"Pandora" was actually an episode seen quite a bit later than most of the early seasons episodes of 'Law and Order: Special Victims Unit'. It was interesting to have a different setting and see Stabler working with somebody else other than anybody in SVU. It is an episode that seems to have divided viewers, despite the high rating here there are fans of the show here that don't care for the episode. Do applaud any episode that takes on the difficult subject of child abuse.
While not a bad episode in my view, "Pandora", even on re-watches, is somewhat disappointing. Not up to top 'Special Victims Unit' standard and actually think it is one of the weakest episodes of Season 4 (and of the show up to this point), as far as the previous episodes go only "Disappearing Acts" is worse. As said though, "Pandora" is not bad, not as bad as others have said anyhow, and does have a good deal to recommend. Including its approach to child abuse.
Can completely understand the criticisms of how the Czech Republic and its law enforcement are portrayed and actually do agree that it is rather condescending and not tactful. Up to this point of its run, 'Special Victims Unit' didn't have this problem to this extent. Was not a fan of the character of Kate, who seemed rather cold and patronising but maybe that's just me.
Although William McNamara does more than credibly as Olivia's (very, very briefly seen early on, pretty much a cameo) temporary replacement with some nice grit, the chemistry between Bishop and Stabler didn't quite catch fire and could have done with more spark. The uneasiness was taken a little too much to extremes and it felt somewhat disconnected instead.
However, there was a lot that worked. The production values are slick and have a subtle grit, with an intimacy to the photography without being too claustrophobic. The music isn't used too much and doesn't get too melodramatic. The direction is sympathetic but also alert. Enough of the script is intelligently done and intriguing, even if it took itself a little too seriously at times.
Did appreciate that at least the actual case was handled with tact and didn't hold back on the tension or emotional power. The character of Claudia Williams returns and she works much better and is more likeable than she was in "Disappearing Acts", more professional and more likeable. Christopher Meloni is excellent as is a chilling Lothaire Bluteau. Pam Grier does very well too.
In conclusion, not bad but a long way from great in my view. 6/10
While not a bad episode in my view, "Pandora", even on re-watches, is somewhat disappointing. Not up to top 'Special Victims Unit' standard and actually think it is one of the weakest episodes of Season 4 (and of the show up to this point), as far as the previous episodes go only "Disappearing Acts" is worse. As said though, "Pandora" is not bad, not as bad as others have said anyhow, and does have a good deal to recommend. Including its approach to child abuse.
Can completely understand the criticisms of how the Czech Republic and its law enforcement are portrayed and actually do agree that it is rather condescending and not tactful. Up to this point of its run, 'Special Victims Unit' didn't have this problem to this extent. Was not a fan of the character of Kate, who seemed rather cold and patronising but maybe that's just me.
Although William McNamara does more than credibly as Olivia's (very, very briefly seen early on, pretty much a cameo) temporary replacement with some nice grit, the chemistry between Bishop and Stabler didn't quite catch fire and could have done with more spark. The uneasiness was taken a little too much to extremes and it felt somewhat disconnected instead.
However, there was a lot that worked. The production values are slick and have a subtle grit, with an intimacy to the photography without being too claustrophobic. The music isn't used too much and doesn't get too melodramatic. The direction is sympathetic but also alert. Enough of the script is intelligently done and intriguing, even if it took itself a little too seriously at times.
Did appreciate that at least the actual case was handled with tact and didn't hold back on the tension or emotional power. The character of Claudia Williams returns and she works much better and is more likeable than she was in "Disappearing Acts", more professional and more likeable. Christopher Meloni is excellent as is a chilling Lothaire Bluteau. Pam Grier does very well too.
In conclusion, not bad but a long way from great in my view. 6/10