The casting of Mike Tyson caused quite a stir at the time Season 14 was made and aired, understandably so considering a convicted rapist was cast in an episode of a show that often deals with sex crimes. Yet "Monster's Legacy" on first watch, which was back when having no knowledge of Tyson's conviction or who he was really, struck me as a very powerful episode with a very difficult subject and the chance to see Ed Asner in a different role to usual.
"Monster's Legacy" is still a tremendously powerful episode that proved to be even better on rewatch. On first watch, one plotline was more interesting and investable than the other, with it feeling more of a 'Special Victims Unit' case, but on rewatch there was so much more to appreciate about the plotline that didn't resonate as strongly before. Namely down to the two main characters that carry it. To me, it stands out as one of the best episodes of Season 14.
Of the regulars, Mariska Hargitay with the most to do was particularly strong. Once again showing steel and empathy with ease. It was fantastic to see Andre Braugher again, have loved all his appearances and have always wished that he was in more episodes. Dramatically, "Monster's Legacy" is probably his best appearance, some very powerful acting in the second half. Also loved their chemistry together, which was far more believable and complex than any of Olivia's romantic relationships.
As for the supporting cast, Asner stands out. Usually cast in crotchet and curmudgeonly roles, he gives the creepiest performance of his career here. Scary that someone that seems on the outside harmless and amiable is such a monster on the inside. Pre-Sonny Carisi Peter Scanavino intensely and movingly plays a very troubled character yet not treated too sympathetically. Regarding Tyson, while not as good as the aforementioned he does conflicted very well and his subplot was rootable and a lot more involving than remembered, Olivia and Ellis' roles helped a lot in this regard though.
Furthermore, the case is both disturbing and poignant. The subject is a brave one and unmistakably 'Special Victims Unit', that will hit home for those that went through similar and inspire them to come forward. It is a subject that is handled tastefully but also in a way that doesn't hold back. The dialogue is tight and thought provoking, especially Ellis' in the second half and his interaction with Olivia.
Photography and such are fully professional, the slickness still remaining. The music is used sparingly and is haunting and non-overwrought when it is used, and it's mainly used when a crucial revelation or plot development is revealed. The direction has some nice tension while keeping things steady, without going too far the other way.
In summary, wonderful episode that fared better on rewatch and Tyson's casting didn't bother me anywhere near as much compared to the stir it caused. 10/10.
"Monster's Legacy" is still a tremendously powerful episode that proved to be even better on rewatch. On first watch, one plotline was more interesting and investable than the other, with it feeling more of a 'Special Victims Unit' case, but on rewatch there was so much more to appreciate about the plotline that didn't resonate as strongly before. Namely down to the two main characters that carry it. To me, it stands out as one of the best episodes of Season 14.
Of the regulars, Mariska Hargitay with the most to do was particularly strong. Once again showing steel and empathy with ease. It was fantastic to see Andre Braugher again, have loved all his appearances and have always wished that he was in more episodes. Dramatically, "Monster's Legacy" is probably his best appearance, some very powerful acting in the second half. Also loved their chemistry together, which was far more believable and complex than any of Olivia's romantic relationships.
As for the supporting cast, Asner stands out. Usually cast in crotchet and curmudgeonly roles, he gives the creepiest performance of his career here. Scary that someone that seems on the outside harmless and amiable is such a monster on the inside. Pre-Sonny Carisi Peter Scanavino intensely and movingly plays a very troubled character yet not treated too sympathetically. Regarding Tyson, while not as good as the aforementioned he does conflicted very well and his subplot was rootable and a lot more involving than remembered, Olivia and Ellis' roles helped a lot in this regard though.
Furthermore, the case is both disturbing and poignant. The subject is a brave one and unmistakably 'Special Victims Unit', that will hit home for those that went through similar and inspire them to come forward. It is a subject that is handled tastefully but also in a way that doesn't hold back. The dialogue is tight and thought provoking, especially Ellis' in the second half and his interaction with Olivia.
Photography and such are fully professional, the slickness still remaining. The music is used sparingly and is haunting and non-overwrought when it is used, and it's mainly used when a crucial revelation or plot development is revealed. The direction has some nice tension while keeping things steady, without going too far the other way.
In summary, wonderful episode that fared better on rewatch and Tyson's casting didn't bother me anywhere near as much compared to the stir it caused. 10/10.
