'Law and Order: Special Victims Unit' have done many character-driven episodes, with there being at least one in each season. In terms of quality, they have varied. Some are illuminating and powerful, where one gets insight into how and why the character focused on came to be the way they are. Others are very soapy, can be too heavily focused on and get in the way of the case solving. Those centered around Olivia have fallen into both those extremes for example.
In this case, it's Stabler after being temporarily blinded during apprehension of the perpetrator. And also Novak in what she does to get a result. "Blinded" makes for a very good and interesting episode, liked the development and the case but did feel that at times the story could have been more balanced in what it focused upon. Not one of the best episodes of Season 9 or of 'Special Victims Unit', but far from being one of the worst as well on both counts.
"Blinded" has a lot of great things. It is shot with the right amount of intimacy without being claustrophobic and that the editing has become increasingly tighter over-time has been great too. Nice use of locations too. The music doesn't get over-scored or overwrought, even in the more dramatic revelation moments. The direction is also accommodating.
The writing really thought provokes, is smart and is taut. The story is compelling a vast majority of the time, what happens to Stabler is a shock and the character development to Novak was illuminating and it was appreciated. Diane Neal particularly stands out of the regulars and there is a very strong guest turn from Arye Gross, who does give the chills but oddly part of me felt for him as well.
Novak's character development and dilemma however did at times unbalance the case somewhat and one can be forgiven for thinking strongly that she should have been fired for her unprofessional behaviour (near criminal).
Concluding though, very good episode. 8/10.
In this case, it's Stabler after being temporarily blinded during apprehension of the perpetrator. And also Novak in what she does to get a result. "Blinded" makes for a very good and interesting episode, liked the development and the case but did feel that at times the story could have been more balanced in what it focused upon. Not one of the best episodes of Season 9 or of 'Special Victims Unit', but far from being one of the worst as well on both counts.
"Blinded" has a lot of great things. It is shot with the right amount of intimacy without being claustrophobic and that the editing has become increasingly tighter over-time has been great too. Nice use of locations too. The music doesn't get over-scored or overwrought, even in the more dramatic revelation moments. The direction is also accommodating.
The writing really thought provokes, is smart and is taut. The story is compelling a vast majority of the time, what happens to Stabler is a shock and the character development to Novak was illuminating and it was appreciated. Diane Neal particularly stands out of the regulars and there is a very strong guest turn from Arye Gross, who does give the chills but oddly part of me felt for him as well.
Novak's character development and dilemma however did at times unbalance the case somewhat and one can be forgiven for thinking strongly that she should have been fired for her unprofessional behaviour (near criminal).
Concluding though, very good episode. 8/10.
