Anybody who has read any of my other reviews for for example individual episodes of the 'Law and Order' shows, am slowly working my way through writing reviews for all the episodes of 'Law and Order' and 'Special Victims Unit' (and 'Criminal Intent' until last year) with a long way to go, will know already how much admiration there is from me for anything that tackles difficult and controversial themes and issues. "Undercover Mother" certainly does have a difficult subject matter.
That it handles incredibly well. After two severely disappointing episodes in a row ("Decaying Morality" and one of the show's worst "Intimidation Game"), it was a relief to not see the decline continue and instead see Season 16 turn in the right direction. It isn't a return to form for the season or for 'Special Victims Unit', but as far as Season 16 goes "Undercover Mother" is one of the better episodes. There is very little wrong and the best aspects are outstanding.
Like has been said already, the subject matter makes one feel uneasy, sad and angry. "Undercover Mother" does a great job making one feel all those things as the story unfolds without being affected. Loved the earlier seasons vibe to the story and how the case is handled, everybody has a vital role and has plenty to do and nobody comes over as unprofessional or sloppy. It was great too to have a story that focused on the case and the characters it revolves around and doesn't include personal life melodrama, very like earlier seasons 'Special Victims Unit'.
What immediately stands out is Lili Taylor's truly powerful guest turn (one of the best guest performances of the season) and the truly shocking ending that contains a poignant outcome. The case is twisty and is also very harrowing, the episode really does not hold back in its approach to the subject but doesn't lay it on too thick. The regulars are all very good. Barba has lost none of his spark and Carisi is a hoot here, we are back to the unfiltered funny Carisi and not the jerk he was in "Decaying Morality". Great to see Murphy again too.
As ever, the photography and such are fully professional, the slickness still remaining. The music is used sparingly and is haunting and non-overwrought when it is used, and it's mainly used when a crucial revelation or plot development is revealed. The direction has some nice tension while keeping things steady, without going too far the other way. The writing is smart, taut and thought-provoking.
Not everything works alas. Did think that Murphy was too hard on Olivia, but the biggest issue is me really disliking how one note angry Amaro has become, very different than in season 13 and 14.
In summary, very good and a big improvement over the previous two outings. 8/10.
That it handles incredibly well. After two severely disappointing episodes in a row ("Decaying Morality" and one of the show's worst "Intimidation Game"), it was a relief to not see the decline continue and instead see Season 16 turn in the right direction. It isn't a return to form for the season or for 'Special Victims Unit', but as far as Season 16 goes "Undercover Mother" is one of the better episodes. There is very little wrong and the best aspects are outstanding.
Like has been said already, the subject matter makes one feel uneasy, sad and angry. "Undercover Mother" does a great job making one feel all those things as the story unfolds without being affected. Loved the earlier seasons vibe to the story and how the case is handled, everybody has a vital role and has plenty to do and nobody comes over as unprofessional or sloppy. It was great too to have a story that focused on the case and the characters it revolves around and doesn't include personal life melodrama, very like earlier seasons 'Special Victims Unit'.
What immediately stands out is Lili Taylor's truly powerful guest turn (one of the best guest performances of the season) and the truly shocking ending that contains a poignant outcome. The case is twisty and is also very harrowing, the episode really does not hold back in its approach to the subject but doesn't lay it on too thick. The regulars are all very good. Barba has lost none of his spark and Carisi is a hoot here, we are back to the unfiltered funny Carisi and not the jerk he was in "Decaying Morality". Great to see Murphy again too.
As ever, the photography and such are fully professional, the slickness still remaining. The music is used sparingly and is haunting and non-overwrought when it is used, and it's mainly used when a crucial revelation or plot development is revealed. The direction has some nice tension while keeping things steady, without going too far the other way. The writing is smart, taut and thought-provoking.
Not everything works alas. Did think that Murphy was too hard on Olivia, but the biggest issue is me really disliking how one note angry Amaro has become, very different than in season 13 and 14.
In summary, very good and a big improvement over the previous two outings. 8/10.
