"Genes" was one of the Season 18, and actually even 'Law and Order: Special Victims Unit' in general, episodes to do very little to nothing for me on first watch. Just to say that this is not coming from someone hating on every episode, the show has a lot of episodes ranging between decent and brilliant (Season 6 having the highest number of the latter). And every season has at least one great one, despite being hit and miss since Season 7.
On re-watch, "Genes" still does very little for me and it still holds my distinction as one of the worst episodes of Season 18. Certainly one of the worst story-wise, with it being a classic case of desperately needing to do a lot less and doing a lot more with the plot elements that mattered most but badly failed at. "Genes" isn't awful, but it really isn't that well done at all and all the major failings are the things that would have made it a good episode if done right.
There are good things here. Production values are still slick and suitably gritty (without being too heavy in it). The music is not too melodramatic and is not used too much, even not being too manipulative in revelations. The direction has its moments early on.
Also thought that the episode also starts off quite well. The lead and support cast do gamely with what they are given and still manage to give compelling performances.
Performances that deserved much better writing and a much better episode. Almost all the problems are writing and story related, both elements where "Genes" flounders badly in. The subject was a very difficult one and potentially intriguing, but sadly given very muddled to the point of being confusing treatment from trying to cram in far too much and doing too little with everything it tries to include. The story is not a thin and predictable one this time but instead the opposite, being over-stuffed and muddled. It is full of things that come too out of left field, such as the unheard of before rapist and especially Carisi's sudden blowup for no reason.
Not to mention truly sloppy legal ethics (such as everything with Will's testimony) and missed opportunities like the character of Strauss. Even more problematic and even more of a missed opportunity is Olivia's story concerning her rape dilemma, which is very melodramatic and over-focused on. As well as seeing major steps backwards in development, if you are one of those who generally did not like Olivia's character writing this season this episode is going to do nothing to change your mind (instead a perfect example of why). Absolutely nothing is done with the genetics either and the episode doesn't make sense. The script is trite and ham handed.
Concluding, very lacklustre at best episode ruined badly by the poorly executed story. 4/10.
10 out of 14 found this helpful.
Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
