"Anchors Away" has a very basic and ordinary sounding story, or at least on first glance, and it is one that is not different territory for the franchise. 'Law and Order' though proved many times before and even since (but especially the former) that it could make something special or complex out of something that doesn't sound that amazing conceptually. It is a relevant issue and is always worth addressing, but it's one that has been done better elsewhere.
Season 19 did better episodes, such as "Zero", "Chattel" and "Skate or Die", which had more emotional impact and intensity. It also did worse, such as "Lost Boys" and especially "Crimebusters", the former having a weak legal portion and a credibility straining final decision and the latter being tired, over-stretched and far fetched. "Anchors Away" is not a great or perfect episode, but it is still very good nonetheless and does well with its subject.
It isn't flawless. It does start off on the ordinary and familiar side, with familiar plot tropes.
Did find the ending on the rushed side.
However, so much is very good indeed. The regular acting is excellent all round, especially in the second half (Linus Roache still has so much presence in the courtroom and when having discussions when preparing for trial). Edward Hermann stands out in support, in another authority filled 'Law and Order' turn as a larger than life authority figure. The story becomes a good deal more interesting when things turn out not what they seemed at first, and the turn in the plot is not handled abruptly or jarringly. The case also becomes more intricate and more tense and disturbing.
The character writing is solid as rocks, with a truly reprehensible victim and few if any characters coming off well by the conclusion. Furthermore, "Anchors Away" doesn't look drab or gaudy, and the editing is far from slapdash. The music avoids getting too melodramatic in the more dramatic moments while not being too low key, it has always been a good move that it is used relatively sparingly. The direction especially shines in the character interaction in the second half. The script is beautifully balanced, there is a lot of talk but taut enough to avoid it from waffling.
Overall, another very solidly executed episode. 8/10.
Season 19 did better episodes, such as "Zero", "Chattel" and "Skate or Die", which had more emotional impact and intensity. It also did worse, such as "Lost Boys" and especially "Crimebusters", the former having a weak legal portion and a credibility straining final decision and the latter being tired, over-stretched and far fetched. "Anchors Away" is not a great or perfect episode, but it is still very good nonetheless and does well with its subject.
It isn't flawless. It does start off on the ordinary and familiar side, with familiar plot tropes.
Did find the ending on the rushed side.
However, so much is very good indeed. The regular acting is excellent all round, especially in the second half (Linus Roache still has so much presence in the courtroom and when having discussions when preparing for trial). Edward Hermann stands out in support, in another authority filled 'Law and Order' turn as a larger than life authority figure. The story becomes a good deal more interesting when things turn out not what they seemed at first, and the turn in the plot is not handled abruptly or jarringly. The case also becomes more intricate and more tense and disturbing.
The character writing is solid as rocks, with a truly reprehensible victim and few if any characters coming off well by the conclusion. Furthermore, "Anchors Away" doesn't look drab or gaudy, and the editing is far from slapdash. The music avoids getting too melodramatic in the more dramatic moments while not being too low key, it has always been a good move that it is used relatively sparingly. The direction especially shines in the character interaction in the second half. The script is beautifully balanced, there is a lot of talk but taut enough to avoid it from waffling.
Overall, another very solidly executed episode. 8/10.
