"Closet" left me with a mixed to a relatively positive view on first watch. The subject, not an easy one to tackle without judgement, was tackled a lot more tastefully than a lot of other 'Law and Order: Special Victims Unit' episodes that have coming out or anything to do with gay rights as a major theme. Also liked that the truth was not obvious. Stabler's attitude and how he behaves throughout the case did irk me though and stuck out like a sore thumb.
My feelings are a little more positive on rewatches with one big aspect makig an even bigger impression overtime, but misgivings are pretty much the same and more problematic. "Closet" is not one of the best episodes of a very uneven Season 9, nor is it one of the worst. There is nothing here that offends really, certainly not to the extent of the bigoted defense closing argument at the end of "Strain", but other episodes of 'Special Victims Unit' have more tension and emotion.
There are a lot of good things about "Closet". Visually it is well made, especially the intimate photography. It looks stylish and slick with a more refined look than when 'Special Victims Unit' first started all the way back in 1999, while maintaining the show's grit. The music doesn't overbear and is not overused. The direction keeps things moving well while letting the drama breathe.
Script is tightly structured, made me think and as usual had an uncompromising edge. It also flows very naturally and doesn't feel rambling, sleazy or over-serious. Much of the story is very intriguing and what really stood out was the real shock that was the truth (did not see the killer's identity coming) and even more so Olivia's illuminating personal life subplot (that thankfully did not take over the case). The performances are very good from all.
Perhaps though it could have done with more tension, as there is nothing out of the ordinary to begin with. It could have done with more subtlety, with it getting a bit heavy-handed towards the end.
Like on first watch, Stabler's attitude and how he conducts himself during the investigation is infuriating. This is one of many times where he should have gotten a lot more heat for what he said and did, especially considering the consequences, but the outcome is handled indifferently and it was like he didn't care about what happened as a consequence.
Overall, good but not great. 7/10.
My feelings are a little more positive on rewatches with one big aspect makig an even bigger impression overtime, but misgivings are pretty much the same and more problematic. "Closet" is not one of the best episodes of a very uneven Season 9, nor is it one of the worst. There is nothing here that offends really, certainly not to the extent of the bigoted defense closing argument at the end of "Strain", but other episodes of 'Special Victims Unit' have more tension and emotion.
There are a lot of good things about "Closet". Visually it is well made, especially the intimate photography. It looks stylish and slick with a more refined look than when 'Special Victims Unit' first started all the way back in 1999, while maintaining the show's grit. The music doesn't overbear and is not overused. The direction keeps things moving well while letting the drama breathe.
Script is tightly structured, made me think and as usual had an uncompromising edge. It also flows very naturally and doesn't feel rambling, sleazy or over-serious. Much of the story is very intriguing and what really stood out was the real shock that was the truth (did not see the killer's identity coming) and even more so Olivia's illuminating personal life subplot (that thankfully did not take over the case). The performances are very good from all.
Perhaps though it could have done with more tension, as there is nothing out of the ordinary to begin with. It could have done with more subtlety, with it getting a bit heavy-handed towards the end.
Like on first watch, Stabler's attitude and how he conducts himself during the investigation is infuriating. This is one of many times where he should have gotten a lot more heat for what he said and did, especially considering the consequences, but the outcome is handled indifferently and it was like he didn't care about what happened as a consequence.
Overall, good but not great. 7/10.
