Seasons 1-6 were very impressive on the whole, some episodes disappointed but all had a high number of truly wonderful episodes (Season 6 particularly). Seasons 7-9 were more up and down, with some real winners but also some real misfires as well. Season 10 disappointed me, sure some fine episodes but too many average at best episodes (including one of 'Law and Order: Special Victims Unit's' worst season finales). Was really hoping that "Unstable" would certainly be better than that episode.
The good news is that it is, very much a big improvement. It is not perfect or one of the best 'Special Victims Unit' episodes or one of its best season openers, but after being so underwhelmed by "Zebras" it was great to see a step in the right direction. There is a lot to admire, with some strong character writing and the new addition fares better than most previous additions. "Unstable" did though have something that didn't sit right with me or with others.
Am going to start with the good things about "Unstable". The production values are slick and professional, not ever resorting to cheap or untested gimmicks or anything. The music is haunting in the right places and isn't constant or too loud, and the direction gives the drama urgency and breathing space. The script is tight and intelligent, it explores some tackling themes and explores them quite tactfully on the whole. The acting on the most part is very good, can't fault the regulars while Christine Lahti makes a promising first impression. The other standout is a chilling Mahershala Ali. The character chemistry was refreshing and the antagonism doesn't come over as forced.
Furthermore, the story is on the whole engrossing with plenty of twists and turns to keep one on their toes, that don't make the case come over as too over-complicated. It is quite complex, especially when the episode darkens and the side-plot kicks in, but not too much so. It is one of those cases too that is sad and anger-inducing throughout, where justice is rooted for. The character writing really intrigues, Tate is rootable and the perpetrator is one amoral sadist. Paxton shows a lot of potential here, can understand where people are coming from regarding her unnecessary meanness but while not always liking how she goes about it her point of view is understandable and agreed with. She also at least has personality and authority, unlike someone like Grayleck.
"Unstable" doesn't entirely work though. The worst thing is the ending, which is a slap in the face. Even for a dark case, it is far too out of place downbeat and revolves heavily around a legality that is actually extremely inaccurate to a not particularly tasteful degree. The show and franchise were no strangers to legal gaffes, but what is said by Paxton just came over as accuracy sacrificed for the sake of drama.
Count me in as one of those people that didn't care for Wentworth Miller here. For my tastes, his wannabe tough guy attitude came over as too affected and unintentionally campy, no intensity or grit here.
In conclusion, good if not great season opener. 7/10.
The good news is that it is, very much a big improvement. It is not perfect or one of the best 'Special Victims Unit' episodes or one of its best season openers, but after being so underwhelmed by "Zebras" it was great to see a step in the right direction. There is a lot to admire, with some strong character writing and the new addition fares better than most previous additions. "Unstable" did though have something that didn't sit right with me or with others.
Am going to start with the good things about "Unstable". The production values are slick and professional, not ever resorting to cheap or untested gimmicks or anything. The music is haunting in the right places and isn't constant or too loud, and the direction gives the drama urgency and breathing space. The script is tight and intelligent, it explores some tackling themes and explores them quite tactfully on the whole. The acting on the most part is very good, can't fault the regulars while Christine Lahti makes a promising first impression. The other standout is a chilling Mahershala Ali. The character chemistry was refreshing and the antagonism doesn't come over as forced.
Furthermore, the story is on the whole engrossing with plenty of twists and turns to keep one on their toes, that don't make the case come over as too over-complicated. It is quite complex, especially when the episode darkens and the side-plot kicks in, but not too much so. It is one of those cases too that is sad and anger-inducing throughout, where justice is rooted for. The character writing really intrigues, Tate is rootable and the perpetrator is one amoral sadist. Paxton shows a lot of potential here, can understand where people are coming from regarding her unnecessary meanness but while not always liking how she goes about it her point of view is understandable and agreed with. She also at least has personality and authority, unlike someone like Grayleck.
"Unstable" doesn't entirely work though. The worst thing is the ending, which is a slap in the face. Even for a dark case, it is far too out of place downbeat and revolves heavily around a legality that is actually extremely inaccurate to a not particularly tasteful degree. The show and franchise were no strangers to legal gaffes, but what is said by Paxton just came over as accuracy sacrificed for the sake of drama.
Count me in as one of those people that didn't care for Wentworth Miller here. For my tastes, his wannabe tough guy attitude came over as too affected and unintentionally campy, no intensity or grit here.
In conclusion, good if not great season opener. 7/10.
