Have said more than once about admiring hugely the 'Law and Order' franchise's tackling of tough themes and subjects that one doesn't always see to this extent on similar shows. When this aspect is done well, like it was throughout a lot of the original 'Law and Order' and 'Special Victims Unit' in the Stabler years, the themes were tackled in a gutsy, intense and poignant way. When not done well, like the latter seasons of 'Special Victims Unit' too often, it came over as heavy-handed and one-sided.
"Traumatic Wound", despite being a latter seasons episode of 'Special Victims Unit' is an example of the former, so gutsy, intense and poignant. 'Special Victims Unit' and the franchise in fact has tackled PTSD more than once beforehand and quite well, for example Olivia's difficulties with her trauma gotten from the events in "Undercover". "Traumatic Wound" tackles this subject quite powerfully and much more tactfully than expected, considering the traps portraying PTSD can have.
It's not perfect, with the dialogue for the teenagers being too on the awkward and over-corny side.
On the other hand, "Traumatic Wound" benefits hugely from the truly powerful performance of Eion Bailey, who really wrenches the gut and makes a character that doesn't sound that complex just that. Raul Esparza is the other acting standout, from his very first appearance he has brought so much life to the show that was really needing it by this point and he does here. The regulars are very good as is the support, but not in the same class as the other two.
Furthermore, the portrayal of PTSD (which to be honest is more memorable than the case itself) is surprisingly tactful and is also uncompromising and poignant, PTSD may be broader than what is shown but what is shown is not judgemental, one sided or over-generalised. The story is eventful and intricate, but never convoluted, and while the script is not perfect it is on the whole taut and hard boiled. The opening sequence is very harrowing. Did not expect the truth.
Photography while very close up doesn't come over as too static or filmed play-like, while the production values are typically solid and have subtle atmosphere while not being drab and keeping things simple. When the music is used it is haunting and has a melancholic edge that is not overdone. The episode is sympathetically yet uncompromisingly directed.
Concluding, excellent. 9/10.