This is an episode that covers a very difficult subject matter with interesting moral dilemmas worthy of much debate. It is though a subject matter that can go either way in execution, it could either be harrowing and thought-provoking or it could be too sleazy and sensationalist. Which is the case with ripped from the headlines type stories in general, which is why this type of story doesn't always appeal to me (especially as there is a lot of the latter in the later seasons).
While appreciating "Devastating Story" taking on such a tough subject, especially one that could go either way of harrowing and thought provoking or sleazy and sensationalist, it didn't come together really for me. Cannot accuse anybody of not trying and could see that there were good intentions, but this was a subject that needed to be executed with a lot more tact than what was provided. Regarding the going either way point, there is a bit of both in "Devastating Story" but mostly the latter.
"Devastating Story" does have good things. The production values are fine, have always liked the photography's intimacy and grit and the look of the show has come on a good deal over-time (and it was good to begin with). The music doesn't intrude and has a haunting quality, have not always remembered to say that the theme tune is easy to remember and holds up.
Furthermore, the regular performances are strong in particularly the second half. The episode does start off very well and what it has to say about the subject is shocking.
Having said all of this, there are quite a lot of shortcomings. While it doesn't trivialise the subject matter, it did to me come over as on the heavy handed side and going too far on the sleaze. So a good deal more tact was needed. There are no surprises and also no suspense, due to the story being very predictable from having too few twists and doing nothing new with a familiar scenario. The dialogue is both overripe and trite and the pedestrian direction does nothing to make the at times thin story more interesting and less mundane.
Also did find the professor and talk show host characters too over the top and lacking in subtlety, to the point of cartoondoom. The supporting cast are not too memorable, Rob Morrow tries his best but deserved better than the pedestrian material he was given. Olivia is not objective enough and resorts too often to conclusion jumping and too sympathetic gut instinct. Even usually sassy, straight talking Barba comes over as too soft and too easily walked over.
In summary, appreciated the intentions but the execution was very flawed. 5/10.