Season 17's opener "Devil's Dissections" sees the return of Gregory Yates, a character that made such a big impression in his previous appearance on 'Special Victims Unit', the 'Special Victims Unit'/'Chicago PD' crossover "Daydream Believer". Throughout the time he was on both shows, he proved to be a very creepy character though his arc did last for about two episodes too many perhaps. His episodes this season were far from perfect and were not for all tastes but he did not lose what made him so memorable.
While not one of 'Special Victims Unit's' best season openers/premieres, "Devil's Dissections" is a very strong start to what was an uneven season that didn't have any terrible episodes but only a small handful of brilliant ones. Most fall somewhere in between mediocre and very good. "Devil's Dissections" is one of the very good episodes of Season 17 and makes one, certainly did make me, intrigued in what was to come later on in the season.
"Devil's Dissections" has a lot of good things. It does look good, with the usual slickness and subtle grit. Really liked too that the photography was simple and close up but doing so without being claustrophobic. The music has presence when used, and luckily it isn't constant, and when it is used it doesn't feel over-scored. The direction is accommodating but also has pulse, making sure the tension and creepiness doesn't slip.
The regular acting is very good, especially from Kelli Giddish (who has come on a long way), Peter Scanavino (a bright spot of Season 16 and nothing here changes my mind) and Raul Esparza (one of the main reasons as to why the later seasons were still stuck with despite such a big overall decline in quality). The episode boasts another creepy performance from Dallas Roberts, he always does creepy so well.
Furthermore, the script is tight and intriguing and the story is suspenseful and unnerving enough, reminiscent too of 'Silence of the Lambs'. Giddish's real life pregnancy was integrated very well and tastefully within the story and wasn't used too much. Also really like Carisi's chemistry with Rollins and it was great to see Warner again and not wasted.
Having said all of this, the identity of the murderer is not at all a shock. The title of the episode in a way gives it away and there was just something about them that was off early on, in fact the whole truth was too prematurely obvious.
Also thought that Fin was too underused and has next to nothing to do.
In summary, very solidly done. 8/10.
While not one of 'Special Victims Unit's' best season openers/premieres, "Devil's Dissections" is a very strong start to what was an uneven season that didn't have any terrible episodes but only a small handful of brilliant ones. Most fall somewhere in between mediocre and very good. "Devil's Dissections" is one of the very good episodes of Season 17 and makes one, certainly did make me, intrigued in what was to come later on in the season.
"Devil's Dissections" has a lot of good things. It does look good, with the usual slickness and subtle grit. Really liked too that the photography was simple and close up but doing so without being claustrophobic. The music has presence when used, and luckily it isn't constant, and when it is used it doesn't feel over-scored. The direction is accommodating but also has pulse, making sure the tension and creepiness doesn't slip.
The regular acting is very good, especially from Kelli Giddish (who has come on a long way), Peter Scanavino (a bright spot of Season 16 and nothing here changes my mind) and Raul Esparza (one of the main reasons as to why the later seasons were still stuck with despite such a big overall decline in quality). The episode boasts another creepy performance from Dallas Roberts, he always does creepy so well.
Furthermore, the script is tight and intriguing and the story is suspenseful and unnerving enough, reminiscent too of 'Silence of the Lambs'. Giddish's real life pregnancy was integrated very well and tastefully within the story and wasn't used too much. Also really like Carisi's chemistry with Rollins and it was great to see Warner again and not wasted.
Having said all of this, the identity of the murderer is not at all a shock. The title of the episode in a way gives it away and there was just something about them that was off early on, in fact the whole truth was too prematurely obvious.
Also thought that Fin was too underused and has next to nothing to do.
In summary, very solidly done. 8/10.