"Challenged" is not unfamiliar territory for 'Law and Order' or the franchise, but it is always an interesting subject and when done well it makes for disturbing and sad viewing. Things that the franchise do very well when on form, which it hasn't been for some time now overall. As a disabled person myself, the subject resonated with me somewhat when reading the plot synopsis before sitting down to rewatch an episode that really impressed me on first viewing.
This is still an episode that really impressed me on rewatch. It doesn't have the same amount of tension of the Season 19 opener "Rumble", but it did make me feel very sad inside and out and did feel a shade of anger somewhat too. "Challenged" is a great, beautifully done episode with so many good things. The best of those good things being absolutely great, and what didn't quite work in "Rumble" and the last few episodes of Season 18 finally does.
If there is any issue with it, "Challenged" is nothing out of the ordinary to begin with, having seen similar in many other 'Law and Order' episodes.
However, everything else is incredibly well done. It looks professional and the camerawork is neither overblown or static. The music has a haunting and not too melodramatic presence. The direction keeps things tight while allowing time to breathe. The script is intelligent, layered, lean and provokes a lot of thought. The story is compelling and is intricate without being convoluted. The nature of the secrets was not expected and did shock me (likewise with the killer's identity), it really is not what it first appeared to be, while there is emotional impact. It is a sad situation and the episode far from sugar coats it, the opposite in fact without sinking into mawkishness.
Lupo and Bernard's scenes are all intriguing and the chemistry between them ignites a lot more than it did previously. The supporting characters have a good deal of depth, more so than most supporting characters in most latter seasons episodes, with the witness resonating with me. The acting is excellent all round.
Overall, another great episode. 9/10.
This is still an episode that really impressed me on rewatch. It doesn't have the same amount of tension of the Season 19 opener "Rumble", but it did make me feel very sad inside and out and did feel a shade of anger somewhat too. "Challenged" is a great, beautifully done episode with so many good things. The best of those good things being absolutely great, and what didn't quite work in "Rumble" and the last few episodes of Season 18 finally does.
If there is any issue with it, "Challenged" is nothing out of the ordinary to begin with, having seen similar in many other 'Law and Order' episodes.
However, everything else is incredibly well done. It looks professional and the camerawork is neither overblown or static. The music has a haunting and not too melodramatic presence. The direction keeps things tight while allowing time to breathe. The script is intelligent, layered, lean and provokes a lot of thought. The story is compelling and is intricate without being convoluted. The nature of the secrets was not expected and did shock me (likewise with the killer's identity), it really is not what it first appeared to be, while there is emotional impact. It is a sad situation and the episode far from sugar coats it, the opposite in fact without sinking into mawkishness.
Lupo and Bernard's scenes are all intriguing and the chemistry between them ignites a lot more than it did previously. The supporting characters have a good deal of depth, more so than most supporting characters in most latter seasons episodes, with the witness resonating with me. The acting is excellent all round.
Overall, another great episode. 9/10.
