"Game" is going to be, and actually is, divisive amongst 'Law and Order: Special Victims Unit' fans. Especially if any fans are also video gamers and how they feel about how the episode deals with the subject of video gaming and its consequences. Some admire "Game's" guts in addressing a timely topic that actually does exist and doesn't get explored enough in media. Others have felt the episode unfair to video gaming and gamers, with it here being portrayed as being an influence on violent actions.
Can actually see both sides here. While feeling like it could have been more balanced and subtle in how it dealt with the subject matter, much of me did appreciate what "Game" was trying to say and like many 'Special Victims Unit' episodes it left me thinking deep afterwards. On the whole to me it was a pretty good episode if not a great one, not one of Season 6's best (it is my least favourite up to this point of the season and namely because the previous episodes appealed to me more subjects wise and handled them better) and a let down after four outstanding episodes in a row. But quite a lot better than what has been made out to be here.
It is not at all hard to see why there are, and will be, people that didn't like "Game". It definitely could have done with more subtlety, mostly it does explore the issue thoughtfully but did at times go too far seemingly saying "video gaming" isn't good for you". While not delving into enough that it only really isn't if done for an excessive number of hours and depending on the game and the person's state of mind.
Some may not take kindly to Stabler's line telling his son to do something else other than gaming, which did border on patronising.
Having said all of that, there is actually a lot to admire in "Game". The production values are solid and the intimacy of the photography doesn't get static or too filmed play-like. The music when used is not too over-emphatic and has a melancholic edge that is quite haunting. The direction is sympathetic enough without being leaden. The writing is very thought-provoking on the whole, especially the conflict of social culture development and taking personal responsibility. A conflict that is a case of where it was actually easy to see both sides of the argument.
The story mostly is very compelling, there could have been a lot more balance in the portrayal of video games but it does highlight that the issue actually does exist and that it can have serious consequences. Usually though not to this extreme an extent. The murder method is brutal and it was nice to see more of Stabler's personal life and to see his son's role in how the truth is gotten to. It is a very strongly acted episode, especially Christopher Meloni with the lion's share. Barry Bostwick and Diane Neal both have immense presence in the courtroom and as said it is one of those episodes where in both sides of the conflict portrayed when taken to trial can be seen. Seth Gabel gives the creeps very effectively.
Overall, not great but a lot to like here. 7/10
Can actually see both sides here. While feeling like it could have been more balanced and subtle in how it dealt with the subject matter, much of me did appreciate what "Game" was trying to say and like many 'Special Victims Unit' episodes it left me thinking deep afterwards. On the whole to me it was a pretty good episode if not a great one, not one of Season 6's best (it is my least favourite up to this point of the season and namely because the previous episodes appealed to me more subjects wise and handled them better) and a let down after four outstanding episodes in a row. But quite a lot better than what has been made out to be here.
It is not at all hard to see why there are, and will be, people that didn't like "Game". It definitely could have done with more subtlety, mostly it does explore the issue thoughtfully but did at times go too far seemingly saying "video gaming" isn't good for you". While not delving into enough that it only really isn't if done for an excessive number of hours and depending on the game and the person's state of mind.
Some may not take kindly to Stabler's line telling his son to do something else other than gaming, which did border on patronising.
Having said all of that, there is actually a lot to admire in "Game". The production values are solid and the intimacy of the photography doesn't get static or too filmed play-like. The music when used is not too over-emphatic and has a melancholic edge that is quite haunting. The direction is sympathetic enough without being leaden. The writing is very thought-provoking on the whole, especially the conflict of social culture development and taking personal responsibility. A conflict that is a case of where it was actually easy to see both sides of the argument.
The story mostly is very compelling, there could have been a lot more balance in the portrayal of video games but it does highlight that the issue actually does exist and that it can have serious consequences. Usually though not to this extreme an extent. The murder method is brutal and it was nice to see more of Stabler's personal life and to see his son's role in how the truth is gotten to. It is a very strongly acted episode, especially Christopher Meloni with the lion's share. Barry Bostwick and Diane Neal both have immense presence in the courtroom and as said it is one of those episodes where in both sides of the conflict portrayed when taken to trial can be seen. Seth Gabel gives the creeps very effectively.
Overall, not great but a lot to like here. 7/10
