If one was a little, or very, disappointed in the previous two episodes, like me (especially "Manic", although both are a long way from being terrible), there is the understandable hope of the next episode being better. With one of Season 5's most fascinating plotlines in concept, there was that hope with me. It does sound basic to begin with, but the 'Law and Order' franchise did prove frequently that what starts very simple is not so simple after all by the end.
Exactly the case with "Mother", a big improvement over the previous two Season 5 episodes and towards being one of the best overall of the first half of the season. If anybody is not totally enamoured with "Mother" that is understandable, as it is a strange episode at times and does get weirder with each revelation. Despite how that sounds, as that does not sound good, "Mother" is also fascinating, with nothing being what it seems, and is one of the season's most unpredictable episodes.
Admittedly, there are times where it does a little too strange and over-complicated with one too many changes of direction.
Having said that, "Mother" really does stand out amongst the rest of the season. For its unique unpredictability, a fine example of what starts off quite simple being quite a shocker by the end. The story is full of twists and turns, all being ones that one doesn't see coming (especially the to me ingenious and shocking final one) and become increasingly more surprising with each revelation. It was amazing to see an episode to reveal something about a character and event and then yank the viewer into another direction. By the end, the supporting characters are seen in a whole new light that is pretty messed up. The real truth still shocks.
"Mother" is a typically well made episode, with slick and intimate yet never too claustrophobic photography. The music doesn't come over as too intrusive or melodramatic. The writing is thoughtful and smart, with a good deal of intensity. It is hard to not be on the SVU's side, especially Stabler's, in their shock and disgust at not just the truth but what is perceived to be the truth each time. Of all the scenes, Huang's scene with Logan is particularly well done with a great dynamic between BD Wong and Jon Abrahams. Stabler and Olivia have great chemistry as always.
Cannot fault the performances either, all the regulars especially Wong and Christopher Meloni are without complaint and of the three outstanding main guest stars Susanna Thompson particularly unsettles.
Summing up, very good and nearly great, would have been the latter if the weirdness didn't get too much at times. 8/10
Exactly the case with "Mother", a big improvement over the previous two Season 5 episodes and towards being one of the best overall of the first half of the season. If anybody is not totally enamoured with "Mother" that is understandable, as it is a strange episode at times and does get weirder with each revelation. Despite how that sounds, as that does not sound good, "Mother" is also fascinating, with nothing being what it seems, and is one of the season's most unpredictable episodes.
Admittedly, there are times where it does a little too strange and over-complicated with one too many changes of direction.
Having said that, "Mother" really does stand out amongst the rest of the season. For its unique unpredictability, a fine example of what starts off quite simple being quite a shocker by the end. The story is full of twists and turns, all being ones that one doesn't see coming (especially the to me ingenious and shocking final one) and become increasingly more surprising with each revelation. It was amazing to see an episode to reveal something about a character and event and then yank the viewer into another direction. By the end, the supporting characters are seen in a whole new light that is pretty messed up. The real truth still shocks.
"Mother" is a typically well made episode, with slick and intimate yet never too claustrophobic photography. The music doesn't come over as too intrusive or melodramatic. The writing is thoughtful and smart, with a good deal of intensity. It is hard to not be on the SVU's side, especially Stabler's, in their shock and disgust at not just the truth but what is perceived to be the truth each time. Of all the scenes, Huang's scene with Logan is particularly well done with a great dynamic between BD Wong and Jon Abrahams. Stabler and Olivia have great chemistry as always.
Cannot fault the performances either, all the regulars especially Wong and Christopher Meloni are without complaint and of the three outstanding main guest stars Susanna Thompson particularly unsettles.
Summing up, very good and nearly great, would have been the latter if the weirdness didn't get too much at times. 8/10
