My first watch of "Snatched" left me with conflicting feelings, mostly leaning towards liking it with a few serious reservations. Found a huge amount to like, such as two great guest performances and finding the truth a real surprise, but did think too that it became over-complicated and not every plot development felt natural. The concept is an interesting one and 'Law and Order: Special Victims Unit' has been capable of brilliance before and since.
Brilliance that was not seen enough in Season 10, but far from absent. Still don't consider "Snatched" one of those brilliant episodes or as good as the likes of "Persona", "Hothouse", "Transitions", "Ballerina" and "Liberties" (the only great episodes of the season, though "Swing" did come close) as far as Season 10 goes. But it is still good and is in the high middle ranking the season's episodes, comparing it to the overall standard of the season that's not a bad position at all to be in.
"Snatched" has a lot of good things. The production values are still slick and suitably gritty (without being too heavy in it). The music is not too melodramatic and is not used too much, even not being too manipulative in revelations. The direction lets the drama breathe while having enough tautness too, so things don't get dull.
The script on the whole is well done, provoking thought throughout the length and is like a lean steak cooked just enough to not have too much fat while not losing the flesh. The acting is very good from the regulars, and the support from Dabney Coleman and especially Ron Eldard (Eldard having the most fleshed out character) is even better. The story continues right from the start and has tension, also didn't consider what transpired to be the truth until some way in. The ending is one that makes one feel sad and angry towards and for a person.
However, "Snatched" has a few issues. It does try to cram in too much in too short a length, meaning that some of the story later on feels rushed and over-complicated. The cracking code part was on the contrived side.
Michelle Ray agreed overacts dreadfully here and her character is one of those where not a good feeling is felt about them from the outset.
In conclusion, another pretty good but not great, despite many great things, episode. 7/10.
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