Found Season 13 to be much better than expected. Despite loving Seasons 1-6 and Seasons 7-9 had some real hits as well, Seasons 10-12 saw a big overall downturn in quality despite all three still having some very good and more episodes. Season 13 also had to deal with a good deal of change, including the introduction of two major characters and Stabler being written out. While the previous four episodes were disappointments, there were winners in the season such as "Home Invasions" and especially "Spiralling Down".
Another winner is the season finale "Rhodium Nights", tieing with "Spiralling Down" as the best episode of Season 13. 'Law and Order: Special Victims Unit' really varied when it came to its season finales (it had a better track record with its premieres) and "Rhodium Nights" is among the best ones. Also easily the best since Season 8's "Screwed", saying easily because of disliking Season 9's "Cold", Season 10's "Zebras", Season 11's "Shattered" and Season 12's "Smoked". Would also go as far to say that it is even better than "Screwed".
"Rhodium Nights" is highly successful in every way. It is shot with the right amount of intimacy without being claustrophobic and that the editing has become increasingly tighter over-time has been great too. Nice use of locations too. The music doesn't get over-scored or overwrought, even in the more dramatic revelation moments. The direction is also accommodating. There is a tight, thoughtful script that crackles in tension.
The story is suitably intricate and suspenseful, with plenty of surprises. Usually don't like the type of ending "Rhodium Nights" finishes on, with the danger with another season not happening (especially when it's a two parter but spread out over two seasons), but this one shocks and makes one excited for what is to come.
Moreover, the acting is great all round. Particularly Dann Florek, who does authoritative and conflicted so well, and a wonderfully loathsome Peter Jacobson (he always plays those sort of roles extremely well). Dean Winters is also well cast as Cassidy.
Concluding, brilliant end to a pretty solid and better than anticipated season and makes one excited for what's to come in Season 14 (the premiere for that being the second part of what is essentially a two parter). 10/10.
Another winner is the season finale "Rhodium Nights", tieing with "Spiralling Down" as the best episode of Season 13. 'Law and Order: Special Victims Unit' really varied when it came to its season finales (it had a better track record with its premieres) and "Rhodium Nights" is among the best ones. Also easily the best since Season 8's "Screwed", saying easily because of disliking Season 9's "Cold", Season 10's "Zebras", Season 11's "Shattered" and Season 12's "Smoked". Would also go as far to say that it is even better than "Screwed".
"Rhodium Nights" is highly successful in every way. It is shot with the right amount of intimacy without being claustrophobic and that the editing has become increasingly tighter over-time has been great too. Nice use of locations too. The music doesn't get over-scored or overwrought, even in the more dramatic revelation moments. The direction is also accommodating. There is a tight, thoughtful script that crackles in tension.
The story is suitably intricate and suspenseful, with plenty of surprises. Usually don't like the type of ending "Rhodium Nights" finishes on, with the danger with another season not happening (especially when it's a two parter but spread out over two seasons), but this one shocks and makes one excited for what is to come.
Moreover, the acting is great all round. Particularly Dann Florek, who does authoritative and conflicted so well, and a wonderfully loathsome Peter Jacobson (he always plays those sort of roles extremely well). Dean Winters is also well cast as Cassidy.
Concluding, brilliant end to a pretty solid and better than anticipated season and makes one excited for what's to come in Season 14 (the premiere for that being the second part of what is essentially a two parter). 10/10.