Quite a lot of 'Law and Order: Special Victims Unit' episodes have at least one interest point or something that it is most notable for. Here Season 13's premiere "Scorched Earth" signals the introduction of Amanda Rollins, a character that took some time for me to warm to but when she became more developed (though there were times where, like with her family dilemmas, it veered into soap opera) she appealed much more. Interesting to see an older Franco Nero.
"Scorched Earth" was a solid season opener to Season 13. It's not one of the best episodes of the season or one of the must see episodes of 'Special Victims Unit' in general, but despite imperfections already there is a lot of promise. The thing that it is most notable for is one of the weaker aspects, but it is a lot better than most episodes from the disappointing previous season (and Seasons 10 and 11) and a vast improvement over Season 12's disappointing finale "Smoked".
A lot is good with "Scorched Earth". Visually it 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.
It was also nice to have a story that focused primarily on the case, a ripped from the headlines sort without being too exploitative or too soon, and namely the primary suspect. It also felt like a 'Special Victims Unit' case, unlike too many cases from Seasons 11 and 12 and also too often in later seasons. Appreciated that melodrama was kept at minimum. It was great to see all but one of the regulars and all given something substantial to do, Olivia has the meatiest role but seeing a more mellowed Fin was a great touch. The script on the whole is intelligent and taut.
The acting is very good, excellent even in the case of Mariska Hargitay. Especially in her reaction to the news concerning Stabler which was very moving. Was worried that Stabler not being there would leave a big hole but actually in retrospect personally didn't find myself missing him much as his personal drama, his character writing and the way he conducted himself in a lot of cases post-season 8 were getting old. Nero is suitably oily and also loved seeing Cutter and Cabot present and on fine form, the legal portion (very up and down in Seasons 10-12) feeling like early 'Special Victims Unit'.
However, am not sure about Rollins yet. She did grow on me later, when she became grittier and more sympathetic, but there isn't enough to her here and she seemed too eager and over confident. Kelly Giddish tries too hard here too and the chemistry with the rest of the team isn't quite there.
Did think too that it was too predictable and could have done with more tension. If Nero's character had more menace and not as obviously written, that would have helped. Not Nero's fault, but the writing.
Overall, solid season opener. 7/10.
"Scorched Earth" was a solid season opener to Season 13. It's not one of the best episodes of the season or one of the must see episodes of 'Special Victims Unit' in general, but despite imperfections already there is a lot of promise. The thing that it is most notable for is one of the weaker aspects, but it is a lot better than most episodes from the disappointing previous season (and Seasons 10 and 11) and a vast improvement over Season 12's disappointing finale "Smoked".
A lot is good with "Scorched Earth". Visually it 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.
It was also nice to have a story that focused primarily on the case, a ripped from the headlines sort without being too exploitative or too soon, and namely the primary suspect. It also felt like a 'Special Victims Unit' case, unlike too many cases from Seasons 11 and 12 and also too often in later seasons. Appreciated that melodrama was kept at minimum. It was great to see all but one of the regulars and all given something substantial to do, Olivia has the meatiest role but seeing a more mellowed Fin was a great touch. The script on the whole is intelligent and taut.
The acting is very good, excellent even in the case of Mariska Hargitay. Especially in her reaction to the news concerning Stabler which was very moving. Was worried that Stabler not being there would leave a big hole but actually in retrospect personally didn't find myself missing him much as his personal drama, his character writing and the way he conducted himself in a lot of cases post-season 8 were getting old. Nero is suitably oily and also loved seeing Cutter and Cabot present and on fine form, the legal portion (very up and down in Seasons 10-12) feeling like early 'Special Victims Unit'.
However, am not sure about Rollins yet. She did grow on me later, when she became grittier and more sympathetic, but there isn't enough to her here and she seemed too eager and over confident. Kelly Giddish tries too hard here too and the chemistry with the rest of the team isn't quite there.
Did think too that it was too predictable and could have done with more tension. If Nero's character had more menace and not as obviously written, that would have helped. Not Nero's fault, but the writing.
Overall, solid season opener. 7/10.
