This is one of those times where I have little time to do a detailed recap. It’s a shame that it’s for an episode which featured a man, Andy Richards, as the victim of sexual assault, a rarity for Law & Order SVU, or any show for that matter. The one thing I was left with after watching this episode: there didn’t seem to be very harsh punishment for someone who could do something so horrific to another human being, man or woman. I’m surprised that Carisi agreed to the deal. Is the stain of being on the sex offender registry considered harsh punishment? If a man assaulted a woman in this manner, would he have gotten off so easy?
We got a glimpse of Deputy Chief Garland’s home and his family, which helps make him seem less the stern boss and more like a normal family man who is very in-tune to the needs of special victims.
It was surprising that Andy was allowed to continue to testify despite the fact that he had just passed out in court after having too much to drink, plus requiring help from EMTs. I didn’t think someone was allowed to testify if there is evidence the person is impaired.
The episode features Michael Gladis, a Law & Order SVU and Criminal Intent “repeat offender”, plus Lee Tergeson, a Law & Order, Criminal Intent, L&O LA and SVU “repeat offender”.
Here is the recap:
Andy Richards initially looks to be a husband with a drinking problem, along with having problems with co-workers on a construction job. He requires medical care for injuries that appear to be from a beating but on close examination by doctors, there is evidence he has also been sexually assaulted. Andy is in denial and reluctant to discuss it, and at first his wife doesn’t appear suspect.
As the SVU investigates, they find that it IS his wife Diana who has assaulted him. Along with Carisi, the SVU works to get Andy to admit it was Diana who did this to him and to get him to testify against her in court, along with Benson, the nurse who treated him, and the house maid. At one point Andy hits the booze during the trial, causing him to pass out. Despite the best efforts of Diana’s attorney Erik Garrison to clear her of wrongdoing, Diana eventually can’t escape what Andy states that she’s done. Garrison cuts a deal with Carisi. Diana pleads guilty to misdemeanor sexual assault and assault in the third degree. She’s put on the sex offender registry until her son is 18. After the trial, she suggests she and Andy work things out, saying she didn’t realize she hurt him and doesn’t want to hurt their son Charlie. But Andy smartly says while he won’t keep Charlie from seeing her, Andy will not be in Diana’s life. Andy thanks Carisi and Benson, and also thanks Garland. As they all file out of the courtroom, we fade to black.
Another dumb and pointless opener. Of course the construction guys weren't going to be the responsible party. I did like seeing some of Garland's home life, though. Makes him feel more like a member of the main cast.
ReplyDeleteWas there any reason why the wife had two last names and both different from that of her husband? Again, pointless. "Mrs. Richards" would have sufficed. Good effort from Carisi, but Barba would've made her really explode in anger.
I'm pretty mixed on the same actors coming back in different parts on the same show. I'd rather this not happen at all (it's much more exciting to see new actors join this world), but I'm okay with it if the actor goes on to a more substantial role. Kelli Giddish and Peter Scanavino going from forgettable one-offs to cast members would be examples, and Michael Gladis does have more here than he did in Branded.
However, what I really hate is an actor going from a substantial and memorable role to one that is not. This show has pulled that quite a few times in the last few years: Richard Thomas, Dylan Walsh, Samantha Mathis, Kirk Acevedo, Cathy Moriarty, and now Lee Tergesen. There have to be 1000s of actors looking for a bigger break that could've played this generic defense attorney.
I’m confused as to why she’s only on the registry until her son is 18. She didn’t assault a child. What does that have to do with it. Except prevents her from getting custody.
ReplyDeleteThis post has been updated with my (abbreviated) recap!
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, most cases in the criminal justice system end with a deal. There have been quite a few SVU episodes where men got a slap on the wrist or got off all together for their crimes. Prosecutors know that there is always someone on the jury that can mess up a case, so better to offer a deal than risk that person getting off with nothing. I wish she got a lot more of a punishment. However in this way, she has to pay support, loses custody and he gets to keep his son, which was most important.
ReplyDeleteIm happy this episode featured a male victim. Kat annoyed me a lot because she is quick to believe women but doubted this victim. She was quick to throw out the word alleged when he was the victim but quick to believe the wife when she made an accusation. Male or female, wrong is wrong. Period. Im sure this was intentional on behalf of the writers because they know there are people who underestimate male victims and want to raise awareness. Benson was definitely right to defend him like she would defend any female.
I was very happy to see Benson defend him. There needs to be more episodes highlighting me. Being abused.
DeleteAs was I, although I wish Olivia and the rest of the squad would’ve really held Kat’s feet to the fire on her hypocrisy And defended him with the same passion and vigor with which Cabot defended the male victim from the season three episode “Ridicule”.
DeleteThe could have done a better job with this one. Diana got off too easy. As @Mending_Wall said, deals do happen. I think Carisi could have asked for more here, though. As you said Chris, had the roles been reversed, Carisi would not have been so easy on the deal.
ReplyDeleteKat grated on me too. She didn't seem as supportive of the victim in this case. There are some SVU fans who have issues with Kat as it is and I don't think this helps.
The episode was predictable but still good. Seeing Garland at home and his initial involvement was a nice change for him.
@A, I disagree. The opener is like a classic SVU opener. It's a classic SVU misdirection, much of the episodes since post S13-14 has lacked this type of opening so whenever it comes on I really appreciate it.
ReplyDeleteThis episode showed me the reason why I never liked Kat. She's an unlikeable character through and through. Her attitude here grated on me a lot. She lacks the ability to look at cases through different views. She's so unfit for SVU. IDK why they're writing her as this brash, impulsive detective who's quick to dismiss male victims without a second thought.
The episode as a whole was very enjoyable imo Predictable? Definitely, but enjoyable. S22 has been much stronger than S20-S21 so far if you ask me. I agree with @Mary as well, there needs to be more episodes that focuses on male victims, whether with female or male offenders. It's a known fact that most male victims of sexual assaults never come forward and it'd be a great message to see them being portrayed on TV.
In real life I'd struggle to respond politely to some of the comments Kat makes, but the way the writers have made it a short of thing between her and Carisi makes it kind of entertaining. That being said, I thought her approach to this case totally fit her character (though I didn't get how the zebra analogy fit here).
ReplyDeleteI also like how Diana was played, particularly in the court, you could see the anger, but also how well she was able to mask it.