When in its prime, 'Law and Order: Special Victims Unit' (well actually the whole 'Law and Order' franchise but especially 'Special Victims Unit' when on form) was better than most shows at its handling of relevant but difficult topics. Have said this more than once before, but it is always worth saying and there shouldn't be a limit on how often it's said. As it is one of the show's biggest selling points and it was obvious even when the show became more variable later.
"Parole Violations" was a mostly very impressive episode, it's thought probing, hard hitting and suitably twisty while making an important point without preaching. It is not as good as Season 3's "Ridicule", another episode that covers the subject of males also being victims and iterates that it is not just women that are abused. It was great to have some focus on Carisi, who mostly made a great impression in his first season (apart from "Decaying Morality" and "December Solstice"), though did worry about how the mix of personal life and case would work out. Luckily, it's well done.
There is much to admire. It is well made, not having too much of a filmed play feel while not being gimmicky. The music is haunting yet not overwrought. The direction is accomodating but is alert enough to the drama, so it's not choppy or draggy. The script pulls no punches while also not preaching, it has spark and doesn't take itself overly seriously or treat its subject as a joke. Really appreciated "Parole Violations" for handling this subject matter, or even daring to, and appreciate it even more for its uncompromising, hard hitting but not heavy handed, one sided or sleazy treatment of it.
As usual, love Barba's straight talking and sass. While Carisi was a great character this season, he is at his most interesting here. Did like that his personal life actually not only revolved around the case but actually was it, as far as the mix of personal life and case goes this season this is one of the best episodes as it doesn't feel like two plots in one (instead one big one that connects together very well). Also appreciated that its main point of women can be abusers too wasn't too in your face and why it is easy to be skeptical.
Raul Esparza and Peter Scanavino are excellent here, Carisi's chemistry with Tommy is the episode's heart and done in a way where there is no judgement, the skepticism in this case is understandable this time as this viewer did initially feel similarly, but also no refusing to believe any other theory. The guest star acting is equally fine, with Molly Price playing her creepy character to the hilt. The dramatic highlight is Jordan's cross examination, that had tension and was emotion filled.
It isn't perfect. Didn't care for Barba's sloppy comment regarding former ADAs, that was tactless and continuity goes at this point.
Carisi's family scenes had room for more depth than what was given.
Otherwise, very good handling of a tough and not explored enough subject. 8/10.
"Parole Violations" was a mostly very impressive episode, it's thought probing, hard hitting and suitably twisty while making an important point without preaching. It is not as good as Season 3's "Ridicule", another episode that covers the subject of males also being victims and iterates that it is not just women that are abused. It was great to have some focus on Carisi, who mostly made a great impression in his first season (apart from "Decaying Morality" and "December Solstice"), though did worry about how the mix of personal life and case would work out. Luckily, it's well done.
There is much to admire. It is well made, not having too much of a filmed play feel while not being gimmicky. The music is haunting yet not overwrought. The direction is accomodating but is alert enough to the drama, so it's not choppy or draggy. The script pulls no punches while also not preaching, it has spark and doesn't take itself overly seriously or treat its subject as a joke. Really appreciated "Parole Violations" for handling this subject matter, or even daring to, and appreciate it even more for its uncompromising, hard hitting but not heavy handed, one sided or sleazy treatment of it.
As usual, love Barba's straight talking and sass. While Carisi was a great character this season, he is at his most interesting here. Did like that his personal life actually not only revolved around the case but actually was it, as far as the mix of personal life and case goes this season this is one of the best episodes as it doesn't feel like two plots in one (instead one big one that connects together very well). Also appreciated that its main point of women can be abusers too wasn't too in your face and why it is easy to be skeptical.
Raul Esparza and Peter Scanavino are excellent here, Carisi's chemistry with Tommy is the episode's heart and done in a way where there is no judgement, the skepticism in this case is understandable this time as this viewer did initially feel similarly, but also no refusing to believe any other theory. The guest star acting is equally fine, with Molly Price playing her creepy character to the hilt. The dramatic highlight is Jordan's cross examination, that had tension and was emotion filled.
It isn't perfect. Didn't care for Barba's sloppy comment regarding former ADAs, that was tactless and continuity goes at this point.
Carisi's family scenes had room for more depth than what was given.
Otherwise, very good handling of a tough and not explored enough subject. 8/10.