Transgender issues are explained and sad to say exploited in this particular SVU episode. Despite a beautiful performance by Katherine Moennig as the tragic and troubled transgender woman, the story is flawed with characters that have mixed motives.
Moennig who has become the girlfriend of Chad Lindberg without revealing her physical nature is assaulted by Lindberg's brother at a party where the brother is then killed. Moennig is charged with his murder.
It becomes clear that she's the victim more than a perpetrator any way you slice it. I'm not at all agreeing with the decision that Stephanie March made in charging Moennig, but then there would be no story.
Then there's Michael Lerner who's a noted criminal attorney who takes the case because it's a headline maker. March is concerned about his motivations, but her own conduct is in question for me.
In the end there's no relief in sight for Moennig who seems destined to be a victim of all around her including law enforcement. The story is clearly borrowed from Boys Don't Cry.
But it's not nearly as well made.
Moennig who has become the girlfriend of Chad Lindberg without revealing her physical nature is assaulted by Lindberg's brother at a party where the brother is then killed. Moennig is charged with his murder.
It becomes clear that she's the victim more than a perpetrator any way you slice it. I'm not at all agreeing with the decision that Stephanie March made in charging Moennig, but then there would be no story.
Then there's Michael Lerner who's a noted criminal attorney who takes the case because it's a headline maker. March is concerned about his motivations, but her own conduct is in question for me.
In the end there's no relief in sight for Moennig who seems destined to be a victim of all around her including law enforcement. The story is clearly borrowed from Boys Don't Cry.
But it's not nearly as well made.