Rollins takes matters into her own hands when Barba is forced to drop rape charges against a popular actor due to lack of evidence.Rollins takes matters into her own hands when Barba is forced to drop rape charges against a popular actor due to lack of evidence.Rollins takes matters into her own hands when Barba is forced to drop rape charges against a popular actor due to lack of evidence.
- Detective Odafin 'Fin' Tutuola
- (as Ice T)
- (credit only)
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Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaActor Craig Bierko (Bobby D'Amico) previously played Deputy US Marshal Andy Eckerson on Escape (2003). Eckerson, who seemed to have a previous relationship with Benson, helped SVU track down two escaped fugitives, one of whom kidnapped his own son whom he was falsely accused of raping.
- Quotes
[last lines]
Mike Dodds: Am I interrupting?
Amanda Rollins: Yeah.
Olivia Benson: No. Rollins and I are done.
[Rollins leaves, and Dodds shuts the door]
Olivia Benson: She just stood there and she lied to my face. And I don't know what to tell your father, because she swears that she didn't leak the video.
Mike Dodds: I believe her.
Olivia Benson: Why?
Mike Dodds: Because I know who did. Don't worry. It can't be traced.
Olivia Benson: What are you telling me?
Mike Dodds: I don't want to put you between me and my father, so you might want to stop asking questions.
Olivia Benson: Okay.
Mike Dodds: [turning to leave] Bobby D'Amico got what he deserved. Told you I never liked the guy.
"Star Struck Victims" doesn't completely fall into that category, but there are too many times where it comes very close to being. It is not a terrible episode at all, more slightly above average with major reservations, and other 'Special Victims Unit' episodes executed this type of story a lot worse. It does though fall into the biggest traps that come with this concept and has a few of the things that make me not a fan of this type of story.
Am going to start with the good. The production values are slick and professional, not lavish but it is not that type of show. The music is haunting while not intrusive or overused. The direction is sympathetic without being too low key. Dodds Jr's character writing here has improved vastly compared to his previous appearances, much more personality. He especially shines in his chemistry with Rollins, wasn't crazy about her here on the whole and their chemistry was enjoyable to watch.
Did think that there was some taut and thought provoking lines, and Barba's sarcasm comment was gold. The acting is very good all round.
In my view though, most of the team are too underused and some of the character writing for the regulars didn't quite work. Especially with Olivia's hypocritical and sanctimonious attitude towards Rollins, and Rollins being beyond unprofessional to the point of being criminal.
Furthermore, not much sympathy was felt for the victim here on my part. Too many story changes and contradictions. While Delaney Williams has always done a great job as Buchannan, (every prosecution witness' worst nightmare for good reason), there are times where you wonder why he still has his job with the things he says frequently, the worst of which are distasteful as can be heard at times here.
Concluding, slightly above average but not great. 6/10.
- TheLittleSongbird
- Sep 28, 2022