Out of all of the topics that Season 4 of 'Law and Order: Special Victims Unit', and the whole show in general actually come to think of it, "Fallacy's" is one of the bravest, yet also controversial, ones and actually even more relevant today than it was back then (despite more knowledge the ignorance is still there unfortunately today). Never have had a problem for such increasingly misunderstood people and actually don't really understand why there are others that do, and they deserve every ounce of happiness and acceptance.
"Fallacy" does a great job with this very difficult subject. It must have been a real challenge addressing this topic, due to how well or not it would go down, but "Fallacy" handles it with a lot of honesty and delicacy. Cannot disagree more with anybody that says that it shoves political views down the throats and feel personally that it is not particularly sensitive to say that. Is this episode one of my favourites of Season 4? Not quite, but to me it has always been a truly admirable and exceptionally well done episode and deserves a big Grade A effort for even trying tackling an issue that so many have been and still are ignorant of.
Did find myself somewhat annoyed by Stabler's attitude towards Cheryl, it did strike me as rather unsympathetic (and fans do know from episodes before and since that he can be sympathetic) and somewhat ignorant. That was my only real issue actually about "Fallacy".
So much is done right. The production values are slick and professional, not ever resorting to cheap or untested gimmicks or anything. The music is haunting in the right places and isn't constant or too loud, and the direction gives the drama urgency and breathing space.
The script provokes a lot of thought, especially in the whole conflict with whether to see Cheryl through law as a man and a woman (which will, and most probably still does, be a cause for debate), and doesn't ramble. The story is very interesting throughout and moved me too quite a bit, there is one significant and shocking event part-way through that many, including myself, are likely to wish to have a not bad outcome. It isn't obvious either, can think of at least three parts that shocked me, and it is not confusing. The episode did not have an easy subject to cover and it covered it actually with honesty and tact, personally didn't see the shoving down people's throat vibe others got.
All the regulars are terrific, namely Mariska Hargitay as the most understanding and sympathetic of the team members here. The truly moving and courageous performance of Katherine Moennig as a complex character also stands out in a major way. The ending did shock and sadden me.
Overall, great. 9/10
"Fallacy" does a great job with this very difficult subject. It must have been a real challenge addressing this topic, due to how well or not it would go down, but "Fallacy" handles it with a lot of honesty and delicacy. Cannot disagree more with anybody that says that it shoves political views down the throats and feel personally that it is not particularly sensitive to say that. Is this episode one of my favourites of Season 4? Not quite, but to me it has always been a truly admirable and exceptionally well done episode and deserves a big Grade A effort for even trying tackling an issue that so many have been and still are ignorant of.
Did find myself somewhat annoyed by Stabler's attitude towards Cheryl, it did strike me as rather unsympathetic (and fans do know from episodes before and since that he can be sympathetic) and somewhat ignorant. That was my only real issue actually about "Fallacy".
So much is done right. The production values are slick and professional, not ever resorting to cheap or untested gimmicks or anything. The music is haunting in the right places and isn't constant or too loud, and the direction gives the drama urgency and breathing space.
The script provokes a lot of thought, especially in the whole conflict with whether to see Cheryl through law as a man and a woman (which will, and most probably still does, be a cause for debate), and doesn't ramble. The story is very interesting throughout and moved me too quite a bit, there is one significant and shocking event part-way through that many, including myself, are likely to wish to have a not bad outcome. It isn't obvious either, can think of at least three parts that shocked me, and it is not confusing. The episode did not have an easy subject to cover and it covered it actually with honesty and tact, personally didn't see the shoving down people's throat vibe others got.
All the regulars are terrific, namely Mariska Hargitay as the most understanding and sympathetic of the team members here. The truly moving and courageous performance of Katherine Moennig as a complex character also stands out in a major way. The ending did shock and sadden me.
Overall, great. 9/10