Benson stumbles upon the mother of a Baby Doe from an earlier case after an arrest, and John Munch returns to help Amaro after he is arrested.Benson stumbles upon the mother of a Baby Doe from an earlier case after an arrest, and John Munch returns to help Amaro after he is arrested.Benson stumbles upon the mother of a Baby Doe from an earlier case after an arrest, and John Munch returns to help Amaro after he is arrested.
- Detective Odafin 'Fin' Tutuola
- (as Ice T)
- ADA Rafael Barba
- (credit only)
- Little Tino
- (as Gavin-Keith Umeh)
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaOlivia states that she does not date lawyers after Trevor Langan left, the actor who plays him is Mariska's real life husband.
- GoofsAmaro mentions as he's having his mugshot taken that he's "entitled to a call." This is actually a very common misconception -- the suspect is not entitled to anything other than legal representation. Access to the telephone is a privilege, not a right.
- Quotes
Judge Ruth Linden: As the birth mother is deceased and no father or other relative have come forward, I officially declare Noah Porter an orphan and ward of the state of New York. He shall continue to be cared for in an ACS facility unless... Sergeant Benson, you rescued the infant, isn't that right?
Olivia Benson: Yes, your honor.
Judge Ruth Linden: You are the only one who has taken a consistent interest on his behalf. Is there any change you might like to become a foster mother to this baby?
Olivia Benson: I'm sorry. Excuse me, your honor?
Judge Ruth Linden: I have a feeling about this, Sergeant Benson. Call it a judge's hunch. If you agree, I will order Noah Porter into your care as custodial parent for one year, at which time you will be given the option to permanently adopt him. Do you agree?
- ConnectionsReferences The Wizard of Oz (1939)
For me though, Season 15's finale "Spring Awakening" didn't deliver enough on its potential. 'Law and Order: Special Victims Unit' did vary when it came to its season finales, with great ones such as "Scourge", "Screwed", "Rhodium Nights", "Her Negotiation" and "Heartfelt Passages" but also some very disappointing ones such as "Cold", "Zebras", "Shattered", "Smoked" and "Remember Me Too". "Spring Awakening" is neither one of the best or worst of the show's season finales, one of the middling mixed bag ones.
Beginning with the good, the acting all round is great. From lead and supporting, it is hard to not relate to Olivia in her subplot and Murphy once again proves himself to be a great addition. Have no issues with Raul Esparza. Did like the creepiness of the perpetrator and seeing Munch make an appearance was a delight.
Moreover, the production values are solid and the intimacy of the photography doesn't get static or too filmed play-like. The music when used is not too over-emphatic and has a melancholic edge that is quite haunting.
However, there are a lot of major shortcomings. The personal drama not only gets in the way of the case it completely overshadows it. The case felt contrived, lacking in suspense, thin and not particularly memorable other than the pepetrator, complete with a too neat ending. In a way Olivia's subplot was heart warming for those that want to see Olivia happy, but realistically in my view it was too convenient and too much too soon considering her job and that she was not yet stable emotionally.
Amaros subplot is more frustrating than interesting and doesn't progress amaros character, instead distorting him. He is too one dimensional loose cannon and the subplot is very stale, like seeing late Stabler but close to being even worse. Most of the team are either unprofessional (Rollins) or underused ( Fin is completely wasted). The chemistry doesn't ever quite connect and too much of the dialogue is soapy and lacks tautness. Didn't buy the excessive naivety of the wife too.
Overall, rather mixed here. Watchable season finale but an inconsistent season does not go out on a bang. 5/10.
- TheLittleSongbird
- Aug 5, 2022