Of all the subjects/topics for Season 5 of 'Law and Order: Special Victims Unit', that for "Choice" has to be among the most difficult to tackle, with it being very controversial (always has been). And this was a season that hardly shied away from tough topics and hardly held back when exploring them. In "Choice's" case, the execution could either have been very emotionally powerful while tactful or it could have been too judgmental or on too much of one side.
"Choice" to me was in the former category. It is another great episode and sees Season 5 hitting its stride after an unsteady start. Is it one of the very best episodes of the season? Not quite, the likes of "Loss" was on a whole different level that "Choice" doesn't quite reach. As far as the first half of the season goes though it is one of the best episodes by a good distance. It's fairly conventional to begin with and a little slow to begin with, but when things get moving and more is revealed it becomes more unpredictable and has always left me shocked and deep in thought.
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 is sympathetic but also alert. The script is taut and intelligent, despite there being a good deal of talk (typical for the 'Law and Order' franchise) it never rambles and the talk is interesting and gets deep under the skin of the topic. Those closing statements pack a punch.
While starting off conventional, the story quickly becomes very emotionally involving and nothing feels obvious, even the constant feeling of whether Jennifer is being truthful or not. It's also exciting in the intensity of the final third particularly. Also really appreciated the pull no punches yet still tactful and seen from all angles approach to the subject. Jennifer is a very strongly written character, that one begins rooting for but then becomes unsure of what to believe, a feeling that reaches fever pitch later on.
Absolutely loved the character interaction, Jennifer having some great exchanges with Olivia and Novak and to me some of the episode's biggest heart comes from the chemistry between Olivia and Jennifer. Especially in the poignant final scene. All the acting is extremely good, Josie Bissett is an unsettling powerhouse here. Mariska Hargitay shows steel but sympathetic edge and Diane Neal is settling into her role well, despite not quite being fully warmed up to Novak yet (still early day).
Overall, great. 9/10
"Choice" to me was in the former category. It is another great episode and sees Season 5 hitting its stride after an unsteady start. Is it one of the very best episodes of the season? Not quite, the likes of "Loss" was on a whole different level that "Choice" doesn't quite reach. As far as the first half of the season goes though it is one of the best episodes by a good distance. It's fairly conventional to begin with and a little slow to begin with, but when things get moving and more is revealed it becomes more unpredictable and has always left me shocked and deep in thought.
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 is sympathetic but also alert. The script is taut and intelligent, despite there being a good deal of talk (typical for the 'Law and Order' franchise) it never rambles and the talk is interesting and gets deep under the skin of the topic. Those closing statements pack a punch.
While starting off conventional, the story quickly becomes very emotionally involving and nothing feels obvious, even the constant feeling of whether Jennifer is being truthful or not. It's also exciting in the intensity of the final third particularly. Also really appreciated the pull no punches yet still tactful and seen from all angles approach to the subject. Jennifer is a very strongly written character, that one begins rooting for but then becomes unsure of what to believe, a feeling that reaches fever pitch later on.
Absolutely loved the character interaction, Jennifer having some great exchanges with Olivia and Novak and to me some of the episode's biggest heart comes from the chemistry between Olivia and Jennifer. Especially in the poignant final scene. All the acting is extremely good, Josie Bissett is an unsettling powerhouse here. Mariska Hargitay shows steel but sympathetic edge and Diane Neal is settling into her role well, despite not quite being fully warmed up to Novak yet (still early day).
Overall, great. 9/10
