Jeremy Irons, seldom less than watchable and often brilliant, starred in two episodes in Season 12 of 'Law and Order: Special Victims Unit'. One was the thirteenth episode "Mask". The other was the twentieth episode "Totem". The show has been going for twenty years and has just started its twenty first season, and in my eyes (and this is not intended to come over as a biased fan or anything) he is still one of the show's best guest stars.
One that was cast because of his talent as a brilliant actor and one of a small handful of actors today with spotty career choices but still be consistently interesting regardless. Despite "Mask" being a higher rated episode as of now, for me "Totem" was a much better episode. "Mask" would have been a mixed feelings sort of episode if Irons had not been so magnificent in it and Jackson had not been such a fascinating complex character. Whereas "Totem" actually connected with me emotionally and didn't in any way have me being distracted by unprofessional behaviour and sometimes nonsensical writing. One of the best episodes of the twelfth season easily, perhaps even the best, and one of the few of the season and of the latter seasons come to think of it to have a "classic" 'Special Victims Unit' feel.
The story is an immensely powerful one. Heavy-going and not the easiest of watches perhaps, but very poignant with a good deal of intensity as well. Some fans may miss Munch and his dry wit, but his absence was not a problem and for this story the humour wouldn't have gelled in my view. Stabler makes up for his absence though with a line worthy of Munch "welcome to the p- parade that leads to nowhere". The case is both disturbing and sad with things not being what they seem, with Jackson and June being very richly drawn characters and the person you hate actually not being the perpetrator. Also appreciated that both Stabler and Olivia were here after seeing episodes where the latter was underused, that their chemistry is plentiful and shines (with it being a big part of the show's appeal that was great) and the teamwork and chemistry within the team being cohesive and real.
Irons is every bit as fantastic as he was in "Mask", the character was more tortured before but here he is more controlled and more sympathetic. Irons' calm and reserved performance plays a huge part in "Totem's" appeal. There is one person, though the whole cast are excellent, that manages to outshine Irons and that is Elizabeth Mitchell, playing a troubled character with nuance (in line delivery, eye contact and expressions) and heart-wrenching pathos. Of all the show's guest stars, if there was an award for the one that moved me to tears the most Mitchell would win it easily. Also loved the chemistry between her and Irons, loved Jackson's approach with June that makes one wish he became a regular character and the opening up to each other was powerful. Jackson fits beautifully within the team too.
Add to that slick production values, the ever hard to forget theme tune, the unobtrusive scoring, a script that mixes intensity, emotion and thoughtfulness adeptly and sympathetic but never too relaxed direction, and one has an episode that anybody whose interest was starting to waver are likely to think 'the show is back'.
Summing up, one of the season's must-watches and one of the best episodes of the latter seasons. Mainly to be seen for two of the show's best guest star turns, namely Mitchell. 10/10
One that was cast because of his talent as a brilliant actor and one of a small handful of actors today with spotty career choices but still be consistently interesting regardless. Despite "Mask" being a higher rated episode as of now, for me "Totem" was a much better episode. "Mask" would have been a mixed feelings sort of episode if Irons had not been so magnificent in it and Jackson had not been such a fascinating complex character. Whereas "Totem" actually connected with me emotionally and didn't in any way have me being distracted by unprofessional behaviour and sometimes nonsensical writing. One of the best episodes of the twelfth season easily, perhaps even the best, and one of the few of the season and of the latter seasons come to think of it to have a "classic" 'Special Victims Unit' feel.
The story is an immensely powerful one. Heavy-going and not the easiest of watches perhaps, but very poignant with a good deal of intensity as well. Some fans may miss Munch and his dry wit, but his absence was not a problem and for this story the humour wouldn't have gelled in my view. Stabler makes up for his absence though with a line worthy of Munch "welcome to the p- parade that leads to nowhere". The case is both disturbing and sad with things not being what they seem, with Jackson and June being very richly drawn characters and the person you hate actually not being the perpetrator. Also appreciated that both Stabler and Olivia were here after seeing episodes where the latter was underused, that their chemistry is plentiful and shines (with it being a big part of the show's appeal that was great) and the teamwork and chemistry within the team being cohesive and real.
Irons is every bit as fantastic as he was in "Mask", the character was more tortured before but here he is more controlled and more sympathetic. Irons' calm and reserved performance plays a huge part in "Totem's" appeal. There is one person, though the whole cast are excellent, that manages to outshine Irons and that is Elizabeth Mitchell, playing a troubled character with nuance (in line delivery, eye contact and expressions) and heart-wrenching pathos. Of all the show's guest stars, if there was an award for the one that moved me to tears the most Mitchell would win it easily. Also loved the chemistry between her and Irons, loved Jackson's approach with June that makes one wish he became a regular character and the opening up to each other was powerful. Jackson fits beautifully within the team too.
Add to that slick production values, the ever hard to forget theme tune, the unobtrusive scoring, a script that mixes intensity, emotion and thoughtfulness adeptly and sympathetic but never too relaxed direction, and one has an episode that anybody whose interest was starting to waver are likely to think 'the show is back'.
Summing up, one of the season's must-watches and one of the best episodes of the latter seasons. Mainly to be seen for two of the show's best guest star turns, namely Mitchell. 10/10
