My first viewing of "Burned" was one of my most memorable first viewings of any episode of 'Law and Order: Special Victims Unit' and it left me moved and especially disturbed in a very vivid way. It is one of those episodes that one can see once and not forget in the long run. It is a tough subject and even on first viewing it didn't shy away from showing the full impact. It is not one of my favourite types of stories, the "she said, he said" type, but there are many instances of the show and franchise doing it well.
"Burned" does one of those 'Special Victims Unit' episodes that does it well. Brilliantly even. It is one of those episodes that gets better and better with each viewing and also more moving and disturbing. It handles its type of story in good taste, despite almost no supporting character coming off well apart from the character in the middle of the basic issue, while pulling no punches. Season 8 was not a consistent season, "Burned" for me is one of the few outstanding episodes of it.
The story is nothing short of riveting, with a good deal of tension, emotional impact and surprises from the get go. One too where one is not sure who is telling the truth and who is lying, when the truth and motive are revealed it has always made me feel saddened and angry. "Burned" is very harrowing in parts, especially when things take a more shocking turn. Those screams stayed with me for a long time on first watch and still are the stuff of nightmares.
Furthermore, the script is thought-provoking and contains no extraneous fat. Like all 'Special Victims Unit' episodes there is a lot of talk and digest but it doesn't ramble, plus there isn't any bias or judgement. It shines best in the verbal sparring between Stabler and Olivia, here their opinions on the situation are different but it is a case where one can see both sides with a difficult issue. Stabler and Olivia's chemistry crackles and both are on top form.
Christopher Meloni and Mariska Hargitay's performances have a lot to thank for that. Blair Underwood and Michael Michele give hard hitting portrayals of the characters the story centres around, brilliantly showing how difficult it is who is telling the truth.
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 has momentum while being accommodating and strongly creating a dark atmosphere.
In conclusion, superb and what 'Special Victims Unit' is all about. 10/10.
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