The story, when it comes to the concept, sounds very been there done that initially, or at least that is the case with the first quarter. There are a good deal of 'Law and Order: Special Victims Unit' episodes, and episodes even in the 'Law and Order' franchise, that have stories and themes done before, but they do something a lot less simple and more complex than it seems with them. They are though themes that are worth addressing and need to be.
"Missing Pieces" is one of those episodes that could have done a lot more with the theme it had. It had all the ingredients to be a very sad case, but somehow it left me rather cold and that is being said with regret. Considering that this is the kind of story where that left cold feeling is not felt a lot. Not a terrible episode by all means, but could have been a lot better. "Missing Pieces" for me was the first disappointment of Season 13 and in the weaker end.
Of course there are good things. 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. Some of the direction is suitably accomodating
Where "Missing Pieces" is at its best is the acting, with one exception it's near-uniformly good. Especially the hard hitting performances for the parents. Amaro has settled very well and is still a good addition, tough but not too much so.
However, there are shortcomings as well. There is one exception when it comes to the acting and that is Kelli Giddish, who is still rigid (luckily she improved massively in later seasons). A big issue is the execution of the story, which is far too thin and is more suited to 30 minutes than nearly an hour, so it feels over-stretched. It is very predictable with very few surprises from having seen similar quite a lot over the years and better, which does kill the suspense. What should have been a very sad episode that induces anger instead came over as bland.
Didn't find the supporting characters particularly interesting, they didn't seem developed enough. The dialogue is on the too talk heavy side and lacks the tautness and edge that one associates the franchise with at its best. Not everything makes sense, especially Olivia's decision regarding what would become of the couple which is not plausible for a minute and something that early years Olivia would not consider. Rollins' reaction is completely understandable.
In conclusion, disappointing. 5/10.
"Missing Pieces" is one of those episodes that could have done a lot more with the theme it had. It had all the ingredients to be a very sad case, but somehow it left me rather cold and that is being said with regret. Considering that this is the kind of story where that left cold feeling is not felt a lot. Not a terrible episode by all means, but could have been a lot better. "Missing Pieces" for me was the first disappointment of Season 13 and in the weaker end.
Of course there are good things. 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. Some of the direction is suitably accomodating
Where "Missing Pieces" is at its best is the acting, with one exception it's near-uniformly good. Especially the hard hitting performances for the parents. Amaro has settled very well and is still a good addition, tough but not too much so.
However, there are shortcomings as well. There is one exception when it comes to the acting and that is Kelli Giddish, who is still rigid (luckily she improved massively in later seasons). A big issue is the execution of the story, which is far too thin and is more suited to 30 minutes than nearly an hour, so it feels over-stretched. It is very predictable with very few surprises from having seen similar quite a lot over the years and better, which does kill the suspense. What should have been a very sad episode that induces anger instead came over as bland.
Didn't find the supporting characters particularly interesting, they didn't seem developed enough. The dialogue is on the too talk heavy side and lacks the tautness and edge that one associates the franchise with at its best. Not everything makes sense, especially Olivia's decision regarding what would become of the couple which is not plausible for a minute and something that early years Olivia would not consider. Rollins' reaction is completely understandable.
In conclusion, disappointing. 5/10.