On first watch, Season 10's penultimate episode "Liberties" struck me as very powerful (one of the few Season 10 episodes of 'Law and Order: Special Victims Unit' to wrench my gut). Memorable for having such a twisty case, one of the season's twistiest, and for one of the best guest star performances of the season. In fact, there were some truly fantastic guest star performances this season but not every one of them were in episodes that did them justice.
"Liberties" certainly did Alan Dale justice and lived up to the hype. It still is a great and powerful episode and one of the few great episodes of a generally disappointing season. Also one of the few to have a very complicated plot yet still be coherent and generally not feel like there was too much happening. Really do wish that "Liberties" was the final episode of Season 10 and not the near-disaster that was the actual finale "Zebras", which is perplexingly rated higher here.
It is not quite perfect. It occasionally feels on the jumpy side, especially towards the end. Stabler once again showing his ugly side with little consequence has been a source of frustration for a while now.
However, everything else is brilliant. Dale is superb in a hard hitting and moving performance, one of the best guest performances of Season 10 as one of the most fascinating and complex characters. Jon Patrick Walker also hits hard in some genuinely tense conflict. Christopher Meloni and Stephanie March stand out of the regulars with the meatiest material.
Plot-wise, "Liberties" is full of twists and turns, all not expected at all. There is also genuine suspense in the latter stages and the ending is moving. A lot happens but even the odd jumping about didn't affect the cohesion. The script is tight and thought-provoking, especially in the final third or so.
Furthermore, "Liberties" 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.
Overall, absolutely great. 9/10.