rest of the episode's story and making for a stronger episode.
All in all an excellent start to the season. I think better than premieres in recent past. The team succeeded in bringing us not just a new episode but a sense of being in a new phase and like I said I was so gripped I found myself actually watching the credit sequence. It became part of the suspense. Despite my rant about the ending I think, overall, it was well done.
I had no doubt that Warren coming back would mean amazing things for SVU, and I am so glad I was right! This was one hell of a premiere, and I too look forward to an incredible Season 21!
ReplyDeleteCaptain (it was inevitable and how perfect for THIS season to have it happen!) Benson is officially too understaffed. We need at least three new faces in that squad room--the detective from Vice would be a perfect addition--and we need them quickly because Fin and Rollins have never worked as a partner team imo.
Ian McShane was incredible--as you pointed out, Chris, it was a bit unsettling how natural the acting was. I don't know about you but I almost forgot he was acting. I hope to God that it's just an example of incredible acting and absolutely nothing more.
I knew from the gate that Hadid was bad news, but what truly stunned me speechless was Judge Barth's stepping down from the bench and announcement that she was representing Sir Toby! (I almost choked on air from gasping so hard!) I remember her being an attorney in Season 1 and I thought it rather neat to have her practice in that again 20 years later. I hope I don't have to hate her too much from now on, she was my favorite judge!
I might be in the minority, but I'm not a fan of the way the graphics look in the intro. The cast photos are great, and they all needed a major update, but the way the cast members looked green-screened into a NYC setting looks awkward to me.
All in all, I'm so excited to see what Season 21 has to offer us! Next week's episode with Ariel Winter looks incredible too!
Another thing--Rollins looked quite fond of Carisi in the opening scenes, if you know what I mean. I'm excited to see how ADA (Barba would be so proud!!!!) Carisi does with no concrete trial experience, and with Hadid, who is untrustworthy as hell, as his boss.
ReplyDeleteI feel like I have to stop comparing the newer seasons to seasons 1-12, because every time I do I see the newer episodes as a huge disappointment. I felt this episode was pretty bland, a predictable story about a powerful man exploiting younger woman. But I'm faithful to the show and so will keep watching.
ReplyDelete-Also did anybody notice that this is the only time since the very first season that their have been only four main characters? I agree with the recap that having just two detectives will get old fast, although I do love the Rollins and Finn partnership. Ideally I'd love for an old character to be brought back to bring the cast more life. Warren Leight said in an interview that out of the characters Dana Lewis, Captain Cragen, Calvin, and Simon, two of these would likely appear this season in at least one episode. I would love it if those two were Dana and Cragen, even if they are only recurring characters.
-I will miss Dodds. He was finally starting to grow on me. I hope he comes back
-New show credits were long overdue. Rollins and Fin haven't had theirs changed since at least season 13.
I feel like I'd be okay with Kat from Vice making a switch to SVU. Fin was previously vice, so that'd be a nice shoutout, and she showed she's tough.
ReplyDeleteHorrible episode. Can’t stand Carisi is sent to the ‘back bench.
ReplyDeleteI wonder why it took them almost three years to do an episode "a la" Weinstein? It just seem like another Ultra rich celebrity rape case to me.
ReplyDeleteAs for the changes, like Laurie F mentioned, Carisi becoming an ADA is tough to swallow, considering he never sat 2nd chair to any other prosecution cases.
I can't believe that Benson was made Captain, considering how many times she has broken protocol. Her actions have even been responsible for some deaths. Dodd's son for one and the suicide of a mother's son, because Benson urged the mother to press charges, even though it was later determined to be consensual (Imposter). She also ignored direct orders and had a federal officer arrested (Zero tolerance). I could go on forever, but what really gets me is at the end and how sanctimonious she is wanting to go to the press and break the story about Dodd's transfer. Benson is just so hypocritical.
I did not love this season 21 starter. It felt very forced and a rather tired premise that #SVU has addressed enough times already.Also, there were a lot of personnel changes that I feel they could have worked into numerous episodes. to come.Namely Carisi becoming the ADA is very premature.Virtually no real time trial experience under his belt and he is named to the SV Unit that quickly seems contrived.And Benson being made Captain is just a little too "convenient" this early in the season. I spent literally all summer steeling myself for the inevitable Doddson - and suddenly he is exiled to Staten Island forever? Ugh. I still reel over that whole unfortunate Tuckson affair. Horrible idea to pair her with every single age-appropriate authority figure on the show. Bravo for Warren Leight for returning to the fold.
ReplyDeleteSorry to see Dodds be demoted - happy for Benson's promotion and SO GLAD Carisi is the new DA and removed from being directly in Rollins orbit - maybe now he can actually meet a decent girl who hasn't willing gone to bed with her married Captain (no she was NO raped - she slept with him to get her sister out of jail), a married Nick, Temporary Team Leader Declan(who fathered her first baby), her gambling addiction sponsor (forgot his name) and the doctor who fathered her 2nd child (just to name a few)
ReplyDeleteI get that it's time for a Weinstein episode, but it still felt way too similar to S13E13 Father's Shadow, which, personally, I think was a far more interesting episode. Good changes for the team, at least.
ReplyDeleteThe one thing I am very confused about is why doesn't anything happen to Hadid? It seems that the video footage was showing her participating in some way in destruction of evidence. She definitely should not be in that apartment building while the investigation is ongoing. But nothing happens and things just move with her still holding the position. Can someone please help me understand this?
ReplyDeleteUnknown - Yes she was raped by him. She was willing to sleep with him and then she changed her mind, which caused him to rape her. Your post is sick.
ReplyDeleteIn my experience with criminal law, it is not unheard of for a new lawyer to become an ADA straight out of the gate. However, typically the new recruits start in a misdemeanor capacity before moving to felony cases. And even then, cases with large amounts of publicity are handled by multiple attorneys, with one acting as lead and another second chairing. I know I am super late to this party, but thought I would add this, having just watched this episode for the first time in my SVU marathon on Hulu.
ReplyDeleteI’m late too, Bonnie, the season has just started airing in the UK. I’m so glad Sonny is still in the show, but I wish he’d get in touch with Barba’s tailor - I miss those amazing suits!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed the episode, I think Ian McShane was breaking in some new teeth.