One knows from the outset from the subject matter alone, well before reading the plot synopsis, that "Web" would be a difficult episode to watch. The subject matter is such a disturbing one and anything that deals with the dangers of something so dangerous should be raised awareness of as much as possible. Especially when it is still so relevant. The subject of unspeakable criminal activity online never fails to give me the shivers whenever it's talked about anywhere.
It certainly does so in Season 7's penultimate episode "Web". While there are even better episodes of the season, it is by far in the better half of it. Have said more than once about Season 7 being incredibly up and down in quality, which was disappointing after the show being so good up to then. That there still managed to be great episodes proved that 'Law and Order: Special Victims Unit' hadn't completely lost it, and "Web" is proof of that.
Sure, the whole reasoning for the crime and how the perpetrator came to be is old from having been done many times. When it comes to exploring the subject, there isn't anything that is new or illuminating.
That doesn't stop "Web" from shocking one to the core though. What was mentioned above as not so good things is me being nit-picky and everything else is done brilliantly. The acting plays a big part as to why the episode works, all the regulars are excellent as to be expected while Kate Mulgrew does no-nonsense and brash yet sympathetic more than believably. Connor Paolo brings dimension (that is chilling and moving) to a character that is both a twisted creep and somebody who suffered horrifically, he is much better here than he was in Season 4's "Juvenile".
"Web" is very disturbing as ought. It is very uncompromising in its approach to the subject, no sugar-coating whatsoever here, while not being too heavy-handed or nastily exploitative (which could have easily happened). The truth is truly shocking and something that really knocked me for six first time. The last scene with Stabler and Olivia was an unexpected surprise and poignant in a simple but telling way.
As expected, "Web" looks good, with the usual slickness and subtle grit. Really liked too that the photography was simple and close up but doing so without being claustrophobic. The music has presence when used, and luckily it isn't constant, and when it is used it doesn't feel over-scored. The direction allows the drama to breathe while still giving it momentum as well. The script may not be illuminating but it's gritty and thoughtful.
Overall, great penultimate episode to a very inconsistent season. 9/10.
It certainly does so in Season 7's penultimate episode "Web". While there are even better episodes of the season, it is by far in the better half of it. Have said more than once about Season 7 being incredibly up and down in quality, which was disappointing after the show being so good up to then. That there still managed to be great episodes proved that 'Law and Order: Special Victims Unit' hadn't completely lost it, and "Web" is proof of that.
Sure, the whole reasoning for the crime and how the perpetrator came to be is old from having been done many times. When it comes to exploring the subject, there isn't anything that is new or illuminating.
That doesn't stop "Web" from shocking one to the core though. What was mentioned above as not so good things is me being nit-picky and everything else is done brilliantly. The acting plays a big part as to why the episode works, all the regulars are excellent as to be expected while Kate Mulgrew does no-nonsense and brash yet sympathetic more than believably. Connor Paolo brings dimension (that is chilling and moving) to a character that is both a twisted creep and somebody who suffered horrifically, he is much better here than he was in Season 4's "Juvenile".
"Web" is very disturbing as ought. It is very uncompromising in its approach to the subject, no sugar-coating whatsoever here, while not being too heavy-handed or nastily exploitative (which could have easily happened). The truth is truly shocking and something that really knocked me for six first time. The last scene with Stabler and Olivia was an unexpected surprise and poignant in a simple but telling way.
As expected, "Web" looks good, with the usual slickness and subtle grit. Really liked too that the photography was simple and close up but doing so without being claustrophobic. The music has presence when used, and luckily it isn't constant, and when it is used it doesn't feel over-scored. The direction allows the drama to breathe while still giving it momentum as well. The script may not be illuminating but it's gritty and thoughtful.
Overall, great penultimate episode to a very inconsistent season. 9/10.