While not one of the most inspired story ideas of Season 6, or the whole of 'Law and Order: Special Victims Unit', "Goliath" on first watch was still watched with high expectations. Being someone who likes the early seasons of 'Special Victims Unit' very much (it's not been the same on the whole though for a while) and who on the most part loved Season 6. Only two episodes disappointed, and all the others were very good to outstanding (even the polarising one "Doubt").
Much better and more consistent than the Season 6's of the original 'Law and Order' and 'Criminal Intent', both uneven (especially 'Criminal Intent'). "Goliath" may not be one of the very best episodes of Season 6, in a season that included the likes of "Identity", "Quarry", "Rage", "Pure" and "Night", but it is a great finale and has so much of what made 'Special Victims Unit' as good as it was in its prime. Much better than the disappointing previous two episodes "Blood" and "Parts".
Did feel that Olivia was rather underused, a great character that is hardly in the episode. That's just a personal preference though.
There is so much that works brilliantly in "Goliath". It is as ever shot with the right amount of intimacy without feeling too up close, even with a reliance of close up camerawork. That the editing has become increasingly tighter over-time is great too. The music isn't over-scored, manipulative or used too much. There is intimacy and tautness in the direction.
Script is intelligent and lean with no signs of fat. It also has intensity, emotional impact and even the odd sprinkle of humour (Munch always does pull out some crackers when it comes to theories doesn't he). The story is an admittedly strange one at first, with the truth about what drove the soldiers to do what they did not easy to get the head round at first, but actually very quickly becomes very intriguing and powerful. How it personally affects Stabler, here in a case where he opens up about his feelings, and especially Novak (in a case that becomes personal for both of them) saw some illuminating character writing.
"Goliath" really shines with Novak in particular. Her passion, dedication and determination shine movingly in the Grand Jury parts. The final scene is frightening when the regulars and the viewer fear for what would happen next, while "Goliath" is another disturbing yet painfully truthful reminder of that there are still people in power that commit evil and abuse their power. All the acting is great, most apparent with Diane Neal in the climactic Grand Jury moments. It was almost like the case had gotten personal for Neal too.
In summary, great finale to one of the show's better and most consistent seasons. 9/10
Much better and more consistent than the Season 6's of the original 'Law and Order' and 'Criminal Intent', both uneven (especially 'Criminal Intent'). "Goliath" may not be one of the very best episodes of Season 6, in a season that included the likes of "Identity", "Quarry", "Rage", "Pure" and "Night", but it is a great finale and has so much of what made 'Special Victims Unit' as good as it was in its prime. Much better than the disappointing previous two episodes "Blood" and "Parts".
Did feel that Olivia was rather underused, a great character that is hardly in the episode. That's just a personal preference though.
There is so much that works brilliantly in "Goliath". It is as ever shot with the right amount of intimacy without feeling too up close, even with a reliance of close up camerawork. That the editing has become increasingly tighter over-time is great too. The music isn't over-scored, manipulative or used too much. There is intimacy and tautness in the direction.
Script is intelligent and lean with no signs of fat. It also has intensity, emotional impact and even the odd sprinkle of humour (Munch always does pull out some crackers when it comes to theories doesn't he). The story is an admittedly strange one at first, with the truth about what drove the soldiers to do what they did not easy to get the head round at first, but actually very quickly becomes very intriguing and powerful. How it personally affects Stabler, here in a case where he opens up about his feelings, and especially Novak (in a case that becomes personal for both of them) saw some illuminating character writing.
"Goliath" really shines with Novak in particular. Her passion, dedication and determination shine movingly in the Grand Jury parts. The final scene is frightening when the regulars and the viewer fear for what would happen next, while "Goliath" is another disturbing yet painfully truthful reminder of that there are still people in power that commit evil and abuse their power. All the acting is great, most apparent with Diane Neal in the climactic Grand Jury moments. It was almost like the case had gotten personal for Neal too.
In summary, great finale to one of the show's better and most consistent seasons. 9/10
