Was initially nervous prior to my first watch of "Townhouse Incident" when it first aired about seeing the episode to be perfectly honest. Not because of hating 'Law and Order: Special Victims Unit', as that is not true (although it has not been the same for a long time). But because of getting tired of seeing episodes where Olivia is in peril and so soon after everything with William Lewis, so it was a case that she should have really not gone near.
"Townhouse Incident" turned out on first watch to be much better than expected. Did find one scene in bad taste that also bothered a lot of fans. On rewatch, it holds up and is every bit as good. It is a long way from being a show high point and it is not one of the best episodes of Season 17 (as well as nowhere near one of the worst), but it delivers on the tension that is expected from this type of story and is not as drawn out or as ridiculous as feared.
Still felt that the much-criticised rape scene was completely gratuitous and seemed to be a cheap way of bringing back Olivia's traumas.
Also felt that Barba and Fin were under-utilised, Fin especially has next to nothing to do and is bland.
However, a lot of things about "Townhouse Incident" are good. To me, it is the best looking episode of Season 17. Especially the photography, which has more slickness and variety in types of shots than has been seen in some time. When the music is used it is haunting and has a melancholic edge that is not overdone. The episode is sympathetically yet uncompromisingly directed, especially in the more tense second half.
Furthermore, the script is intelligent, taut and thought-probing, with a lot of talk but not in a way that rambles or feels padded and it doesn't get too melodramatic. There is also a tense and adrenaline filled story that doesn't get too predictable and doesn't feel dragged out or far fetched. Mariska Hargitay has the right amount of steel and vulnerability, things that she always brought whenever there was an Olivia in peril type of story. The supporting cast fare solidly, was very unsettled by the perpetrator. Did like that Tucker had softened and a lot more likeable (and that is saying something) than he was in the early seasons.
In summary, very well done though won't be for all tastes. 8/10.
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