'Law and Order: Special Victims Unit's' Season 9 opener "Alternate" stayed in the memory for a long time on first watch. Primarily down to Cynthia Nixon in a way one has never seen her before, who bowled me over. On first watch, it was a case of the guest performance being better than the actual case itself, but there were also great things other than Nixon. Was hoping that when rewatching the show overtime that "Alternate" would be an upgrade from the variable standard of the previous season.
On the whole, it was. "Alternate" is not on the same level as the best of Season 8, but it is nowhere near close to being on the same level as the worst of it. It is a very good season premiere, the best since Season 6's "Birthright", and almost great until a certain point, with one of the season's best guest turns. As far as Season 9 goes it is not one of the best or one of the worst. Though it was actually close to being in the former category and just missed out.
Its only major issue is the final quarter. This portion was rather unrealistic and everything wraps up too neatly.
While Lake is marginally better than he was in Season 8, he still comes over as bland and unlikeable. Stabler's overboard loose cannon personality has already gotten old.
"Alternate" succeeds (very highly) more than it fails. Its clear best aspect is Nixon, who is absolutely incredible in a challenging role that is very easy to overact. Nixon however has always given me the chills and freaked me out in the final quarter. Along with Robin Williams, she gives one of the best and most memorable guest turns of the season. A vast majority of the regulars, apart from wooden Adam Beach, are excellent, particularly Christopher Meloni. If not quite on the same level as Nixon.
The script is taut and the amusing humour and suspenseful drama is balanced beautifully. Most of the story is absolutely riveting in what happens and the atmosphere (which is often creepy). The truth is shocking and completely unexpected.
Visually "Alternate" is well made, especially the intimate photography. It looks stylish and slick with a more refined look than when 'Special Victims Unit' first started all the way back in 1999, while maintaining the show's grit. The music doesn't overbear and is not overused. The direction keeps things moving well while letting the drama breathe.
Overall, very good and promising season opener. 8/10.
On the whole, it was. "Alternate" is not on the same level as the best of Season 8, but it is nowhere near close to being on the same level as the worst of it. It is a very good season premiere, the best since Season 6's "Birthright", and almost great until a certain point, with one of the season's best guest turns. As far as Season 9 goes it is not one of the best or one of the worst. Though it was actually close to being in the former category and just missed out.
Its only major issue is the final quarter. This portion was rather unrealistic and everything wraps up too neatly.
While Lake is marginally better than he was in Season 8, he still comes over as bland and unlikeable. Stabler's overboard loose cannon personality has already gotten old.
"Alternate" succeeds (very highly) more than it fails. Its clear best aspect is Nixon, who is absolutely incredible in a challenging role that is very easy to overact. Nixon however has always given me the chills and freaked me out in the final quarter. Along with Robin Williams, she gives one of the best and most memorable guest turns of the season. A vast majority of the regulars, apart from wooden Adam Beach, are excellent, particularly Christopher Meloni. If not quite on the same level as Nixon.
The script is taut and the amusing humour and suspenseful drama is balanced beautifully. Most of the story is absolutely riveting in what happens and the atmosphere (which is often creepy). The truth is shocking and completely unexpected.
Visually "Alternate" is well made, especially the intimate photography. It looks stylish and slick with a more refined look than when 'Special Victims Unit' first started all the way back in 1999, while maintaining the show's grit. The music doesn't overbear and is not overused. The direction keeps things moving well while letting the drama breathe.
Overall, very good and promising season opener. 8/10.