Blackmail

An investigative reporter if I may use the term loosely is found dead at a construction site, her body concealed so that she might not be discovered for a long time. At least that's what the perpetrator hoped.

In terms of the victim and the people involved in the case they are all a sleazy lot. But the victim was actually killed because she developed a conscience of sorts. She worked for a scandal rag who refused to be part of a blackmail conspiracy involving talk show host Samantha Bee.

Bee is in the closet, married with children, but likes to romp among the female staffers of her show. The victim's editor saw blackmail possibilities here and he's played by future SVU regular Raul Esparza. And Esparza has some dirt on him and he's being blackmailed by one of his other employees Tom Lipinski.

To get justice for the victim, Linus Roache and Alana DeLa Garza have to use some of the tactics these own people perfected and it's not pretty, but gets results. Jason Kravits as Esparza's attorney does a zealous job in representing his client's interests.

Not pretty, but Roache and DeLa Garza get results.

Loosely based on the recent David Letterman blackmail scandal, "Blackmail" tries to take a different route by having a FEMALE talk show host being blackmailed because of her frequent affairs with subordinate FEMALE staffers. One of the host's former employees and lover is murdered and that is the catalyst for which the investigation begins.

A twist involves the blackmailer himself being blackmailed by an accomplice and, in turn, DA McCoy's crew has to resort to a similar tactic to get a conviction on the murder.

This is a rather dull episode, only "enlivened" by S. Epatha Merkerson's "Van Buren" still coping with her cancer as well as making a humorous observation about the physical appearance of cops Lupo (Jeremy Sisto) and Bernard (Anthony Anderson).

To be honest, "Blackmail's" premise is on paper one of the least appealing of Season 20. Have no issue with any show doing ripped from the headlines-like stories, and the franchise has done many fine episodes with this type of story as well as quite a number of misfires (the latter seasons of 'Special Victims Unit' particularly). The story though sounded very sleazy and sensationalist which is not that appealing, there is definitely a preference for the covering of bold, hard hitting controversial issues.

It is agreed that Season 20 was of a surprisingly high standard, with a vast majority of the episodes ranging between good and outstanding. There were a few episodes that disappointed, which was not unexpected (it's true of most of 'Law and Order's' seasons). While "Dignity" was incredibly uneven and did disappoint, "Blackmail" was the first episode of the season to be close to a misfire. There are some good things, but it is such a let down after such a wonderful previous episode and after being so impressed by almost all the first half of the season.

"Blackmail" does have good things. S Epatha Merkerson again is magnificent and nearly as poignant as she was in "Fed". Her circumstances here are so relatable, tear jerking and much more compelling than any of the case. The cast do a very good job with what they are given, but Merkerson is in a different league. The physical appearance of cops observation is agreed very amusing.

Furthermore, the production values are still fully professional, the slickness and subtly gritty style still remaining. The music is sparingly used and is haunting and thankfully non-overwrought.

However, the story just didn't grab me. Pace wise it is very dull and over-stretched and there is very little tension or suspense, it all feels routine even in the legal scenes. Nothing surprises, even the big twist is predictable.

Didn't find it particularly well written either, other than with Van Buren. Did find the dialogue too talky and less than taut and there is nothing about the handling of the subject that's insightful or subtle, also doing nothing to change my mind on why the subject isn't appealing. The supporting characters are not very well fleshed out at all and just come over as stock.

Overall, dull and bland but watchable as a one time watch. 5/10.