While the subject is important to address, it is one that has been done a number of times on 'Law and Order: Special Victims Unit' and felt tired long before this episode was made and aired. It is one of those subjects too that could have been executed either way, either hard hitting and powerful or sleazy and exploitative. With the exception of the decent first episode, Season 18 was very disappointing up to this point and was really hoping that this would be an improvement.
That was not to be. The fourth disappointing episode in a row and the third weak one in a row, "Rape Interrupted" is one of the worst of a generally underwhelming Season 18 and doesn't execute the subject very well at all. It is another episode where a very good guest star turn is much better than the episode and deserved better, and another one where everything that didn't work on first watch still doesn't and fares worse while with further shortcomings. This is being said with regret as someone who actually loved the show in its early seasons and its mid period also had fantastic episodes.
By all means there are good things. The best thing about it is Anthony Edwards, who brings authority and class to his role. Also did like his chemistry with Mariska Hargitay, also on game form despite disliking Olivia.
Moreover, the production values are slick, gritty and professional. The music is haunting while not spelling out the emotions too much.
However, the case is very thin and predictable. As well as one sided and repetitive, due to the show revisiting the same theme too often with too little variation. There has been more of a show running out of ideas vibe that gets stronger with each season post-Olivia promotion primarily. Olivias attitude has really infuriated me this season and has contradicted everything she stood for in the early seasons, really hate how since her promotion how judgemental, sanctimonious and self-righteous she's become (not the steely yet sympathetic person she was).
As for the rest of the cast, they are little more than window dressing. None of the supporting cast were worth investing in, ended up not caring about the case while the outcome is yet another anger inducing one. Once again, the dialogue is ham handed and the pace dull.
Overall, weak. 3/10.