While I thought this episode was decent enough it should have been the end. But we get The Beasts Obsession and Post Mortem Blues. Anyway, I have to disagree with one reviewer's opinion that Olivia was somehow out of character. She may be a seasoned detective but until you experience assault personally you don't know how you'll react. He tormented her for four days AND she's wrestling with having beaten him and lying about it. Remember how she reacted after Sealview in season 9? She was in therapy for quite some time and had PTSD. That was bad but not four days of torture. She was undercover and Fin was able to get to her. I do think it was ludicrous of the judge to allow Lewis to cross examine her personally instead of his back up counsel. But that wouldn't have made good TV. But the fact that Barba just sat there and barely objected was pathetic. This should have been the end of this arc but sadly it wasn't.
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (TV Series)
Psycho/Therapist (2014)
User Reviews
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Lewson: Cold War in Cold Room (Courtroom)
yazguloner31 July 2021
It is the court confrontation of the William Lewis story.
As the audience, we know who is guilty and who is innocent.
However, the jury and the judge do not know, in short, the public does not. In this story, the center is the jury. It's an effort to convince the jury what happened.
All situations and gaps that may arise from laws have been processed in Svu for 15 years. But this time it feels very cold to all of us. Because the target is Olivia. Now Olivia is facing the events that happened to all the victims we watched, the hospital and court days. We are watching all possible scenarios and loopholes in the law with the cold war between Lewis and Olivia in court.
If you were the jury who didn't know Lewis and Olivia. In the case, you will see who is the culprit and who is the victim, balancing on a very thin wire.
Lewis prides himself on two aspects. The first is his ability to evade the cops and the law, no matter what crime he commits. The second is the obsession with women to changing. He aims to take over their lives with the tortures he inflicts on them.
Olivia is a true fighter as she has faced radical changes in her life since she was a child. With this feature of her, Lewis cannot defeat her with what he has done. So it obsessed her.
Lewis sees beating Olivia as beating the police and the law. Olivia and Lewis and the Jury are iconographic in this story. Olivia is the lawgiver, Lewis is a suspect. The jury is law and order.
The gray areas of who is right and who is right are now a dark swirl. Allegations and suspicions come to an end with each other. Just like a thesis and an antithesis... Or like a Russian Roulette... the punishment will be the bullet that explodes in whose head last.
Lewis plays his own advocate to beat Olivia. We had watched the defendants who represented themselves in Svu before. We last saw it at 14s 18e. Guest star Robin Williams also defended himself more sympathetically in 9s 17e. We will see such defenses in the following sections.
It is a great continuation episode for the showdowns before the law in court.
As the audience, we know who is guilty and who is innocent.
However, the jury and the judge do not know, in short, the public does not. In this story, the center is the jury. It's an effort to convince the jury what happened.
All situations and gaps that may arise from laws have been processed in Svu for 15 years. But this time it feels very cold to all of us. Because the target is Olivia. Now Olivia is facing the events that happened to all the victims we watched, the hospital and court days. We are watching all possible scenarios and loopholes in the law with the cold war between Lewis and Olivia in court.
If you were the jury who didn't know Lewis and Olivia. In the case, you will see who is the culprit and who is the victim, balancing on a very thin wire.
Lewis prides himself on two aspects. The first is his ability to evade the cops and the law, no matter what crime he commits. The second is the obsession with women to changing. He aims to take over their lives with the tortures he inflicts on them.
Olivia is a true fighter as she has faced radical changes in her life since she was a child. With this feature of her, Lewis cannot defeat her with what he has done. So it obsessed her.
Lewis sees beating Olivia as beating the police and the law. Olivia and Lewis and the Jury are iconographic in this story. Olivia is the lawgiver, Lewis is a suspect. The jury is law and order.
The gray areas of who is right and who is right are now a dark swirl. Allegations and suspicions come to an end with each other. Just like a thesis and an antithesis... Or like a Russian Roulette... the punishment will be the bullet that explodes in whose head last.
Lewis plays his own advocate to beat Olivia. We had watched the defendants who represented themselves in Svu before. We last saw it at 14s 18e. Guest star Robin Williams also defended himself more sympathetically in 9s 17e. We will see such defenses in the following sections.
It is a great continuation episode for the showdowns before the law in court.
Completely Enthralling!!
zactac9 January 2014
I am not one to do reviews of single episodes but this one deserves the time. Was the conclusion (?) to the William Lewis storyline everything it was promised to be? That's the question and my answer is a resounding yes.
In this episode Olivia is forced to see her attacker again, this time for his trial. Throughout the trial she must gather up the courage to face William Lewis in order to put him away for the rest of his life. However, she must do all of this while holding onto her sanity which seems to be the last thing Lewis wants to take from her before he says goodbye.
This is SVU at its finest. We get ourselves some intense courtroom drama, that has been missing for quite some time now, with a personal touch. Watching one of the best cops on TV go through her toughest battle yet. Now while it can be hard to believe that the system can be messed up to the extent that allowed Lewis to walk on several trials, I can see it happening. Justice is such a hard thing to be consistent in our judicial system. Especially when the law needs catching up to do so. However, that only made this episode even better.
But what really sold the episode were the performances of Pablo Schreiber and Mariska Hargitay. Schreiber sold the pure evil and depravity of Lewis. Throughout the entire episode he could easily make your skin crawl. I was blown away by how he so easily got into character to fool the jury, innocent victim in the situation, and then could turn back into a predator who would rip Olivia apart if he had the chance. Schreiber was amazing. However, it was Hargitay who really delivered. She gave what was probably her best performance as Olivia. A woman who is not used to being vulnerable was completely exposed in this episode. Her fears of Lewis walking, the court learning of her deception, and even the fears of seeing him in court. These things kept pushing Olivia over the edge so much she was on the verge of a nervous breakdown. But Hargitay's strength and determination really showed through Olivia. She was a woman who was not letting him take the last bit of strength she had. It was inspiring. Honestly if these two actors are not awarded some kind of acting nominations at the next Primetime Emmy Awards then there is some serious problem.
In the end, we have ourselves an absolutely enthralling episode. With fantastic writing, intense courtroom drama, and two fantastic performances (probably Hargitay's best yet) that are both Emmy worthy. This was one of the best episodes of Law and Order SVU yet and I can't wait to see what happens next.
In this episode Olivia is forced to see her attacker again, this time for his trial. Throughout the trial she must gather up the courage to face William Lewis in order to put him away for the rest of his life. However, she must do all of this while holding onto her sanity which seems to be the last thing Lewis wants to take from her before he says goodbye.
This is SVU at its finest. We get ourselves some intense courtroom drama, that has been missing for quite some time now, with a personal touch. Watching one of the best cops on TV go through her toughest battle yet. Now while it can be hard to believe that the system can be messed up to the extent that allowed Lewis to walk on several trials, I can see it happening. Justice is such a hard thing to be consistent in our judicial system. Especially when the law needs catching up to do so. However, that only made this episode even better.
But what really sold the episode were the performances of Pablo Schreiber and Mariska Hargitay. Schreiber sold the pure evil and depravity of Lewis. Throughout the entire episode he could easily make your skin crawl. I was blown away by how he so easily got into character to fool the jury, innocent victim in the situation, and then could turn back into a predator who would rip Olivia apart if he had the chance. Schreiber was amazing. However, it was Hargitay who really delivered. She gave what was probably her best performance as Olivia. A woman who is not used to being vulnerable was completely exposed in this episode. Her fears of Lewis walking, the court learning of her deception, and even the fears of seeing him in court. These things kept pushing Olivia over the edge so much she was on the verge of a nervous breakdown. But Hargitay's strength and determination really showed through Olivia. She was a woman who was not letting him take the last bit of strength she had. It was inspiring. Honestly if these two actors are not awarded some kind of acting nominations at the next Primetime Emmy Awards then there is some serious problem.
In the end, we have ourselves an absolutely enthralling episode. With fantastic writing, intense courtroom drama, and two fantastic performances (probably Hargitay's best yet) that are both Emmy worthy. This was one of the best episodes of Law and Order SVU yet and I can't wait to see what happens next.
Pure Insanity
amckee-6406328 December 2017
Warning: Spoilers
For an episode that takes place almost entirely inside the classroom, this episode was freaking awesome. Anyone who says otherwise is even more retarded then the women in Lewis's long list of conquests, and that's saying something. Lewis and Olivia launch into an intense courtroom battle where each onetries to pin the other as a villian in the story--and each one tells lies to supplement their story. The truly scary part is that Lewis's portrayal of Benson as a sex-crazed lunatic is almost as enthralling as the (almost) true horror story she tells about him. All the people who wrote bad reviews about this episode are stupid pieces of crap. and you don't deserve the gift that this episode is.
Wow
braedonblank-5721719 May 2019
Enthralling
greek-0229230 April 2024
Warning: Spoilers
The William Lewis arc represents some of the finest acting of the series and one of the most gripping storylines of SVU.
The saga continues here as Oliva Benson is forced to confront the man whom she brutally beat nearly to death after four days of captivity and torture in court. Lewis does everything in his power to torment Benson during the trial even going as far as representing himself.
The audience knows just how evil and sadistic William Lewis really is and we can sympathize with Benson and her actions. The jury however is unaware of this and are going based off the facts they are given in court. Lewis does the best he can to twist the narrative of what happened in an attempt to get off but he is not so lucky this time.
What really stands out in this episode is the performances of Mariska Hargitay and Pablo Schreiber. Truly some of the finest acting of the whole series. In particular, the scene where Lewis is questioning Benson on the stand and becomes increasingly hostile towards her to the point where he is frothing at the mouth is truly powerful television.
The saga continues here as Oliva Benson is forced to confront the man whom she brutally beat nearly to death after four days of captivity and torture in court. Lewis does everything in his power to torment Benson during the trial even going as far as representing himself.
The audience knows just how evil and sadistic William Lewis really is and we can sympathize with Benson and her actions. The jury however is unaware of this and are going based off the facts they are given in court. Lewis does the best he can to twist the narrative of what happened in an attempt to get off but he is not so lucky this time.
What really stands out in this episode is the performances of Mariska Hargitay and Pablo Schreiber. Truly some of the finest acting of the whole series. In particular, the scene where Lewis is questioning Benson on the stand and becomes increasingly hostile towards her to the point where he is frothing at the mouth is truly powerful television.
Good base, ridiculous execution.
dariceofficial9 January 2014
Many L&O SVU watchers have had enough of this arc. A two-hour episode (the season 15 premiere) was plenty, but dragging this ON and ON has become excessive. In addition to the arc being dragged on, the way they did the episode was ridiculous. Don't get me wrong, the idea was good. If they hadn't performed it the way they did, and if the storyline hadn't already been burned out amongst the fans, it would have been a great episode. This episode was definitely intense, but it wasn't realistic. No judge would have ever let the trial continue. By the end of the episode I was pretty much done, and if this arc is not over and they will continue to squeeze the life out of it, I will be. In the last few seasons, the show has become more focused on personal drama, than what the show is supposed to be about. Personally, I am done hearing about petty little arguments between grown, professional detectives, and I know that many other fans are as well.
A day in court
TheLittleSongbird2 August 2022
'Law and Order: Special Victims Unit' has proven in the past that it can do courtroom heavy episodes bringing back perpetrators being put on trial very well indeed. Evident in Season 8's "Screwed", one of the show's best season finales. The character of William Lewis made a huge impression when he was first introduced in "Her Negotiation" and despite feeling that his story arc went on longer than necessary he still is one of the show's most memorable and notorious multiple times recurring guest characters.
Somehow, "Psycho/Therapist" didn't click with me. Not because of the acting, which was actually its main saving grace, or of Lewis himself. But the handling of the courtroom case was a shambles. Considering how great Lewis was as a character and because his first two episodes "Her Negotiation" and especially "Surrender Benson" were so good, also because the last courtroom-dominant episode "Screwed" was such a fine episode, this was great potential not lived up to. This should have been on "Screwed's" level but ended up being nowhere near.
"Psycho/Therapist" does have good things definitely. Mariska Hargitay's performance is one of her best, even better than in "Surrender Benson". Showing determination but also that there is a lot of torment from a tough character. Pablo Schreiber captivates too, his menace spine chilling to the extent that a guilty verdict is rooted for. The chemistry between them is absolutely magnetic and crackling in tension. There is genuine intensity here, namely due to how despicable a character Lewis comes over.
The emotion and character writing for Lewis and especially Olivia are spot on, one sees properly for the first time how traumatised she was undergoing what happened to her. The production values are slick and have a subtle grit, with an intimacy to the photography without being too claustrophobic. The music isn't used too much and doesn't get too melodramatic. The acting from the rest of the regulars is very good though their material isn't as rich or their screen time as even.
However, so much could have been done much better. One might argue that the things that would have strengthened the prosecution case that would prove Lewis' guilt weren't shown as the episode couldn't cover everything that happened in those four days, but to me it should have been shown more explicitly and in the episode and more should have been made of the charges and overwhelming evidence. While the tension between Olivia and Lewis were on point in the dialogue, the writing generally came over as one sided and jumpy (feeling too much like Olivia vs almost everybody else).
Also found the ending very unsatisfying, especially with how biased the trial was and how Olivia was made out to be in court. But it was undone by the very weak and incomplete feeling prosecution argument and the character writing for Barba (the latter being one of the episode's biggest frustrations). Just didn't buy at all how such a smart, thorough prosecutor with the snappy one liners and observant mind could look so incompetent, unsupportive and easily deceived he came over in court. Don't agree with anybody that Olivia was out of character, she definitely wasn't considering what she went through and what happened in the past. If there was anybody out of character, it was Barba.
In conclusion, disappointing despite the acting and chemistry of Hargitay and Schreiber. 5/10.
Somehow, "Psycho/Therapist" didn't click with me. Not because of the acting, which was actually its main saving grace, or of Lewis himself. But the handling of the courtroom case was a shambles. Considering how great Lewis was as a character and because his first two episodes "Her Negotiation" and especially "Surrender Benson" were so good, also because the last courtroom-dominant episode "Screwed" was such a fine episode, this was great potential not lived up to. This should have been on "Screwed's" level but ended up being nowhere near.
"Psycho/Therapist" does have good things definitely. Mariska Hargitay's performance is one of her best, even better than in "Surrender Benson". Showing determination but also that there is a lot of torment from a tough character. Pablo Schreiber captivates too, his menace spine chilling to the extent that a guilty verdict is rooted for. The chemistry between them is absolutely magnetic and crackling in tension. There is genuine intensity here, namely due to how despicable a character Lewis comes over.
The emotion and character writing for Lewis and especially Olivia are spot on, one sees properly for the first time how traumatised she was undergoing what happened to her. The production values are slick and have a subtle grit, with an intimacy to the photography without being too claustrophobic. The music isn't used too much and doesn't get too melodramatic. The acting from the rest of the regulars is very good though their material isn't as rich or their screen time as even.
However, so much could have been done much better. One might argue that the things that would have strengthened the prosecution case that would prove Lewis' guilt weren't shown as the episode couldn't cover everything that happened in those four days, but to me it should have been shown more explicitly and in the episode and more should have been made of the charges and overwhelming evidence. While the tension between Olivia and Lewis were on point in the dialogue, the writing generally came over as one sided and jumpy (feeling too much like Olivia vs almost everybody else).
Also found the ending very unsatisfying, especially with how biased the trial was and how Olivia was made out to be in court. But it was undone by the very weak and incomplete feeling prosecution argument and the character writing for Barba (the latter being one of the episode's biggest frustrations). Just didn't buy at all how such a smart, thorough prosecutor with the snappy one liners and observant mind could look so incompetent, unsupportive and easily deceived he came over in court. Don't agree with anybody that Olivia was out of character, she definitely wasn't considering what she went through and what happened in the past. If there was anybody out of character, it was Barba.
In conclusion, disappointing despite the acting and chemistry of Hargitay and Schreiber. 5/10.
Impossible and unlikely premise
stratus_phere15 June 2018
Warning: Spoilers
No, we don't want to continue seeing this same story cycled over and over. Let the guy rot in prison, don't keep trotting him out to terrorize Olivia. And the stupid idea of how he represents himself, tries to get into her head, and even though he's not a lawyer, he is so good and clever at convincing everyone that she is somehow guilty, and watch him bob and weave and outflank the seasoned ADA. We don't like watching this stuff. Take the show back to how it used to be, when people wanted to watch it.
And the obsession continues
Dorjee_Wang26 October 2016
Warning: Spoilers
Continuation of Her Surrender, and unfortunately not the last episode of the arc either. This is another extreme farce which shows flaws in the writing.
Where to start? Lewis decides his defence attorney is not competent enough to defend him, so he preaches the sixth. What follows next is just propagative preposterousness as he openly harasses Benson during trial. Let's start with the judge, what an incompetent daft nincompoop he was. No judge in right mind would allow such cross examining of victim cum defendant in such manner. Any sane judge would hold him in contempt for such actions.
Secondly, this episode makes courtroom look like a hall for pasquinade. Like aforementioned the judge fails to act like a judge. Even Barbra fails as a prosecutor here as he fails to cross examine the witnesses properly. Lewis argues about his injuries at the hand of Benson, making argument that he was already subdued and she used excessive force. Barbra could've argued that Benson is not a doctor but a detective and she could not make distinction between injuries.
Lastly, whatever happened to the first degree rape and first degree murder charges against Lewis for the atrocities he hailed on the parents of his last attorney. The trial is only about first degree murder of the officer, attempted rape, kidnapping and assault of Benson. Like what happened to those two crimes? The attorney's mother was a strong witness for what happened to herself and her husband, Olivia was another witness, not to mention they had all the evidences needed to indict him. These two charges, alongwith the kidnapping and assault of a police officer charges could've kept him behind bars for life, but no. The writers heeded those two crimes as irrelevant. Another huge flaw in this episode.
The only positive thing I can say about this episode was that Schreiber as Lewis is one psychopath/murderer/serial rapist from this series whom I will not forget. I attribute that to his extreme luck in having unavailable witnesses, and the distinction of his crimes. Mariska was also very strong in this episode. Whilst everyone complains about the show turning into the "Olivia Benson show", I warmly enjoy episodes which focuses on the squad members, alas the lack of focus on Fin is rather frustrating but I digress. The continuation of tension between Amaro and Rollins is also a nice touch.
5/10
Where to start? Lewis decides his defence attorney is not competent enough to defend him, so he preaches the sixth. What follows next is just propagative preposterousness as he openly harasses Benson during trial. Let's start with the judge, what an incompetent daft nincompoop he was. No judge in right mind would allow such cross examining of victim cum defendant in such manner. Any sane judge would hold him in contempt for such actions.
Secondly, this episode makes courtroom look like a hall for pasquinade. Like aforementioned the judge fails to act like a judge. Even Barbra fails as a prosecutor here as he fails to cross examine the witnesses properly. Lewis argues about his injuries at the hand of Benson, making argument that he was already subdued and she used excessive force. Barbra could've argued that Benson is not a doctor but a detective and she could not make distinction between injuries.
Lastly, whatever happened to the first degree rape and first degree murder charges against Lewis for the atrocities he hailed on the parents of his last attorney. The trial is only about first degree murder of the officer, attempted rape, kidnapping and assault of Benson. Like what happened to those two crimes? The attorney's mother was a strong witness for what happened to herself and her husband, Olivia was another witness, not to mention they had all the evidences needed to indict him. These two charges, alongwith the kidnapping and assault of a police officer charges could've kept him behind bars for life, but no. The writers heeded those two crimes as irrelevant. Another huge flaw in this episode.
The only positive thing I can say about this episode was that Schreiber as Lewis is one psychopath/murderer/serial rapist from this series whom I will not forget. I attribute that to his extreme luck in having unavailable witnesses, and the distinction of his crimes. Mariska was also very strong in this episode. Whilst everyone complains about the show turning into the "Olivia Benson show", I warmly enjoy episodes which focuses on the squad members, alas the lack of focus on Fin is rather frustrating but I digress. The continuation of tension between Amaro and Rollins is also a nice touch.
5/10
Olivia's nemesis
bkoganbing7 June 2015
Warning: Spoilers
The most dangerous foe that Olivia Benson ever faced in the history of SVU has to be Pablo Schreiber who's depravity was thoroughly milked over several episodes. When eventually he did die it was certainly a relief to the viewer more than Olivia Benson. But that was in a future story.
This show covers the trial where this sick lunatic actually fires his own lawyer Renee Elise Goldsberry and acts as his own attorney. The problem is he's brilliant and actually does get an acquittal on a few of the charges put against him by the District Attorney. He gets to cross examine Mariska Hargitay.
I'd like to rate this episode higher, but this is really too bizarre. Bizarre does not detract from what Pablo Schreiber does with the role of Olivia's nemesis over several episodes.
This show covers the trial where this sick lunatic actually fires his own lawyer Renee Elise Goldsberry and acts as his own attorney. The problem is he's brilliant and actually does get an acquittal on a few of the charges put against him by the District Attorney. He gets to cross examine Mariska Hargitay.
I'd like to rate this episode higher, but this is really too bizarre. Bizarre does not detract from what Pablo Schreiber does with the role of Olivia's nemesis over several episodes.
Extremely Disappointing!!!
mssmitty7 March 2017
Warning: Spoilers
OK...this was so bad that I actually created a profile just to comment. I have been a huge fan of all things Law & Order...regardless of series since even I don't remember. I am happy that this was one of those very rare failed attempts at creating suspense.
First, Det. Olivia Benson is a staple of SVU, strong, head-smart,and fully equipped to deal with the down-right sadistic. All of a sudden, fifteen years into her career (well beyond rookie), now she's the classic victim. Unable to look her attacker in the eyes, offering the most pathetic cross-exam to date, and award-winning "somebody please slap this dizzy bitch before I completely give up on this entire franchise all together." Seriously, throughout the entire episode, you keep waiting for Benson to show up. Instead, we get promises to see more of an utterly inconceivable character.
I truly hate that this is my past time when I need a break from the regular humdrum's of daily life. My right hand to the sky, if it didn't take more energy sorting through the endless databases of disappointment called Netflix/Hulu, I'd scratch Law & Order for ever and suffer through another failed attempt at believable entertainment. I means seriously, I've been watching this series since the beginning, you don't think real fans understand the mindset of the supposed Det. Benson's character; or, the inner- workings of the newbie Det. Rollins. I get it...everybody need some excitement but the best part about these detectives are there jobs...a whole demographic is lost when producers decide we need a more personal feel. FYI...we don't! If you have been going strong over fifteen seasons, don't re-invent the wheel...unless the purpose is to loose an entire market.
I don't know who wrote this episode, or why producers thought it a good idea...BUT THEY SHOULD BE FIRED. Benson is the staple of the show, there's no need to give her a bigger purpose. I wish they would have left her as an over-ambitious, detective, ridding the rugged NY streets of rapist and pedophiles. To victimize her must signal the end...for who? Now, that's to be seen. Air channels will always need outdated seasons of Law & Order but looks like Det. Benson has lost her use...and a fan. I simply cannot stomach the rest of this season. Good-bye Law & Order! We had a long run...this is probably the hardest thing I've ever had to do. But, since you've chosen to be so blatantly disrespectful...we're done.
First, Det. Olivia Benson is a staple of SVU, strong, head-smart,and fully equipped to deal with the down-right sadistic. All of a sudden, fifteen years into her career (well beyond rookie), now she's the classic victim. Unable to look her attacker in the eyes, offering the most pathetic cross-exam to date, and award-winning "somebody please slap this dizzy bitch before I completely give up on this entire franchise all together." Seriously, throughout the entire episode, you keep waiting for Benson to show up. Instead, we get promises to see more of an utterly inconceivable character.
I truly hate that this is my past time when I need a break from the regular humdrum's of daily life. My right hand to the sky, if it didn't take more energy sorting through the endless databases of disappointment called Netflix/Hulu, I'd scratch Law & Order for ever and suffer through another failed attempt at believable entertainment. I means seriously, I've been watching this series since the beginning, you don't think real fans understand the mindset of the supposed Det. Benson's character; or, the inner- workings of the newbie Det. Rollins. I get it...everybody need some excitement but the best part about these detectives are there jobs...a whole demographic is lost when producers decide we need a more personal feel. FYI...we don't! If you have been going strong over fifteen seasons, don't re-invent the wheel...unless the purpose is to loose an entire market.
I don't know who wrote this episode, or why producers thought it a good idea...BUT THEY SHOULD BE FIRED. Benson is the staple of the show, there's no need to give her a bigger purpose. I wish they would have left her as an over-ambitious, detective, ridding the rugged NY streets of rapist and pedophiles. To victimize her must signal the end...for who? Now, that's to be seen. Air channels will always need outdated seasons of Law & Order but looks like Det. Benson has lost her use...and a fan. I simply cannot stomach the rest of this season. Good-bye Law & Order! We had a long run...this is probably the hardest thing I've ever had to do. But, since you've chosen to be so blatantly disrespectful...we're done.
Stupidest Plot In Ages
Frank-Young9 January 2014
The episode has a sense of deja vu to it. Benson has been victimized by other bad guys before and now the Beast story is playing out over several episodes; derivative of Criminal Minds when the Reaper was haunting Hotchner.
Here the Beast is using a courtroom to harass Benson. The courtroom portion of this episode completely failed to suspend disbelief as the sociopath continued to harass her with useless warnings from the judge. Conveniently, the other witnesses refused to testify!
After being billed as the conclusion of the story arc, the producers threw in a cynical epilogue showing an opportunity for the Beast to escape in time for the season finale. After this, who cares?
Too bad Hargitay didn't insist on the story line breaking Benson's character so she could exit the show with some self-respect intact - it's better to burn out than rust, Mariska.
Here the Beast is using a courtroom to harass Benson. The courtroom portion of this episode completely failed to suspend disbelief as the sociopath continued to harass her with useless warnings from the judge. Conveniently, the other witnesses refused to testify!
After being billed as the conclusion of the story arc, the producers threw in a cynical epilogue showing an opportunity for the Beast to escape in time for the season finale. After this, who cares?
Too bad Hargitay didn't insist on the story line breaking Benson's character so she could exit the show with some self-respect intact - it's better to burn out than rust, Mariska.
Garbage and disappointing.
tompo-7556118 August 2020
Warning: Spoilers
What started out as a fantastically written show Episodes like this have made it ridiculous.
I'm not educated in law but even I know half of the garbage spouted by the defence was nonsense. The ending was projected so far in advance I had to duck before I was hit in the face with it.
I now have this poor attempt at Moriarty to Sherlock Holmes to deal with in future episodes.
Third class episode
heeheehahahuhuheehee12 December 2021
I don't believe the show down of a reliable police detective in the court room by a psychopath. Is the writer on some kind of drugs? What did this episode achieve? It was painful to watch such third class drama .I don't believe such a successful show can have such episode.
Hated it!
gmhjojo20 January 2024
Warning: Spoilers
I am saying this as a die hard SVI fan.
Watching this series again for the second time 10 years after I watched it the first time, and I have to say I still hate this story line so much that I came here to see what others said about it. This William Lewis's character is ridiculous - the whole are is ridiculous. I'm used to characters changing personality completely to suit a story line in all of the Dick Wolf franchises, but this season seems to be pretty much the worst of the lot.
How on earth can such clear cut evidence be so easily disregarded? It sheds doubt on ever case an storyline in the entire programme.
Had to stop half way through - just couldn't watch it again.
Watching this series again for the second time 10 years after I watched it the first time, and I have to say I still hate this story line so much that I came here to see what others said about it. This William Lewis's character is ridiculous - the whole are is ridiculous. I'm used to characters changing personality completely to suit a story line in all of the Dick Wolf franchises, but this season seems to be pretty much the worst of the lot.
How on earth can such clear cut evidence be so easily disregarded? It sheds doubt on ever case an storyline in the entire programme.
Had to stop half way through - just couldn't watch it again.
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