"Hell" struck me as quite a powerful and well done episode on first watch, if not one of the very best episodes of Season 10. The subject is another tough one and 'Law and Order: Special Victims Unit' often had a strong track record of its pull no punches way of tackling controversial or difficult issues. Did find that this aspect was executed a lot more variably in Season 10, which had moments of greatness but promised more than it delivered generally.
My feelings on "Hell" are still very positive, though not as good as the previous episode "Ballerina", with more good found with it than bad. "Hell" is one of the better ones of Season 10 on the whole (which is actually saying quite a bit) with a lot to admire, actually thought that it was nearly great. There are better episodes of 'Special Victims Unit', but there is more than enough in "Hell" to show why the show was, and still is (despite being nowhere near as good as it was for a while), so popular.
There is more good than not so good. Most of the production values are slick and are simple without being simplistic. The music is haunting and not too over-emphasised when used. The direction is sympathetic while having momentum and personality. The script doesn't sugarcoat things and is intelligently and tautly written. Also absolutely love Munch's humour.
Furthermore, the story is darkly unsettling and it sure does not hold back. Particularly the latter stages with the tension-filled climax and moving ending. The regulars are all excellent, as are the supporting performances. Gbenga Akinnagbe in the most fleshed out role gives a very powerful performance in an intensely moving way, especially towards the end.
Perfect "Hell" isn't. The United Nations scene looks cheap.
Also felt that Cicely Tyson was on the underused side.
Otherwise, very good indeed and nearly great. 8/10.
My feelings on "Hell" are still very positive, though not as good as the previous episode "Ballerina", with more good found with it than bad. "Hell" is one of the better ones of Season 10 on the whole (which is actually saying quite a bit) with a lot to admire, actually thought that it was nearly great. There are better episodes of 'Special Victims Unit', but there is more than enough in "Hell" to show why the show was, and still is (despite being nowhere near as good as it was for a while), so popular.
There is more good than not so good. Most of the production values are slick and are simple without being simplistic. The music is haunting and not too over-emphasised when used. The direction is sympathetic while having momentum and personality. The script doesn't sugarcoat things and is intelligently and tautly written. Also absolutely love Munch's humour.
Furthermore, the story is darkly unsettling and it sure does not hold back. Particularly the latter stages with the tension-filled climax and moving ending. The regulars are all excellent, as are the supporting performances. Gbenga Akinnagbe in the most fleshed out role gives a very powerful performance in an intensely moving way, especially towards the end.
Perfect "Hell" isn't. The United Nations scene looks cheap.
Also felt that Cicely Tyson was on the underused side.
Otherwise, very good indeed and nearly great. 8/10.
