Expectations were quite mixed for Season 8's seventh episode "Blood". Love 'Law and Order', especially the early seasons, and the earlier seasons of 'Special Victims Unit' and 'Criminal Intent'. Was very impressed generally by the standard of the previous six episodes. The premise however was less appealing, not the theme but the actual case on paper sounds very implausible and did think to myself it would take a miracle to make this work and make sense.
That it doesn't work plays a major part in why "Blood" disappointed. It is not a bad episode and it does intrigue, but after six good to great previous episodes it was sad to see Season 8's first disappointment. "Blood" is one of the most ambitious stories thematically, racism, blending in, hiding identities and prejudice are very interesting and brave topics to cover, but would have made a lot more impact if the case was a lot easier to swallow and made sense and if the subject was delved into a lot more.
"Blood" does have things that works in its favour don't get me wrong. Production values are slick and have a subtle grit, with an intimacy to the photography without being too claustrophobic. The music isn't used too much and doesn't get too melodramatic. Some of the dialogue is smart and provokes thought.
Some of the second half fascinates and really did admire and was interested in what "Blood" had to say about its themes, especially the identity hiding and prejudice. The performances are excellent from all, with S Epatha Merkerson (who isn't talked about enough on this show, am guilty of this myself and saying a lot instead about Jerry Orbach and Sam Waterston) indeed shining in the squad room. Stephen Mendillo and Deborah Rush give truly fine performances as well, Rush being particularly compelling.
However, the case in "Blood" is even more improbable in execution than on paper. On paper, it sounds biologically impossible (then again this is coming from a non-expert on this matter). In eecution, the truth was equally very difficult to buy to the point of implausibility. Maybe it would have rung true if it was actually explained why a character was born a different skin colour to their parents, but the episode neglected to provide one and it is a major problem as the case revolves heavily around it.
Also thought some of "Blood" was quite slow, especially at the quite routine start, and confused more than it illuminated with more questions than answers. The dialogue could have been tighter and flowed more, as well as explored the subject with more subtlety and meat.
Concluding, appreciated it but too implausible for my tastes. 6/10.
8 out of 11 found this helpful.
Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
