User Reviews

Season 1 up to this point, so we are talking about the previous seven episodes and this for now, was remarkably of a very high standard. With the only disappointment being the still above average (though at this early stage this was quite low a standard for 'Law and Order: Special Victims Unit') "Wanderlust". While especially loving "Payback" and "Uncivilised", the latter happening to be the previous episode.

The eighth episode of the season, and of the whole of 'Law and Order: Special Victims Unit', "Stalked" manages to be even better in my view than those two. A hard feat to achieve and managed, and a great example as to how 'Special Victims Unit' was so good early on. If you are more familiar with the more often aired mid-show/latter season episodes and have not yet seen the early seasons, am going to recommend doing so being someone who personally thinks the earlier seasons are better.

Really liked how strong-willed and easy to identify with Olivia was. Reading the summary before watching, was worried as to whether the episode would be marred by rash decision making and unprofessionalism like in "Wanderlust". Here though in "Stalked", Olivia's strong will is understandable when the case hits home for her and becomes personal. Loved Elliot's genuine concern for her and their relationship, where one can see how they work as a team and as friends. Same goes for Munch, who has the odd amusing moment too.

Here the perpetrator is not in doubt early on, a case of it could only have been him, but the writers still manage to not make him too overt and make him the single creepiest perpetrator of all the eight episodes up to this point. There is some nice suspense, it can be quite creepy once it gets personal and some twists are managed and ones that are easy to follow without being simplistic. The dialogue is thoughtful and taut and it was nice that it focused on the investigation and its repurcussions.

Visually, it is slick and gritty while the music is unobtrusive and not constant. The main theme is memorable. The acting is strong, with the honours going to Mariska Hargitay, in her best performances of the show thus far, and Bruce Kirkpatrick.

In summary, outstanding. 10/10

The SVU squad catches a case of a rape homicide in the Central Park Rambles, but what makes it unique is that it is that of an Assistant ADA in Manhattan. That opens up a whole range of suspects.

Over the course of the long run of SVU Olivia Benson attracts the special attention of many a deranged perpetrator. Bruce Kirkpatrick in this episode becomes the first in a long line. When the squad zeroes in on him as a suspect in Mariska Hargitay's interrogation of him, something sets him off.

He's also got an alibi to break courtesy of a business partner. There's also a great portrayal of Kirkpatrick's mother by Sandra Shipley who in her one scene with Benson and Stabler gives some indication as to how Kirkpatrick got so warped.

Kirkpatrick really wants to mess with Benson's head. How much you'll find out in the climax of this episode.