"Confrontation" is the episode where we see more development to Olivia's short lived temporary replacement Dani Beck, where there is a fuller understanding of why she is the way she is. Meaning why she is as much of a loose cannon as she is and how she handles cases. It is always a pleasure to see Michael Kelly, so good in 'House of Cards' and no stranger to the 'Law and Order' franchise (and this wasn't his last appearance either).
While not one of the best episodes of 'Law and Order: Special Victims Unit' or of Season 8, "Confrontation" was very good and interesting. Also very much appreciated what it set out to do developing Beck, even if some may find, and have found, that their opinion of her does not change. This is actually perhaps the episode that she features in where it is the most understandable as to why she didn't click with fans. Personally didn't hate her myself, but was a bit mixed on her in "Confrontation."
Her determination, committment and grit is never in question, neither is her passion for her job and getting results. Did like her development a lot and it gave an illuminating glimpse into how and why she came to be the way she is, and it was already clear that it was personal-related. Her over-zealousness is overdone to sackable offense worthy effect though and her inability to gel with team members or work with victims (her unsympathetic attitude being more alienating) became a lot more apparent with each episode and a lot more obvious here than in her previous outings.
If there is one thing, in regard to the rest of the episode and the case itself, the only thing that didn't quite work was the modus operandi of the perpetrator. At first it was truly bizarre and didn't make sense.
Luckily, it did so once the pieces fell into place and started coming together even if it did take a while. The modus operandi, the pathology and perpetrator do fascinate, it was amazing at how ambitious the modus operandi is and how truly disturbing it is, the pathology is one of the sickest and creepiest ones of this period of 'Special Victims Unit' and the perpetrator is one twisted, sinister person. The story is suspenseful and has enough twists to satisfy, while the perpetrator is obvious the fun and the tension comes from getting the proof and catching them which has been what has been good about Season 8 up to this point. It is also a scenario that fits 'Special Victims Unit' very well and what it's all about, it's not an innovative premise for the franchise but it's an interesting once it comes together gradually.
The performances are uniformly good, did not have a problem with Connie Nielsen who does act the heck out of Beck and Michael Kelly gives the most skin crawling performance that he ever gave perhaps. The script is intelligent and suitably lean, also not being soapy or awkward. It is shot with the right amount of intimacy without being claustrophobic and that the editing has become increasingly tighter over-time has been great too. Nice use of locations too. The music doesn't get over-scored or overwrought, even in the more dramatic revelation moments. The direction doesn't try to do too much and is understated but never flat or unsure.
On the whole, very well done. 8/10.
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