The subject explored here has always been one of the most controversial in existence and you don't have to had been in this situation yourself to feel so much emotion watching it portrayed anywhere. It is one of those subjects that has been portrayed frequently and better and more consistently than most controversial topics. One of 'Law and Order: Special Victims Unit's' biggest selling points has always been its uncompromising tackling of heavy subjects.
"Shaken" is no exception. In fact it is as uncompromising in approach as one can get. It is a brilliant episode and another one of the best of Season 5, as well as one of the most shocking and saddest (very like the previous episode "Control" but even more so), am not afraid to admit that it really did shock me to the core. Something that has not been felt watching anything to this extent in a while, and this is coming from somebody who has been moved and floored by many previous 'Special Victims Unit' episodes and who is a notorious sap when watching film and television.
Cannot fault "Shaken" in any way. It looks good, with the usual slickness and subtle grit. Really liked too that the photography was simple and close up but doing so without being claustrophobic. The music has presence when used, and luckily it isn't constant, and when it is used it doesn't feel over-scored. The direction allows the drama to breathe while still giving it momentum as well. The subject is handled with force and tact, seeing this difficult issue from all sides rather than just one and in an uncompromising way.
Script is intelligent and is tightened up to avoid over-talkiness, with enough tension to satisfy. The whole situation with Lucy's condition and what would happen to her is particularly well done. Nothing is obvious in the story with a lot of suspects and surprises, a strong example of being constantly led to believe that it is somebody and then be proven wrong more than once. The truth is truly disturbing and left me floored, was not expecting the perpetrator's true identity at all and it is truly sad that it is something still not unheard of now.
A big standout scene here is the ending, showing a different, surprising side to Stabler that really moved me and the whole scene is heart-wrenching and made me feel sorry for Stabler. All the performances are never less than excellent, a high point being Christopher Meloni's acting in the final scene.
In summation, brilliant. 10/10
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