"Political Animal" is an example of a ripped from the headlines-like story. The original 'Law and Order' often did this type of story incredibly well, but those from the latter seasons of 'Special Victims Unit' were less consistent and came over as sensationalist and too predictable. The subject covered is one that can go either way in execution of being intriguing and pull no punches or heavy handed and too faithful. Season 18 was watchable up to this point but there was an unsettled feel.
Still don't think that Season 18 hit its stride yet with "Political Animal" and it's not my definition of a great episode, but it's generally a pretty good one and pretty much on a similar level in quality to the previous episode. It is uneven, with one half being better than the other, and could have done more with the subject, but there are also many strengths and the best of those (such as one especially good performance) are pretty excellent. Worth a look definitely.
It isn't perfect. It does suffer from predictability, due to being too closely indebted to the headline stories that inspired it, especially later on.
Did feel too that the second half meanders and becomes more complicated than necessary, like in the slightly too cluttered final quarter.
However, a lot is good. The production values as ever have slickness and grit, with an intimacy without being claustrophobic. The music has presence when it's used but does so without being intrusive, some of it is quite haunting too. The direction is controlled without going too far on that that it becomes leaden. As expected, the script is lean, even with a lot of talk, and incredibly thought provoking and gritty.
While the story is not an exceptional one and is not flawlessly executed, it is intriguing and probes thought. The policing scenes have the right amount of grit and there is some nice tension. Green and Lupo are still working well together and Lupo is an improvement over Cassady. Cutter has also settled very well and continues to be the main reason for seeing the legal portion. The acting is very good from all the regulars, but coming off best is an outstanding John Ortiz as a juicy character.
Overall, not great but pretty good. 7/10.
Still don't think that Season 18 hit its stride yet with "Political Animal" and it's not my definition of a great episode, but it's generally a pretty good one and pretty much on a similar level in quality to the previous episode. It is uneven, with one half being better than the other, and could have done more with the subject, but there are also many strengths and the best of those (such as one especially good performance) are pretty excellent. Worth a look definitely.
It isn't perfect. It does suffer from predictability, due to being too closely indebted to the headline stories that inspired it, especially later on.
Did feel too that the second half meanders and becomes more complicated than necessary, like in the slightly too cluttered final quarter.
However, a lot is good. The production values as ever have slickness and grit, with an intimacy without being claustrophobic. The music has presence when it's used but does so without being intrusive, some of it is quite haunting too. The direction is controlled without going too far on that that it becomes leaden. As expected, the script is lean, even with a lot of talk, and incredibly thought provoking and gritty.
While the story is not an exceptional one and is not flawlessly executed, it is intriguing and probes thought. The policing scenes have the right amount of grit and there is some nice tension. Green and Lupo are still working well together and Lupo is an improvement over Cassady. Cutter has also settled very well and continues to be the main reason for seeing the legal portion. The acting is very good from all the regulars, but coming off best is an outstanding John Ortiz as a juicy character.
Overall, not great but pretty good. 7/10.
