It is easy to be drawn into this kind of case, or at least in my experience it was. It is of the very disturbing and almost uncomfortable kind (rightly so) but also equally fascinating. Have seen variations of "Folly's" basic premise numerous times elsewhere, but as far as any episodes for any show that has the fantasy taken too far premise 'Law and Order: Special Victims Unit's' "Folly" has to be one of the creepiest and most warped examples.
"Folly" is not one of the best episodes of 'Law and Order: Special Victims Unit' or even of Season 2. Did find it a slight let down after the two brilliant previous episodes in "Countdown" and "Runaway" (the former especially was a season high-point). That is not to knock "Folly" though, it is still very good and well made and acted, handling its subject suitably unsettlingly. It also shows what the 'Law and Order' franchise excelled at at its best, tackling challenging subjects and the moral dilemmas and questions raised.
Maybe "Folly" could have done with having less of or leaving out the unit's running out of asbestos problem. That didn't really add anything and felt like padding that distracted from the much more interesting case, causing at times draggy lulls in the pacing.
The lengths that the responsible go through to obtain the money for instance agreed is a bit hard to believe.
However, the story is as disturbing as it should be, in the details of the case and the atmosphere, without resorting to any distaste. It is an unusual case but coherence is never really a problem. The ending is exciting and suspenseful with any loose ends neatly wrapped up without being too neat or convenient. Also have to mention the final scene between Olivia, Stabler and Darlene, that brought shivers down my spine. Especially the delivery of "you'll protect me, won't you?" Munch and Fin's chemistry helps liven things up to avoid the episode from getting too serious.
All the performances are on point, with Patricia Kalember at her most skin-crawling. All the regulars can't be faulted and JK Simmons was always interesting in his appearances as Dr Emil Skoda. The writing is tight and thoughtful, some lines deceptively simple but delivered with such impact, the subject not being handled excessively or too safely. The episode is well made and scored, with the direction picking up the pace in the latter stages.
Overall, very solid episode but the show and season did better. 8/10
"Folly" is not one of the best episodes of 'Law and Order: Special Victims Unit' or even of Season 2. Did find it a slight let down after the two brilliant previous episodes in "Countdown" and "Runaway" (the former especially was a season high-point). That is not to knock "Folly" though, it is still very good and well made and acted, handling its subject suitably unsettlingly. It also shows what the 'Law and Order' franchise excelled at at its best, tackling challenging subjects and the moral dilemmas and questions raised.
Maybe "Folly" could have done with having less of or leaving out the unit's running out of asbestos problem. That didn't really add anything and felt like padding that distracted from the much more interesting case, causing at times draggy lulls in the pacing.
The lengths that the responsible go through to obtain the money for instance agreed is a bit hard to believe.
However, the story is as disturbing as it should be, in the details of the case and the atmosphere, without resorting to any distaste. It is an unusual case but coherence is never really a problem. The ending is exciting and suspenseful with any loose ends neatly wrapped up without being too neat or convenient. Also have to mention the final scene between Olivia, Stabler and Darlene, that brought shivers down my spine. Especially the delivery of "you'll protect me, won't you?" Munch and Fin's chemistry helps liven things up to avoid the episode from getting too serious.
All the performances are on point, with Patricia Kalember at her most skin-crawling. All the regulars can't be faulted and JK Simmons was always interesting in his appearances as Dr Emil Skoda. The writing is tight and thoughtful, some lines deceptively simple but delivered with such impact, the subject not being handled excessively or too safely. The episode is well made and scored, with the direction picking up the pace in the latter stages.
Overall, very solid episode but the show and season did better. 8/10
