Expectations were mixed on first watch. The topic is a truly disturbing one and is enough to creep anyone out, even the not always easily scared, if done right. Also personally have found Olivia a fascinating and well developed character in the early-mid seasons, not so consistently once she was promoted. The show has always varied when it comes to personal life stories, some forward a character and are relatable and others are too melodramatic, over milked and take over cases.
Although not as much as Stabler, Olivia's personal life storylines have fallen into both extremes. It is a case of the latter in "Child's Welfare", which is a continuation of the personal drama Olivia went through with her brother in "Philadelphia" and "Florida". Luckily though, the case is an incredibly strong one, not always the case with episodes that are heavy in personal life drama and overall "Child's Welfare" was a pretty good episode.
Much is good here. The production values are suitably slick and gritty, with photography that is reliant on close ups that have an intimacy without being too claustrophobic. The music is didn't come over as too melodramatic or like it was emphasising the emotion too much. The direction is sympathetic while still giving momentum. Did like that the team worked like a team and the acting is uniformly strong, especially Mariska Hargitay.
The script is concise, thought provoking and uncompromising in the storyline involving the case. Which, as has been indicated already, is an incredibly strong one. Sure there are echoes of the outstanding and superior 'Criminal Minds' episode "From Cradle to Grave" with the subject, but that doesn't matter as it is a subject that is not explored enough in crime/procedural/legal shows. The case here is truly creepy and is one of Season 13's darkest, like the previous episode "Hunting Ground".
On the other hand, to me Olivia's subplot was not near as interesting. It is predictable and melodramatic, as well as feeling like familiar ground dragged out despite some progression.
Simon also comes over as too rash and the ending felt rushed and lacking in tension.
Pretty good episode overall though a case of one plot being better than the other. 7/10.
Although not as much as Stabler, Olivia's personal life storylines have fallen into both extremes. It is a case of the latter in "Child's Welfare", which is a continuation of the personal drama Olivia went through with her brother in "Philadelphia" and "Florida". Luckily though, the case is an incredibly strong one, not always the case with episodes that are heavy in personal life drama and overall "Child's Welfare" was a pretty good episode.
Much is good here. The production values are suitably slick and gritty, with photography that is reliant on close ups that have an intimacy without being too claustrophobic. The music is didn't come over as too melodramatic or like it was emphasising the emotion too much. The direction is sympathetic while still giving momentum. Did like that the team worked like a team and the acting is uniformly strong, especially Mariska Hargitay.
The script is concise, thought provoking and uncompromising in the storyline involving the case. Which, as has been indicated already, is an incredibly strong one. Sure there are echoes of the outstanding and superior 'Criminal Minds' episode "From Cradle to Grave" with the subject, but that doesn't matter as it is a subject that is not explored enough in crime/procedural/legal shows. The case here is truly creepy and is one of Season 13's darkest, like the previous episode "Hunting Ground".
On the other hand, to me Olivia's subplot was not near as interesting. It is predictable and melodramatic, as well as feeling like familiar ground dragged out despite some progression.
Simon also comes over as too rash and the ending felt rushed and lacking in tension.
Pretty good episode overall though a case of one plot being better than the other. 7/10.
