In no way is that saying that "Decline and Fall" is a bad episode, as it isn't. Compared to how 'Law and Order: Special Victims Unit' was in its earlier seasons, one cannot help notice how huge the difference in quality is. The episode in fact left me very mixed on first watch, loved Barba but the level of excessive unprofessionalism not near so much. There have been episodes of the show that fared better on rewatch and was really hoping that this would be one of them.
My feelings to be honest are pretty much the same on rewatch. There are a good number of good things, but there are also a number of things that could have been done a lot better. As far as Season 18 goes, "Decline and Fall" is neither one of the best or worst. If anything it's middling and it's one of those mixed feelings outings. Not bad, let alone terrible, but doesn't have enough to it to make it good despite the good things being very good.
"Decline and Fall's" good things will be mentioned first. The 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. The direction has moments of taut urgency when needed while giving some breathing space, especially the second half.
There are thought provoking moments, particularly with Barba. Who is great here and continues to be one of the latter season's biggest refreshments, the good thing is too that there is a healthy dose of him. Did appreciate too that there was no victim blaming, which happened in too many of the Season 18 episodes. The acting is very well done, particularly Raul Esparza.
Where "Decline and Fall" falls short on is the case and how it is handled. The case itself is another one that's thin and there are too few surprises or suspense and the pacing could have done with more tautness. Really didn't like how it was handled by the SVU either, the attitudes are so indifferent, the search scene is sloppy and there is too much premature and excessive conclusion jumping.
Am continuing to not care for Olivia very much this season, with some exceptions, for reasons expressed in other reviews for the latter episodes. When comparing her now to the far more likeable and relatable person she was in the earlier seasons, it is like seeing a completely different character and not a desirable one. The dialogue apart from Barba is bland and the supporting characters are too stock for one to be able to invest in them.
In conclusion, a mixed opinion here. 5/10.
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