This struck me as a mostly fantastic episode on first watch, especially the disturbing and emotional story, the acting (from one person in particular) and for seeing Huang again. Despite one aspect briefly cheapening it. While my assessments of a lot of 'Law and Order: Special Victims Unit' episodes haven't changed on re-watches, there are also a lot of episodes where my opinion changes in both a good and bad way, mostly thankfully good.
Season 12's fourth episode "Merchandise" still is fantastic. Actually think it is an episode that is even better now, due to the case hitting me even harder and one performance and scene making even more of an impression. It is not quite perfect, but it actually very nearly was with the only not so good thing occurring towards the end of the episode. As far as Season 12 goes, "Merchandise" is one of the best. Though it is sad that it was the last great episode of the season until "Totem" came along.
My only issue was the for me weird editing in the climax. Even for the feelings one would feel in such an urgent situation, the editing and framing seemed too frenzied and gave the scene a cheap look.
Everything else is wonderful. Absolutely loved seeing Huang back. BD Wong shines the most he's done in a while, love his perceptive wisdom and sincerity. Devon Gearhart's performance too is heart rending, especially when he opens up and then he becomes rootable and not what appeared to be the opposite before then. Absolutely loved the chemistry between the two too, helped by that Huang is back to the calmer and perceptive Huang from the early seasons and not the sanctimonious one he was in Season 11.
Also thought that Munch and Fin were fun and it's always a plus whenever there is more of them. This is the fourth episode in a row where it was really appreciated that it was all about the case, the victim, their circumstances and everyone else involved. With no signs of excessive melodrama or extreme sackable offense worthy behaviour. The case is incredibly sad and also anger inducing, even with little screen time the perpetrators immediately come over as despicable from as soon as what they did is described. Was absolutely horrified at the unthinkably awful treatment of the children.
On a visual level (with the exception of one part), "Merchandise" is solid and the intimacy of the photography doesn't get static or too filmed play-like. The music when used is not too over-emphatic and has a melancholic edge that is quite haunting. The direction is sympathetic enough without being leaden, while having enough momentum to make the drama sing in its atmosphere. The script is thought provoking, emotionally wide ranging and while dialogue heavy taut enough.
In summary, fabulous and very powerful. 9/10.
Season 12's fourth episode "Merchandise" still is fantastic. Actually think it is an episode that is even better now, due to the case hitting me even harder and one performance and scene making even more of an impression. It is not quite perfect, but it actually very nearly was with the only not so good thing occurring towards the end of the episode. As far as Season 12 goes, "Merchandise" is one of the best. Though it is sad that it was the last great episode of the season until "Totem" came along.
My only issue was the for me weird editing in the climax. Even for the feelings one would feel in such an urgent situation, the editing and framing seemed too frenzied and gave the scene a cheap look.
Everything else is wonderful. Absolutely loved seeing Huang back. BD Wong shines the most he's done in a while, love his perceptive wisdom and sincerity. Devon Gearhart's performance too is heart rending, especially when he opens up and then he becomes rootable and not what appeared to be the opposite before then. Absolutely loved the chemistry between the two too, helped by that Huang is back to the calmer and perceptive Huang from the early seasons and not the sanctimonious one he was in Season 11.
Also thought that Munch and Fin were fun and it's always a plus whenever there is more of them. This is the fourth episode in a row where it was really appreciated that it was all about the case, the victim, their circumstances and everyone else involved. With no signs of excessive melodrama or extreme sackable offense worthy behaviour. The case is incredibly sad and also anger inducing, even with little screen time the perpetrators immediately come over as despicable from as soon as what they did is described. Was absolutely horrified at the unthinkably awful treatment of the children.
On a visual level (with the exception of one part), "Merchandise" is solid and the intimacy of the photography doesn't get static or too filmed play-like. The music when used is not too over-emphatic and has a melancholic edge that is quite haunting. The direction is sympathetic enough without being leaden, while having enough momentum to make the drama sing in its atmosphere. The script is thought provoking, emotionally wide ranging and while dialogue heavy taut enough.
In summary, fabulous and very powerful. 9/10.