My main reason for seeing "Ballerina" has always been for the guest stars. Have always loved Carol Burnett, ever since her timeless Miss Hannigan in 'Annie' (am one of not many who still loves that film), and there is good reason as to why her performance here is considered one of 'Law and Order: Special Victims Unit's' best guest star turns. It was interesting too to see Matthew Lillard in a different role, a role completely different to the comedic goofball characters he plays (notably his voice work for Shaggy in the Scooby Doo franchise).
"Ballerina" has always been a great episode to me, definitely in the top five best episodes of the season (perhaps second best). Almost everything works brilliantly here, with my only issue being a relative nit-pick, namely the acting and one of my favourite interrogation scenes of the show. Season 10 was at its best when the case and the characters it concerns are succinctly focused on and "Ballerina" is one of those episodes and one of the best examples.
Only the annoying and out of place character of Stuckey, who would sadly get worse with each episode he appeared in, doesn't work here, but he is not enough to drag the episode down badly.
Everything else though is brilliant. The best thing about "Ballerina" is Burnett, whose guest performance is one of the show's finest and my favourite guest turn of the season. Her character is not a complex one on paper but that cannot be said for Burnett's menacing and nuanced performance. Lillard shows that he can do roles other than his comedic goofball type of characters equally as well when given a chance, he does unsettling brilliantly here. This is Lillard like you have never seen him before in an unsettlingly great way.
His truly powerful (in writing and delivery) interrogation scene is the best of the show in a long time, perhaps since "Rage" way back in Season 6, and one of the best individual scenes of the season. The regulars are excellent too, but this is one of those episodes where the guest stars are even better.
Case-wise, "Ballerina" is quite lightweight, with there being far twistier episodes before and since and with it being more character driven. This doesn't matter, as the story does absorb in tension and emotional impact and Burnett and Lillard's characters are so psychologically fascinating (especially Burnett's). It also helps that Burnett and Lillard are so good. The script is taut and thought-provoking, especially in the interrogation scene and the hard hitting ending.
It looks good, with the usual slickness and subtle grit. Really liked too that the photography was simple and close up but doing so without being claustrophobic. The music has presence when used, and luckily it isn't constant, and when it is used it doesn't feel over-scored. The direction is controlled but also tight.
Overall, wonderful and to be seen for Burnett especially. 9/10.
