User Reviews

The SVU gets a very tough case to crack when they bust Multi-millionaire Will Keenan for being a pedophile. The case comes to them in a round about way, but the parents especially the father James Colby show an extreme reluctance to prosecute Keenan for molesting their son. Shane Habouchka playing the son is showing every sign of being sexually abused, but he won't admit it either. That case goes south when the kid makes a video saying he made it all up and then flees jurisdiction.

Still determined to get Keenan a piece of luck strolls into the squad in the person of Cindy Williams grandmother of Madeline Martin whom she says is dying of leukemia who went to a party at Keenan's place.

I can't say more about that one, but Colby is a saint next to Williams with what she did and at least Williams is far worse than the man she's accusing. You have to see this to believe it.

Richard Belzer pronounces Keenan the Teflon Pedophile. Keenan is a regular Michael Jackson and he has an urban apartment that's an urban version of the Neverland Ranch. You can't win them all.

Despite what that sounds like, that doesn't mean that to me "Sick" is a terrible episode. It isn't. It, like all 'Law and Order: Special Victims Unit', is not an easy watch and a lot of the content is enough to make one repulsed and it is not just the main accusation. 'Special Victims Unit' was no stranger to the "ripped from the headlines" kind of stories, though the original 'Law and Order' did them more, and "Sick", with it being eerily reminiscent of the Michael Jackson case, is one of those.

And among the finest examples too. Season 5 was mostly not a bad season at all, of all the fifth seasons between this, the original 'Law and Order' and 'Criminal Intent' that for 'Special Victims Unit' was easily the most consistent. Some episodes are better than others and the season started off uncertainly, as one expects, but only one of the previous episodes was less than good and the best were brilliant. Whereas 'Criminal Intent's' fifth season in particular was very up and down. Of all the episodes of Season 5 here, "Sick" for me is among the best.

Personally had no problem with the ending, being aware of other fans of the franchise (in real life, not online) that didn't like it, but to me actually this ending would have been a lot more realistic than the one they wanted and fitted much more tonally. The one expected from them would have been far too pat and trivialised for such a disturbing case that would have terrible reporcussions.

Enough of that and lets talk about how wonderful "Sick" is as an episode. There are a lot of twists and turns here, without feeling too much or confusing what goes on. They do come quite quickly so a lot of attention is needed to keep up, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. The main case is unsettling and will hit home for many, especially those that have been there or in any situation similar to any here. The final revelation was one of the biggest "jaw falling to the floor in disbelief" ones, the person it revolves around going from rootable to slappable fast.

The script is tightly structured, made me think and as usual had an uncompromising edge. While never being disasteful, too sleazy or perverse, in the wrong hands a difficult and distressing subject could have gone too far on the nastiness. Despite very little signs of upbeat-ness, "Sick" does not do that. The acting is fine from the regulars, and Cindy Williams is very memorable in the latter stages of the episode.

Visually "Sick" is well made, especially the intimate photography. It looks stylish and slick with a more refined look than when 'Special Victims Unit' first started all the way back in 1999, while maintaining the show's grit. The music doesn't overbear and is not overused. The direction keeps things moving well while letting the drama breathe.

In conclusion, wonderful. 10/10

'Sick' was based loosely on the scandals surrounding Gary Glitter, Jimmy Seville, and most notably Michael Jackson, who, like the eccentric Billy in this episode, had kids sleeping in his bed at Neverland Ranch. I'm sure the Jackson supporter mob will be hateful of this episode, as they can't face even the slightest criticism or suspicion towards that long-dead idol of theirs, but for the rest of us, this episode will be a painful reminder of the limitations of the law when it comes to attempting to prosecute the elite. As we see, Billy may be innocent or guilty, but money turns the investigation sour and taints the case. Any truth out there will be buried. The actors in this episode are especially good at their roles, and while some of the joking quips from Fin and Munch in the "Treasure Room" are maudlin and inappropriate considering the subject matter, the script is quite well-written. Definitely a must-see.

In an extraordinary episode of SVU, Ms. Cindy Williams gives what is nothing less than the performance of a lifetime. This is an actress on fire and this is acting that cries out to be seen. The Emmy's are once again negligent for not recognizing Williams' work and this example of her incredible talent. Not often enough has this superb actress been given an opportunity to show her skills and this is truly a fine showcase for her. It easily ranks as one of the most powerful performances ever to grace SVU and the other cast members were clearly in awe of what they were seeing. This is an episode of the series that should go into the time capsule and be highlighted when it's rebroadcast so this outstanding moment of exquisite acting be shared by audiences perpetually.