Have said more than once about admiring hugely the 'Law and Order' franchise's tackling of tough themes and subjects that one doesn't always see to this extent on similar shows. When this aspect is done well, like it was throughout a lot of the original 'Law and Order' and 'Special Victims Unit' in the Stabler years, the themes were tackled in a gutsy, intense and poignant way. When not done well, like the latter seasons of 'Special Victims Unit' too often, it came over as heavy-handed and one-sided.
"A Story of More Woe" is in the former category. To me, it was a very good episode (nearly excellent actually) and while not quite on the same level as "Alta Kockers" and "Dear Ben" it is also one of the best of Season 20. It handles its subject with the right amount of edge and sensitivity and just loved the character interaction. My negative thoughts on the ending had on first watch (thought the episode very good then too) still stand, but so do my feelings on what "A Story of More Woe" did so well.
Nearly everything works. Photography and such are fully professional, the slickness still remaining. The music is used sparingly and is haunting and non-overwrought when it is used, and it's mainly used when a crucial revelation or plot development is revealed. The direction has some nice tension while keeping things steady, without going too far the other way. The script is uncompromising yet sensitive.
Both adjectives sum up the disturbing and poignant story, that always compels and is never too simple or confusing. Loved the team interaction, especially Fin and Carisi, and that every team member played vital roles in the case, with Fin and Carisi together and individually being an absolute delight. Olivia is closer to mid-seasons Olivia than the Olivia she became when she was promoted, the authority is there but so is her compassion with little sanctimonious-ness. Rollins' pregnancy story is nicely but not too tidily wrapped up, very sweet final scene. All the acting is never less than very good.
It's not a flawless episode though. Did not buy the outcome of the case, where the sentencing all round is far too lenient. As are the charges, where what was clearly murder is treated otherwise.
One big event at the end is as clichéd as it can possibly get and comes out of nowhere.
Concluding though, very good. 8/10.
"A Story of More Woe" is in the former category. To me, it was a very good episode (nearly excellent actually) and while not quite on the same level as "Alta Kockers" and "Dear Ben" it is also one of the best of Season 20. It handles its subject with the right amount of edge and sensitivity and just loved the character interaction. My negative thoughts on the ending had on first watch (thought the episode very good then too) still stand, but so do my feelings on what "A Story of More Woe" did so well.
Nearly everything works. Photography and such are fully professional, the slickness still remaining. The music is used sparingly and is haunting and non-overwrought when it is used, and it's mainly used when a crucial revelation or plot development is revealed. The direction has some nice tension while keeping things steady, without going too far the other way. The script is uncompromising yet sensitive.
Both adjectives sum up the disturbing and poignant story, that always compels and is never too simple or confusing. Loved the team interaction, especially Fin and Carisi, and that every team member played vital roles in the case, with Fin and Carisi together and individually being an absolute delight. Olivia is closer to mid-seasons Olivia than the Olivia she became when she was promoted, the authority is there but so is her compassion with little sanctimonious-ness. Rollins' pregnancy story is nicely but not too tidily wrapped up, very sweet final scene. All the acting is never less than very good.
It's not a flawless episode though. Did not buy the outcome of the case, where the sentencing all round is far too lenient. As are the charges, where what was clearly murder is treated otherwise.
One big event at the end is as clichéd as it can possibly get and comes out of nowhere.
Concluding though, very good. 8/10.
