"Above Suspicion" concludes the three part story arc that began with the outstanding Season 13 finale "Rhodium Nights" and in this episode. All three episodes of the arc are extremely good, with "Rhodium Nights" being the best of the three and one of the few fantastic episodes of that uneven season. The Season 14 premiere "Lost Reputation" is very good and often excellent too, but slightly lacks the extra something that "Rhodium Nights" had.
Which is pretty much restored in "Above Suspicion". It is not quite as good as "Rhodium Nights" but it was nearly. As far as Season 14 goes, which was also uneven, this is definitely one of the better episodes in my view. Perfect it may not quite be, but the excitement and suspense that was slightly lacking in "Lost Reputation" return here and make for one of the show's best story arcs. Which is saying a lot, considering that there were ones in the latter seasons that started off extremely well but then felt like at least one or two episodes too many (i.e. William Lewis).
My only real issue with "Above Suspicion" definitely is Amaro. His hot headedness is overdone here and also felt that he diidn't add massively to the episode.
The acting though is still extremely good, Mariska Hargitay is steely and sympathetic and loved her tense but moving chemistry between Paget Brewster. Their final scene is beautifully done, despite the truth turning out not to be massively surprising it was still very well executed, involving and suitably intricate. Peter Jacobson does loathsome so well again.
Furthermore, the production values are well done, subtly stylish and intimate without being claustrophobic. The music isn't too melodramatic and the direction lets the drama breathe while not dragging the momentum out. The writing is tight and thought provoking and the story has suspense and has the right number of surprising turns without being too much that it becomes convoluted.
In conclusion, great conclusion to a great story arc. 9/10.
Which is pretty much restored in "Above Suspicion". It is not quite as good as "Rhodium Nights" but it was nearly. As far as Season 14 goes, which was also uneven, this is definitely one of the better episodes in my view. Perfect it may not quite be, but the excitement and suspense that was slightly lacking in "Lost Reputation" return here and make for one of the show's best story arcs. Which is saying a lot, considering that there were ones in the latter seasons that started off extremely well but then felt like at least one or two episodes too many (i.e. William Lewis).
My only real issue with "Above Suspicion" definitely is Amaro. His hot headedness is overdone here and also felt that he diidn't add massively to the episode.
The acting though is still extremely good, Mariska Hargitay is steely and sympathetic and loved her tense but moving chemistry between Paget Brewster. Their final scene is beautifully done, despite the truth turning out not to be massively surprising it was still very well executed, involving and suitably intricate. Peter Jacobson does loathsome so well again.
Furthermore, the production values are well done, subtly stylish and intimate without being claustrophobic. The music isn't too melodramatic and the direction lets the drama breathe while not dragging the momentum out. The writing is tight and thought provoking and the story has suspense and has the right number of surprising turns without being too much that it becomes convoluted.
In conclusion, great conclusion to a great story arc. 9/10.
