"Charisma" is yet another episode of 'Law and Order: Special Victims Unit's' Season 6 that was hard to forget on first viewing. Such a harrowing story, one can tell it was going to be even from the basic plot synopsis and from 'Special Victims Unit's' justifiably lauded reputation for its uncompromising handling of tough subjects (well certainly for the earlier seasons). And the execution of the story accentuated/accentuates it, not trivialised at all in any way.
Like all the previous Season 6 episodes, "Charisma" is even better now than it was on first watch. Of the consistently high quality first half of the season, "Charisma" is one of the standouts. Meaning it being a particularly outstanding episode that is still scary and hits hard, with two scenes that have seldom left my head, one of the season's most loathsome perpetrators and one truly satisfying climax. Plus Olivia on top form, what more could one possibly want?
As usual for 'Special Victims Unit', well certainly at this point of the show, the episode is very well made. The photography in the scene where the victims' bodies are shown is particularly beautifully shot and a major reason for why that scene is as powerful as it is. One of the best shot scenes of Season 6. The music didn't sound melodramatic or too constant and the direction is accomodating while still having pulse.
The script doesn't ramble, although as usual there is a lot of dialogue to digest, and really provokes thought, disturbs and brings a lump to the throat. Especially in the climax, a masterfully written and acted, tense and emotionally powerful scene. The story is very tense and emotionally shattering, the viewer and the police are on the same hymn sheet emotionally when it comes to the scene with the bodies. The climax as said has always stayed with me and it was tear-inducing to see how the case affects the SVU. Especially Olivia, who also shines in her powerfully vicious interrogation scene with Sarah.
Have no issues with the acting either. Mariska Hargitay's performance is an emotional powerhouse and Jeff Kober is truly frightening.
In conclusion, outstanding. 10/10