This was one of those 'Law and Order' episodes on first watch that had a number of good things but did feel on the ordinary side and didn't stick in the mind long after. There are episodes of the show and the 'Law and Order' franchise in general that felt like this, but there are many on both counts where that type of episode on first watch fared better on rewatch and were better than remembered seeing it through older eyes.
"Human Flesh Search Engine" is one of those episodes. Actually thought it very well done on first watch, despite some credibility straining, but it's even better through older eyes due to finding more to appreciate. As far as Season 20 episodes go, this is closer to being in the better episodes category and is a marked improvement over the heavy handed and not very well balanced previous episode "Dignity". The topic here is a gutsy one and while it isn't novel, it doesn't feel too unoriginal in execution.
As said there is some credibility straining with what happens between the perpetrator and the leader of the Flash Posse group and the episode starts off quite ordinary.
On the other hand, as has been said elsewhere, when things take a different and completely unexpected turn it becomes a more intricate and tense episode. It is truly amazing at how what happens initially turns into what is revealed later. In a scheme that is incredibly unsettling and downright scary, especially when reminded that it actually can happen. The story is not over simple and neither is it convoluted, plenty of surprising twists and turns to satisfy and the big turn of events doesn't happen in an abrupt or jarring gear change.
Visually, "Human Flesh Search Engine" is 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. The direction is sympathetic enough without being leaden, while having enough momentum to make the drama sing in its atmosphere.
The script is intricate and thought probing with a wide range of emotions. The moral dilemmas that come with the case are handled sensitively but also is pull no punches in quality. The acting is very good from particularly Tina Benko, who does disturbed so frighteningly.
Concluding, very well done. 8/10.
"Human Flesh Search Engine" is one of those episodes. Actually thought it very well done on first watch, despite some credibility straining, but it's even better through older eyes due to finding more to appreciate. As far as Season 20 episodes go, this is closer to being in the better episodes category and is a marked improvement over the heavy handed and not very well balanced previous episode "Dignity". The topic here is a gutsy one and while it isn't novel, it doesn't feel too unoriginal in execution.
As said there is some credibility straining with what happens between the perpetrator and the leader of the Flash Posse group and the episode starts off quite ordinary.
On the other hand, as has been said elsewhere, when things take a different and completely unexpected turn it becomes a more intricate and tense episode. It is truly amazing at how what happens initially turns into what is revealed later. In a scheme that is incredibly unsettling and downright scary, especially when reminded that it actually can happen. The story is not over simple and neither is it convoluted, plenty of surprising twists and turns to satisfy and the big turn of events doesn't happen in an abrupt or jarring gear change.
Visually, "Human Flesh Search Engine" is 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. The direction is sympathetic enough without being leaden, while having enough momentum to make the drama sing in its atmosphere.
The script is intricate and thought probing with a wide range of emotions. The moral dilemmas that come with the case are handled sensitively but also is pull no punches in quality. The acting is very good from particularly Tina Benko, who does disturbed so frighteningly.
Concluding, very well done. 8/10.