If anything, it was quite the opposite. "Futility" was actually an episode seen quite a lot later, when initially getting into 'Law and Order: Special Victims Unit' it was when Seasons 5 to 12 were airing a lot more frequently so saw most of those episodes before those from Seasons 1-4. Which had just as many very good and more episodes and just as many memorable guest stars, showing why the show was at its best in its early seasons.
"Futility" struck me as a brilliant episode on first viewing. On re-watch, my positive feelings have not changed at all and actually love it even more. Although there have been other episodes re-watched more, it is only because of them being aired more at more accessible times. And also because with a few other early season episodes (i.e. "Dominance") there is a once seen and hard to forget vibe while still having plenty to it to justify replaying. A distinction that "Futility" fits under.
As always, "Futility" is a slickly made episode, with the editing being more refined than when the show first started and again intimate but never suffocating photography. The music is sparingly used and never seemed melodramatic, the theme tune easy to remember as usual. The direction is sympathetic enough without being too low key on the whole.
The script is thoughtful and sincere, as well as tense. The dialogue between Olivia and Carrie is beautifully written and is a fine example of why Olivia is one of the franchise's most popular characters, also handling the subject and its moral dilemmas with tact and complexity. It also shines in a very touching little scene between Stabler and Olivia, that shows perfectly why they were such great partners and it was great to see Stabler's sensitive side in a season that saw a lot of his toughness. The subject is not an easy one to tackle and it is always brave when it is tackled, the execution had sensitivity in the character chemistry and also a lot of tension, the hold the defendant has in the courtroom is quite terrifying.
Such a great job is done with the character writing. Absolutely loved Stabler and Olivia's chemistry, Olivia's firm but sympathetic attitude towards getting justice, that the victim was one one that was easy to get behind and any reservations being very understandable in such a hard situation and that the perpetrator is deceptively suave but incredibly intimidating (the reason for why the tension in the courtroom was so biting the nails-like). The acting is excellent across the board, with the performance of the episode belonging to Fred Savage. One would never think that he would be able to pull off this level of creepiness and intimidation so well, but Savage does so brilliantly.
My only issue is the very end, for my tastes it was a bit too abrupt and some of the explanation could have been expanded upon more.
Brilliant episode though all in all. 9/10
"Futility" struck me as a brilliant episode on first viewing. On re-watch, my positive feelings have not changed at all and actually love it even more. Although there have been other episodes re-watched more, it is only because of them being aired more at more accessible times. And also because with a few other early season episodes (i.e. "Dominance") there is a once seen and hard to forget vibe while still having plenty to it to justify replaying. A distinction that "Futility" fits under.
As always, "Futility" is a slickly made episode, with the editing being more refined than when the show first started and again intimate but never suffocating photography. The music is sparingly used and never seemed melodramatic, the theme tune easy to remember as usual. The direction is sympathetic enough without being too low key on the whole.
The script is thoughtful and sincere, as well as tense. The dialogue between Olivia and Carrie is beautifully written and is a fine example of why Olivia is one of the franchise's most popular characters, also handling the subject and its moral dilemmas with tact and complexity. It also shines in a very touching little scene between Stabler and Olivia, that shows perfectly why they were such great partners and it was great to see Stabler's sensitive side in a season that saw a lot of his toughness. The subject is not an easy one to tackle and it is always brave when it is tackled, the execution had sensitivity in the character chemistry and also a lot of tension, the hold the defendant has in the courtroom is quite terrifying.
Such a great job is done with the character writing. Absolutely loved Stabler and Olivia's chemistry, Olivia's firm but sympathetic attitude towards getting justice, that the victim was one one that was easy to get behind and any reservations being very understandable in such a hard situation and that the perpetrator is deceptively suave but incredibly intimidating (the reason for why the tension in the courtroom was so biting the nails-like). The acting is excellent across the board, with the performance of the episode belonging to Fred Savage. One would never think that he would be able to pull off this level of creepiness and intimidation so well, but Savage does so brilliantly.
My only issue is the very end, for my tastes it was a bit too abrupt and some of the explanation could have been expanded upon more.
Brilliant episode though all in all. 9/10
