Just Tuning In

"Cage"'s Left Wide Open In SVU's Eighth Showing

2006-11-22T17:19:00.000-05:00

Photo Curteousy of NBC.com

By Trublu
PTR Staff Writer

“Man tried to take a shortcut to Brooklyn, but the river got in the way.”- John Munch

The episode starts off with a girl sitting in the back of a van singing what sounds like a psalm. The boy sitting next to her is silent. When she asks the man if she can stop singing, he tells her to keep going, but the girl complains that her throat is sore, implying that she’s been singing for a while. All of the discussion over the singing causes the driver to take his eyes of the road, and the van nearly hits a truck, then plunges into the river.

We can see now that the kids are handcuffed to the seats. Bring in the SVU for this one. The ironic thing about the team’s arrival on the scene is that neither Munch nor Elliot can get the girl to talk, but when they turn around, Dani Beck swoops in and saves the day. One second she’s silent, next Dani has the girl chatting up a storm. Unfortunately, this is the first sign that something is seriously wrong. Dani couldn’t handle children at all before, but now she can. Elliot looks as shocked as the rest of the audience probably is.

“Can I live with you?” – Eden

The SVU certainly has it rough when it comes to this area. Olivia had this happen outright to her in season two’s “Abuse” (2.11). The trouble that the SVU has is that they must be connected to the victims. They couldn’t possibly do their jobs without being connected. But they cannot become so connected as to cloud their vision.

“See a future for her here at SVU?”- Don Cragen
“Sure.”- Elliot Stabler
“You don’t want your old partner back?” – Don Cragen
“Since when is that up to me?” – Elliot Stabler

In the most important exchange of the episode, Elliot establishes for us that Dani could easily become a more permanent fixture, if the unit needed it to be so. Elliot/Olivia shippers were most likely squirming at this confession, because not only was he accepting Dani, he was also accepting defeat in the situation between Olivia and himself. He has resigned himself to knowing that he cannot contact Olivia while she is undercover, and he knows he needs to move on and do his job. It seems UnStabler is not coming out to play, at least in this episode.

“It’s called evidence moron. Here’s a rug to keep you warm.” –Fin Tutuola

Finally, a good line for Fin! The rug, of course, referring to the toupee that the perp left behind in the car.

As per usual, since the detectives can’t get through to the kids, they bring in the esteemed Dr. Huang, who it seems is an avid drawer. All psychiatrists like drawing. Usually it doesn’t backfire on them this much, though, as Mark lunges at Huang and takes the pen he was using and stabs Elliot with it. Huang ends up holding Mark as Dani naturally goes for Elliot and rips the pen out of his chest, while yelling in French at Mark. While it was lovely to hear Dani speak French again, I wish it was under calmer circumstances, when perhaps we would be allowed to focus on the French and not the pen protruding from Elliot’s chest.

Cragen insists that Dani go with Munch and Fin to check out the adoption agency’s house while Elliot goes to the ER, but mysteriously she has not shown up. Imagine that. Three guesses as to where she is, and the first two don’t count.

Aha! She is at the hospital with Elliot. I bet you couldn’t figure that out. Are they going to have the same problem that Elliot and Olivia had in “Fault” (7.19)? They put each other over the job, which they insisted later could never happen again. Now it’s happening with Dani and Elliot, so we can’t imagine that they will let it go.

But, we must stop for a second to “oooh and awwww” at Elliot holding Dani’s hand. A simple gesture of affection that I don’t think we’ve seen before from Elliot, especially with Olivia. In true SVU fashion, the moment is broken when Kathy walks in with Kathleen. In the words of Richie Velch (The Class) “Aaaaaaaawkward!” Dani sticks around long enough to meet the sort-of misses and Elliot’s daughter, but then hightails it out of the potential war zone.

The ironic part about the interruption is that Dani was about to tell Elliot that she couldn’t do it anymore, the “it” being up for interpretation at this point. It could have been whatever relationship they had, the job, or both.

How any parent could perform a rebirthing ceremony on their child is beyond my grasp, but the tape at least provides the detectives with the evidence to continue the investigation. Cragen, not happy at all that Dani skipped out on the raid and seemingly oblivious to her connection with Elliot, insists that she go home and come back fresh the next day. Dani, of course, cannot physically do this, and goes to talk with the ACS rep anyway. While she can’t follow simple directions, at least she has connections to get stuff done! Her friend at the phone company leads them successfully to the fourth passenger in the van who is not hard for the detectives to break, and she sheds life on the life of Eden.

At this point, we find out where the name of the episode “Cage”, comes from, and we feel Dani Beck’s pain as she opens the barn door to find a little boy locked in a cage. When she asks him how long he has been in there, he answers “two days”, to Dani’s dismay.
To Casey’s dismay (Hey! Casey is making an appearance!) the judge (Terhune… maybe she walked in on his poker game again?) threw out the rebirthing ritual tape.

“The defense can say that in the missing sections a spaceship landed and aliens squashed the girl with a giant pumpkin.” – Casey Novak

Ehm… ok. I don’t think any judge would accept that argument, no matter how much tampering the detectives could have done with the tape.

Finally, a Casey courtroom scene! How long has it been since we’ve had one of them? That tape of human interaction was mighty interesting to look at! The jury seemed to think so too, as they looked interested when Casey looked over to see how much damage the defense was doing to her case.

I want to know how in the world Dani got permission to take Eden home with her! That’s not how we remain objective… I’m a Dani fan, and I don’t think as a judge I would have authorized that sort of arrangement. And as all actions have consequences, Dani’s decision to take Eden home with her results in a cute bedtime photo-op, but then a burning living room. In a clear display of the Reactive Attachment Disorder that Huang was describing earlier, Eden tries to burn down Dani’s house so that she can die, with Dani by her side.

All this culminates in a grand finale: Dani admits that she can’t handle it. This time, by “it”, she definitely means the job. She admits that she’s a fixer, she likes to fix situations and make them better. In the SVU world though, there isn’t always fixing to be done, more like consoling and comforting. Dani can’t always get clear cut justice for the victims, and she can’t go about a case the way she is used to either. This, along with the live victims (which almost got Casey in “Serendipity” (5.05)) caused Dani to metaphorically hand in her badge. Along with her badge, she is probably also forfeiting any relationship that she had or might have had with Elliot. Dani can’t stay for the victims, and she can’t stay for Elliot either. So ends the saga of Dani Beck.

Or does it? This is going to affect Elliot majorly over the next few weeks. And, Elliot is alone…again. While we’ve most likely seen the last of Dani Beck, we haven’t heard the last about her!

Prevalent in this episode was a strange combination of Christian religious symbols. The name Eden, as in garden of; Joe, the boy at the foster home; the psalm Eden was reciting at the beginning. The meaning of this compilation, if there was any, was not made clear in the episode, but could be connected with the “rebirthing” therapy, as the term “reborn” is often used in Christian worship.

Preview: Mariska returns full time in the November 28th episode, and it’s going to be good. We’re going to have an all star cast for this one, featuring Bernadette Peters, Catherine Bell, Bob Saget and Chris Sarandon. In a he said, she said…he said, and she said again, Olivia’s going to get right back to work. I’m staying tuned… pass the remote!

SVU Is Showing It’s “Underbelly” In This Hit Or Miss Episode

2006-11-15T22:54:00.000-05:00

Photo curteosy of NBC.com

By: Trublu
PTR Staff Writer

NBC Episode Recap

The episode begins by plunging straight into the storyline: Could be gangs, could be a secret club, could be anything that a tattoo could represent. Three girls dead with the same paw print tattoo on their back would make anyone suspicious, and the SVU is no exception. Dani in particular. I could tell by her face in the opening sequence that she would be especially emotionally invested in this case, whatever it was to involve. The young age of most of the victims still hits her hard every time she dares to look.

A bit later on, we can see that Dani is pretty much ready to flip on the ASC worker and Chantal’s mother. She, like any other SVU detective, can’t stand to know that a little girl was being neglected by her own mother and another who was supposed to protect her. Instead, she was cast out onto the street by both an uncaring mother and a busy social worker. Dani, fortunately, doesn’t realize that she hasn’t seen the worst. Stabler here is a surprising source of… stablility! Of all things… he shows Dani what a good balance is between action and passiveness. Elliot definitely has a right to be angry, and is sure agitated at the mother’s behavior, but has learned to not waste his punches. Dani will do well to learn this from him.

We can also tell that Dani is disgusted with Belinda’s “choice” of “profession”, but we can also see that she realizes where Belinda is coming from, and why she sells her body for Victor. Dani’s gaining a small, but still present, soft spot for the victims. When Dani (thinks she) knows the age of the girl in Blake’s room, she can’t even finish marandizing him.

Dani is sort of getting comfortable with her surroundings… a sure sign that this can’t possibly last, and a mark of the strict six episode arc. Dani’s force is still driving, but no longer harsh and overbearing. She’s beginning to understand how to interact with the victims instead of treating them like perps.

“I’m his partner, Dani Beck.” – Dani Beck

This could possibly be the most important five word sentence in the whole series to date. Elliot and Olivia, who have always been a constant, are a constant no more. The dynamics are changing a bit, and Elliot/Olivia fans aren’t the only ones who aren’t liking them. Olivia is completely uncomfortable with the idea of another woman as Elliot’s partner, even though there really is no romantic connection between Elliot and Olivia. Olivia's "I'm not ready to come back" was complete cockamamie. She couldn't stop being an SVU detective while she was undercover. She's so ready to be back, and Cragen saw right through that fluff. Olivia’s disappearing act after that confrontation, though, is a sign that it’s going to be rough, especially if Dani and Elliot continue their relationship without Dani technically being in the show.

An even more exciting dynamic change: with a simple request, Dani got Elliot and Casey to go out for a drink. Elliot, who has definitely had his patience tried by this woman, and Casey, who saw Dani as nothing more than a liability. Dani uttered one sentence, and they’re chatting it up like old friends. Last time we truly saw this was the night Alex “died”. And it’s been a long time since “Loss” (5.04)

As much as I wanted to see Dani Beck end up with Casey *sigh of disappointment* I didn’t totally hate the Elliot/Dani kiss, and I could not possibly write a decent review without mentioning it. In a word, it was simply this:

Stunning.

I say stunning for several reasons. One, Dani and Elliot seem like they might actually fit together! I’m a hardcore Elliot/Kathy shipper, but once Dani leaves, Elliot/Dani wouldn’t be so horrible. Second, afterwards wasn’t all awkward like not-meant-to-be first kisses sometimes are. Every viewer had to know the phones would go off, yes. But, weren’t you all expecting them to be avoid-y after? They seem to work better now that they don’t have to hold it in anymore. And third… it just looked plain smokin’!

And the fourth and final Dani point for the night: the shooting. Dani’s just getting settled, so in SVU fashion, something has got to disrupt that. It was a good shoot, and Dani knows it was a good shoot. The car was headed right toward her, and Victor would have run her right over had she not taken action. But even a good shoot is hard to get over, and it isn’t something that is dealt with easily. This is going to throw a definite cog in Elliot and Dani’s relationship and in Dani’s ability to adjust to her work.

By now you’ve probably noticed that I have barely touched on the case. This week’s episode wasn’t overly exciting episode wise, is why. I couldn’t find anything substantial to write about. I could comment on the insaneness of child prostitution or the sorrow I felt for the victim, because those things are both thoughts I had. But, this episode was really not for the case, it was pure character development, which I believe will be very important in the next few weeks transitioning from Dani Beck mode back to Olivia Benson mode. And, don’t forget, Olivia’s going to be in the hot seat this season!

Comments:

Tattoos: Major factor in the case, but also the fact that Dani mentions her tattoo… and that it must be placed in a very discrete location… I have a feeling Elliot will get to see it anyway!

I think the inside of a sofa bed is definitely the best hiding place I’ve ever seen! Especially on SVU.

Casey and Marcus! *Laughs self to floor* That’s the second cameo that Marcus has made on the show (the first being as Casey’s schizophrenic ex-fiancee) and this time he actually got to walk by! And, Casey actually got up to go talk with him.

Another thing I’ve noticed: Sister Peg gets attacked an awful lot. She must have a lot of willpower to keep going after all she’s been through!

We all now know how inefficient bail guys really are… photo ID’s anyone?! They let a suspect in a murder trial and a promoter of child prostitution back out on the street and kept the kid that tried to get a free ride on the subway because he was late for work. Nice job, team!

Quotes:

“It could be something more vanilla… a lot of girls like Snoopy!”- John Munch on the significance of the paw tattoos.

“Everyone of these cases will break your heart.”- Elliot Stabler

“Guess the only color he cares about is green.” – John Munch on Fin being denied by a “brother”.

Preview:

Fasten your seatbelts, ladies and gentlemen, because it’s going to be one bumpy ride! Elle Fanning guest stars, and if she has the Fanning talent, then its going to be some good acting. Dani Beck’s going to face some demons (literally) and when they’re done with us we’re going to wonder whether we’re in heaven or hell. Stay tuned folks, and pass the remote!

We’ve Infiltrated a New Level of ‘SVU’

2006-11-01T21:57:00.000-05:00

By: Trublu
PTR Staff Writer

Episode recap unavailable at time of publication; it will be added as soon as it is made available.

“The defense calls Detective Olivia Benson to the stand.”- Kressler

Any Law & Order: SVU fan who has been watching for the past few weeks knows that this cannot be a good sign. Olivia is clearly still undercover with the feds, but apparently the federal officials cannot work efficiently with state officials. This is eerily reminiscent of “Ghost” (6.16) when Elliot and Olivia committed perjury by saying (under oath) that Alex Cabot was dead. *Takes moment to mourn the “death” of Alex Cabot*

I cannot imagine how in the world Olivia managed undercover for as long as she did. The second she was knocked out (and she was knocked out pretty easily, might I add) she began mumbling Elliot’s name in her unconsciousness. She must be very lucky, or have been surrounded by some very unintelligent people. It is a good thing she did not start mumbling her badge number. But… I want to know why she was mumbling Elliot’s name…

I loved the Olivia vs. everyone else banter- classic SVU style! I feel sorry for Olivia *Collective gasp* that she can’t defend herself. And that her lawyer is like, what, 12?

”Are you, like, 12?” – Olivia Benson

“Actually, I’m 25.”- Public Defender

Whenever you are looking for suspects in a murder, automatically gravitate to the cop. Because they are the first person you should suspect. Either they did it, or they will get so emotionally involved that they will help you find who did it without asking you first if they can help. Olivia, of course, falls under the second heading.

In her undercover crime solving expedition, Olivia even calls Fin… then hangs up on Elliot. I feel bad for the two of them *Second collective gasp* because despite their troubles, they really are best friends.
Olivia does have to remember, though, that she’s still undercover! As much as she’d like to play the undercover cop, she can’t; she has to be the undercover activist, as much as it may pain her to stay out of an investigation. Her case agent goes as far as to tell her to stop acting like a sex crimes cop… but the point is, she can’t. It is literally imbedded in her blood. To Olivia, being part of the SVU is like eating or breathing; it’s not something that she can give up. Olivia is way in over her head… but I don’t blame her.

“They see me as the Sex Crimes guy.” –George Huang

“Then what are they doing with Liv?” – Casey Novak

It’s now, at 10:40, that I’m beginning to wonder if we’re going to see Dani at all in this episode. This six episode stint is turning out to be four and some change. Obviously next week’s preview contains Dani, but how will it work with both Olivia and Dani?

So the fed and the town cop out Benson. That’s cruel and unusual, especially after the police department gave Olivia so much trouble. And on top of that, the feds sent her to the wrong location. She infiltrated a group of activists, while the real terrorist almost blew up another target. I don’t know about the Feds, but when Olivia is on to something, she’s really on to something. I’d want her working my case.

I absolutely love, Love, LOVE the changing scenes as Olivia tries to extract what happened from Brittany. The cinematography this season has been exceptional so far. I hope the writers keep it up! And in that same scene, we can really get a feel through the changing weather and appearances of the characters at just how dedicated Olivia is to the victims. Contrary to the Fed’s belief, Olivia connects to the victims on a level few others can achieve.

So many *Squee* worthy moments between Casey and Olivia! Even though they only came face to face at the very end, the entire episode was littered with connections between the two. At the very beginning of the episode, Casey is calling Olivia “Liv”, something I’m sure she’s done before, but has gone very unnoticed until now (especially the urgency with which she says the name because she can’t find Olivia). At the very end when they are at last reunited, Olivia begins with:

”Boy have I got some stories for you!” – Olivia Benson

To which Casey replies:

“And I’d love to hear them.” – Casey Novak

This kind of smooth back and forth banter implies that Casey and Olivia have gotten to be very close friends, which is good for the only two women on the squad. And oye, with a powersuit as well! Olivia in a skirt, not something we see often!

Some extra-funny quotes:

“You say tomato, I say motive for revenge.” – Kressler

“Feds don’t eat donuts.” – Federal case agent

“Word in the conspiracy mill is that she’s off having my love child.” – John Munch

Overall: I’m loving the eighth season so far. Even though this episode was a Benson fest (no Dani whatsoever, a bit disappointing) I absolutely loved it. It highlighted the emotions behind Olivia Benson and why she is a sex crimes detective and not an undercover cop (behind the obvious reason of being a child of rape). One has to wonder if this shows the real amount of cooperation between state and federal authorities. If it does… there is some real work to be done. Also addressed in the threads of this episode is the difference eco-terrorists and activists. Olivia made it clear that she had infiltrated an activist group, not an eco-terrorism group. It’s very curious that the Fed thought them to be one in the same.

Next Week: Did your jaw drop? Mine did! Through all the rumors about a potential love triangle, I never thought it would actually come to pass. In the apparently misplaced last Dani Beck episode, we’re in for one heck of a ride! Elliot and Dani are working together. The question is, where is Olivia?! And does she get to witness the absolutely smoldering kiss between Dani and Elliot? I’m definitely staying tuned… Pass the remote!

A Little 'Confrontation' Isn't All So Bad

2006-10-18T21:29:00.000-05:00

Episode Recap: Provided by NBC.com.

Workshops on how not to open an episode are going to be held next Tuesday. Really, we don’t need to see Elliot in his underwear. I know, I know, many think Stabler has a hot bod, but still, not an image I need burned into my head for the entire episode. *Shudders*

So we have a guy, and he rapes his victims twice. If you thought about this for a few minutes, I do not doubt that you will have come to this conclusion: “How strange.” Indeed, it is very unusual for a rapist to revisit and re-rape his victims. Primary indication that tonight’s episode is going to be a doosey.

Simultaneously we find Dani checking in as a visitor at Attica… which would have been much more interesting if I didn’t know why before hand! Honestly, the spoilers have to stop. I don’t want to know why the characters do the things they do even before they do them!

When did Elliot become a medical examiner? I was as stunned as Warner was when we arrived at the scene and Elliot was basically doing her job for her. Is he going to be a crime scene tech too?

Time check: 10:07, Munch and Fin on screen! And they’re actually doing real work, not just busy stuff. Congratulations, you have your jobs back!

I don’t think we’ve seen many flashbacks on the show, but when they go for it, at least they go for it. The effect was beautifully done, as was the lighting.

We could do “The More You Know” again with Dr. Huang this time, but honestly, it’s just too gross. He has to have all these urine related diseases memorized… and SVU’s gotta feature them all. Fantastic. *Retrieves monogrammed barf bag*

Nice scene with Elliot and Dani. I’m liking the technique: Get some facts, no romance involved.

Some nice, long descriptions about our attacker. Long term rape… over and over again. I want to know who the idiot cop was that caught the case the first and second times, so that I can hit him for being so ignorant! For the first time in a while we have a victim that really wants to make me cry. Definitely a good job by the writers.

Elliot lets the cat out of the bag: He tells Dani that Olivia was a child of rape. Which is great detective bonding (notice the sarcasm) except for the fact that Elliot is trying to make a point. The victim said something along the lines of “imagine how hard it would be to tell your husband that you were having a baby by a rapist.” Dani agreed with the statement, argument ensues, cat pops out of bag. Only problem is, Serena Benson wasn’t married. She didn’t really have anyone to tell. How is Olivia remotely related to this part of the story? (And later, when she is connected, you let her down!)

Now we find out that not only is the rapist attacking these women multiple times, but he’s doing it to get them pregnant! Eep…

(After being asked for DNA sample)

“That doesn’t sound like fun.” – Perp

Yes, because DNA collection and analysis is supposed to be oodles of fun. *Rolls eyes*

I’m just noticing two things at this point. One, the case to personal ratio is perfect. More case, some personal stuff thrown in. Keep this ratio. Second, when did the squad get all the new technology in the background? That definitely wasn’t there last season.

Stabler was owned by Beck at this point of the episode. He keeps telling her that she doesn’t get what it is like to be part of the special victim’s unit, and he’s right. Beck is pretty insensitive with some of the interrogations. But, she also makes an extremely valid point that needed to be made: Women can always be more aware. Beck isn’t trying to be insensitive, but she doesn’t realize the coldness of her remarks. Her information would be much more effective if she was a bit more compassionate.

“From now on I want to be known as the intrepid Detective Munch.” – John Munch

Munch should definitely be called that for the rest of the season! After all, he is one of New York’s finest, finest.

Munch and Fin discover rape calendars… this just gets better and better by the minute! Beck follows the perp, ends up confronting him outside instead of waiting for the sting to go down… normal Tornado Beck behavior. This time was very different though: she probably would have killed him if Elliot and Cragen hadn’t interfered. The assault scared her, more than anything had before. This could be one of the last straws for Dani in the unit: if she can’t handle her temper, there’s no way she can be part of SVU. Even in the name of justice, she can’t kill the perp. But… the scene was so well done that I literally stopped writing and just stared at the screen.

If people hadn’t realized that there were Casey/ Dani issues before… you can certainly see them now. I haven’t seen Casey hold more contempt for a detective, ever. But then, a couple scenes later, they actually have a conversation that doesn’t end in a shouting match! Yay for fixing rifts!

“Could you raise a rapist’s child?” – Victim’s husband

Now, Elliot now! Now is the time for the “my partner is a child of rape” line, in defense of your partner! If you can’t defend your own partner, what does that say about you?

So Beck is visiting her husband’s killer in Attica… and she’s incredibly under control. How’s that for a total character flip! It could be because Stabler is in the room, it could be that she’s under her own steam. Either way, the words she said could not have possibly been fabricated, and the pictures were a touching smack in the head.

Overall: I’m stunned. Honestly, “Confrontation” was the best episode of SVU that the writers have come up with in a while. While it is undeniable that the subject matter was gruesome and morbid, it is exactly what makes SVU, SVU. And, to just further excite my fangirl, the amazing storyline was supplemented by some great, but not overpowering personal interactions. The episode was also much heavier on the Munch and Fin interaction; I think I’m in SVU heaven!

Dani Beck… what are we gunna do with Dani Beck? She’s all over the map, but made some beautiful points about the unit in her conversations with Elliot. Dani definitely isn’t the perfect puzzle piece fit for the unit… but we all know that sometimes we just jam the pieces in and make them fit. (You know you do it.) In the end, it all works out ok, and you have some wonderful new pattern in the middle that wasn’t intended to be there, but looks kinda cool anyway. She definitely has to work on her people skills though. She has to know that the unit isn’t all cut and dry.

Perhaps it is dangerous for Elliot to continue working in the same unit. Though he is still nowhere close to “getting used to” the unit, the wear and tear on him must be incredible. Maybe he should take some time off, go work on a tan, sign some divorce papers, stuff like that. Elliot almost self destructed last season, I don’t want to go through that again.

In Two Weeks: Olivia TV: All Olivia, all the time. This episode is back to Olivia Benson goodness, but is also the fifth episode of the six episode arch for Dani Beck. We’re undercover, but not underrated. Pass the remote!

What I'm Watching: Monday Night; Creative Whims

2006-09-25T19:21:00.000-05:00

Tonight is the second episode of "How I Met Your Mother", the CBS hit that first hit television screens last year. Starring Josh Radnor, Neil Patrick Harris, Alyson Hannigan, Jason Segal and Cobie Smulders, this fresh comedy is about how, well, Ted met his children's mother.

This second episode features a continuation of the shocking season finale: Lily (Hannigan), Marshall's (Segal) long time girlfriend and fiance, broke the engagement and headed across the country to San Fransisco to find herself. Ted (Radnor), on the other hand, finally patched things up with Robin (Smulders)and is having the time of his life in NYC.

In the season premier, we saw a Marshall without Lily: a very desperate man. In the last few seconds of the episode, Marshall is finally back on his feet, but we catch a glimpse of someone who is back in town: Lily.

It should be an intense episode. What did Lily really do over the summer?

Necessities for the episode: Tissues (for potentially rough Marshall/Lily moments) and a pillow (You'll be on the floor laughing, so you might as well be comfortable.)

Also, a slightly off topic topic, but for any Buffy fans out there (and my potential special reader), here's a link to my newest story: The End is the Beginning.

Stay tuned tomorrow for: Law & Order: SVU!

Friday Night TV, Sunday Night Preview

2006-09-24T19:13:00.000-05:00

I caught three shows Friday night: "Ghost Whisperer" and "Close to Home" (CBS) and "Law & Order" (NBC).

"Ghost Whisperer" was a chilling continuation of last season's cliff hanger ending. Melinda (Jennifer Love Hewitt) tried desperately to make contact with Andrea (Aisha Tyler) who was killed by a plane crash (her car was in the path of the plane) while looking for her brother that was supposed to be on the doomed flight.

Melinda dealt fantastically with an evil spirit, and integrated (for the first time in the series) the knowledge of a spirit expert. The episode came to an emotional ending when Andrea was finally able to straighten things out with her brother and cross over.

Necessities for the episode: A box of tissues and a blanket (if you're the type of person that hides when they see scary out-of-body/demon like images).

Rating: 10/10

"Close to Home" also premiered a shocking continuation of the season finale cliff hanger. Following the death of her husband, Jack (Christian Kane), Annabeth (Jennifer Finnigan) returns to work after what her coworkers reveal to be a 3 month leave. Her new boss James Conlon (David James Elliot)implements some very controversial techniques using the grand jury, and viewers get a very distinct hit that things are going to be different around the Indianapolis DA's Office.

The lawyers were on the hunt for a killer that murdered a family (mother and 3 children) in their home, plus an unlucky neighbor that chose the wrong time to deliver a cake. A four year old boy was the only survivor. Annabeth and crew discover that the father is awaiting trial in Florida for the sexual assault of his two daughters, which provides motive for the murders. In the last couple minutes, we find out that there was a kidnapping that was indeed planned by the father so that he could escape the charges, but his parents called the hitman and told him to kill the girls instead.

Jennifer Finnigan delivers a strong performance as usual, but James Conlon (David James Elliot) was just annoying and out of place.

Necessities for the episode: Strong patience for the newbie boss on the team, a box of tissues if you're still distraught over Jack's death.

8/10

"Law & Order" premiered its 17th season on Friday by adding two new cast members. Nina Cassidy (Milena Govich) appears as the Beauty Queen of Cops. Fresh off a promotion from beat cop to detective, Cassidy is still wet behind the ears, and makes a mistake her first few seconds on the job. (Note to viewers: Cops NEVER promise that they'll close a case. Which is what Cassidy did). She goes on to make a rude gesture at a photographer, and ends up on the web. (Second note: Never make an obscene gesture towards someone that is holding a camera). Finally, Cassidy finds her niche in the case, and the story continues on to the "law" side of the equation.

Here we meet the second newcomer, ADA Connie Rubirosa. Her first actions as ADA are very confident, and as the episode progresses, it becomes obvious that she will be a very positive asset to the office. She's unable to uncover many key facts for the case, and makes a kick-ass motion for remand at arraignment.

Necessities for the episode: A "Law & Order" episode guide. This show changes its cast more often than some people change their underwear. (Ew, by the way.)
9/10

Sunday Specials:

"Cold Case" (CBS): The season premier starts with a bang-- several bangs in fact. The cold case this week is a school shooting, which are always confusing. Joseph will also make his first appearance of the new season, and trailers give viewers a feeling that things are going more than smoothly between him and Lilly.

"Without A Trace" (CBS): The kidnap crew starts off its season with, what else, a kidnapping. The twist: They're going to get help from the kidnapper's flesh and blood.

Loving Annabelle

2006-09-22T19:25:00.000-05:00

I just found out about this movie today, and after reading the synopsis I'm very anxious for the premier! This from IMDB.com:

The controversial story of a highly accomplished Catholic school teacher, who falls in love with her student, Annabelle.

It's about time someone made a movie about this. So recently, there have been so many scandals that have erupted in the Catholic church, and with teachers in relationships with students.

Check out the movie's MySpace page and watch the trailers and interviews.

Definitely giving this film a preliminary "thumbs up" for the premise.

You can catch "Loving Annabelle" this December on DVD, or screening at an indie film festival near you!

SVU and a New Job

2006-09-20T21:59:00.000-05:00

A friend of mine, TVFan (who you might recognize from the Look Again forum, if you've clicked the nice little link over on the right there) has accepted my sort of "application" for the SVU staff writer's position over at Pass The Remote! So, I shall be posting my reviews there from now on, but I'll link from here as well.

Remember, comments, not diamonds, are a girl's best friend.

Pass the Remote

Enjoy!

x-posted here

9/11-- In Remembrance

2006-09-11T05:40:00.000-05:00

Today marks the fifth anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the United States of America. On September 11, 2001, 2,973 people were killed by the attacks on the World Trade Center in New York, the Pentagon in Washington D.C., and Flight 93 that crashed in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. For some, today is a day of mourning; mourning their lost loved ones, mourning the lives they lost on that day, mourning for the sense of security and safety that was taken from them in a mere 102 minutes. People feel sadness, anger, hate, and despair. September 11, 2001, was filled with uncertainty and confusion.

But, the horrific day was also filled with the bravery and heroics of others. The 343 firefighters and 75 police men that died in the World Trade Center will forever be hailed as heroes, as they died protecting their nation and saving the lives of thousands of others. The 40 passengers that fought back on Flight 93 are immortalized as heroes, as they saved countless others by taking a stand and being the first to fight in the war on terrorism. The rescue workers who worked for days and months on end, will be remembered as heroes. Today is a day for mourning, but today is also a day for remembering.

It is difficult to think about where you were when the attacks happened, what you were doing, what you saw, whether you were watching it on TV, or witnessing it first hand. It is painful to remember those lost, the lives that were shattered by 19 terrorists five years ago. But it is important that you remember, so that the 2,973 will not have died in vain.

In your thoughts, prayers, and musings today, take a moment out of your busy schedule for a moment of silence for the lives lost on September 11, 2001.

Our country endures, but we will never forget.

"Law & Order: SVU" Gearing Up For Series Premier, Stars Have a Busy Summer

2006-09-10T11:01:00.002-05:00

Premier dates fast approaching, the first news about the season premier of "Law & Order: SVU" gives fans something to look forward to seeing. A lacking seventh season left fans longing for the old season one teamwork and humor. NBC won't have an episode summary up until they've aired their last repeat of the summer (Fat on 9/12) but this from TV.com:

Benson goes undercover to investigate the rape of a federal informant.

Guest Star: Kristen Bush, Marcia Gay Harden

The season premier of the eighth season is the most important premier in the entire series to date. This season, writers must deal with the absence of Mariska Hargitay as she takes her six episode maternity leave after the first two episodes. Also from last season, unresolved tensions between Stabler and Benson and the botched "Let's send Olivia to Computer Crimes for two episodes" move made by the writers.

The seventh season premier featured an undercover Elliot Stabler, which was the beginning of a long road of emotional and anger management issues. Now, with the eighth premier set to feature the same situation for Olivia, one can only wonder if this will be the beginning of the rumored problems for Olivia Benson.

The episode also features Marcia Gay Harden, whose undercover FBI agent character was featured in season seven's "Raw".

Over the summer, the cast was just as busy, their shooting hiatus being used for numerous appearances.

Most notably, Mariska Hargitay gave birth to a 10lb, 9oz son on June 28th, a week after her due date. Mother and son, named August Miklos Friedrich Hermann, have been doing well, and appeared in the July 31st issue of TV Guide, along with Mariska's husband, Peter.

Mariska's August 9th appearance on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" was canceled last minute due to her father (Former Mr. Universe Mickey Hargitay) falling ill.

Mariska finally picked up an Emmy win for "Best Actress in a Drama Series" for her work in "911". It was the third nomination for Mariska, and her first win.

Closing out the summer, Mariska will help millions around the world commemorate the fifth anniversary of the September 11th attacks on the United States by narrating America Rebuilds II, the second installment in a planned trilogy.

Christopher Meloni was also nominated for an Emmy, in the "Best Actor in a Drama Series", but was beaten by "24"s Kiefer Sutherland.

Diane Neal and Richard Belzer both appeared at the 47th Television Festival held in Monte Carlo, Monaco, from June 30th to July 1st. They were joined by series creator Dick Wolf and "Law & Order" newcomers Milena Govich and Alana de la Garza.

Diane also tried her hand at directing this summer, her play "Modern Missionary" winning the award for "Outstanding Play" at the 2006 New York International Film Festival.

Diane was spotted waitressing at Sapa restaurant, serving Southeast Asian cuisine to benefit Project ALS.

Expect five-star service tonight at Sapa, when Julianna Margulies, Bryant Gumbel, "SNL's" Seth Myers, Ally Sheedy and "Law & Order's" Diane Neal will dish out chef Patricia Yeo's Southeast Asian cuisine to diners to benefit Project ALS. (Time sensitive article was replaced at NYDailyNews.com)

Diane is scheduled to play in the Autism Speaks charity softball game on September 16th. She will once again be joined by Milena Govich and Alana de la Garza.

Ice-T is set to host the 2006 Hip Hop Honors show, which will air October 17th at 8PM (EST) on VH1.

Dick Wolf will be honored in 2007 for his television career with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

This season will see many cast changes for the "Law & Order" franchise, with the original entering into it's 18th season on the air, and Criminal Intent its 6th.

Dennis Farina has left the show, and is being replaced by Milena Govich ("Conviction"s ADA Jessica Rossi)who will play the series first female detective, pairing up with Jesse L Martin. After only one season, Annie Parisse has also left the mothership, and is being replaced by Alana de la Garza.

Criminal Intent is losing one of its longtime cast members. Courtney B. Vance has left the show, and is being replaced by Nona Gaye. Annabella Sciorra has left the cast, and is being replaced by Julianne Nicholson ("Conviction"s ADA Christina Finn). It is also rumored that Jamey Sheridan is leaving the show, but no official announcement as of yet.

On SVU, Connie Nielsen will be joining the cast for a six episode stint as Warrant Officer Dani Beck, to fill the void left by Mariska Hargitay's Benson.

For All You Cold Case Fans...

2006-06-17T15:06:00.000-05:00

http://coldcasedvds.com/index.php

A website, the first of its kind, dedicated to campaigning for the release of Cold Case on DVD.

Children Left Behind

2006-06-10T21:02:00.000-05:00

Imagine, if you will, a classroom with 35 students in it. The desks are in various states of disrepair; chunks missing, the tops engraved with 50 years worth of names, dates, profanity. Two or three of those 35 students don't have desks at all. Teachers desks are too small or too broken. Some of the teachers don't even have their own desk, because they have to share a room with another teacher. Some classes don't have enough textbooks, and some are torn up and unreadable. In the the summer the heat is on; in the winter the heat is broken.

Now, walk out of that imaginary classroom. It's raining outside, so the roof is leaking. There's some brown gunk running down the walls, but no one knows what it is, so it stays there for a while. There are entire conversations written out on the bathroom walls and stalls. It's $60 if you want to play sports. It's another $60 to join the Student Council or SADD. The members of that SADD group can barely afford to go to the middle school and meet with the incoming eighth graders because it's $200 for a bus to go down the street. Teachers have taken pay cut after pay cut after pay cut in stride, when teacher's salaries are lower than everyone else's to begin with.

The library is stocked with irrelevant and outdated books. The computers are from the Stone Age of the age of computers. The copier works only half the time; every other day in a good week. There aren't enough seats in the cafeteria for every student to eat their lunch.

Imagine the regional accredidation team's reaction when they were thrown into the same situation that the teachers and students in that school must deal with every day. They were deeply impressed by the faculty and student representatives' attempts to make the best of their situation. The team thinks the curriculum is great, the teachers are knowledgable. The school has a mission statement, and uses it in lesson plans and as a guideline for every school day.

But the building, they said, is not clean enough. Class sizes are not small enough. Technology in the classrooms and library is not new enough.

The school is placed on warning status.

The news is discouraging, but reflects what the school body already knows: It's not good enough, now let's change it.

So the school works for a change. A parent advocacy group is formed; its goal to get class sizes to 25 students. The faculty works endlessly to prepare a budget that will address the needs of the school and the students. The town doesn't have any money, so the plan must go to town meeting. It passes. Now it faces the ultimate test: Special Election. The Under-25 group works tirelessly to educate the town about the issue. The faculty and students work to raise awareness. Everybody knows the fate of the school's accredidation rests on this vote.

It fails.

It hits the people that worked hardest to pass the measure like a car going full speed down the highway. The parents who's kids most likely will not have an accredited high school in their town. The parents who's kids are currently in the high school, but may not have an accredidation to back up their diploma.

It hits those parents and those kids hard, because they know that their neighbors are the ones that voted against the plan. The parents who's kids are all grown up. They don't need an accredited high school. The senior citizens, who were recently won millions of dollars to renovate their senior center. They don't need an accredited high school. Their taxes are already high enough, why raise them again for things they don't need?

Fast forward two years. The class of 2008 is walking across the stage, recieving their diplomas one by one. But the night is lacking. The arena is quieter than in recent years. The graduates look down at the paper they've just recieved all dressed up in a little leather booklet. It's their diploma. Only, it's really just a piece of paper. Because remember that plan to improve the school so that it would get full accredidation? It failed.

The previous four years of the graduates' lives, mean nothing. The piece of paper inside that leather booklet that they've worked hard and long for, means nothing.

Their high school diploma.

Means nothing.

I am a student enrolled at this high school. The faculty, superintendant, and other students these past two years have worked relentlessly to get our school accredited. It has been hard tonight for me to stand by and watch my future begin to discintigrate before my eyes. I hope that if you read this article, you'll think about what is happening in your community. What is going on in your daughter's school, your son's school, your grandchildrens' schools, your school? Even if you don't have a child currently enrolled in your town's school, think about the parents that do. It may mean a slight increase in your taxes. But even though those kids are kids now, in the future they will be your leaders. Your Congressmen and Congresswomen. Representatives and Senators. A handful will be your future Presidents. What they do while they are in these positions of power all starts with their education. The better the education you allow them to have, the better they can represent you later.

Web

2006-05-16T17:25:00.001-05:00

SVU Review
“Web” 7.21
May 15, 2006

Here we go again! This is the episode that will supposedly bring Mariska Hargitay, aka Olivia Benson out from hiding in Computer Crimes. The only problem is, we’re starting the episode, and Olivia hasn’t really gone away yet! She asked for a new partner in “Fault”, yet in “Fat”, the very next episode, she appears very frequently. More frequently than Munch or Fin or Casey! And she’s supposed to be gone! Is she going to have the baby on the show too?

10:11 EST, there’s a mention of Computer Crimes. That means Olivia is coming! Yay! Because we haven’t seen her for…five minutes. Those were the longest five minutes of everyone’s life, I’m sure.

Early in the episode we can tell that this teen has some issues. He’s too detached. Non-interactive. Seclusive. Is SVU going to deal with the abused becoming the abuser? Again? It’s a great emotional storyline, but we’ve seen it just one too many times.

10:22 EST: Another Computer Crimes mention. When is she coming back?! I need to see her!!

“A minor shooting kiddie porn. That’s a new one.” – Elliot.

Yeah it is! At least they are diverting from their normal take on abuser/abusee a little bit. However, Morales’s following statistic was not strategically placed. When you’re talking about child abusers and such, it’s not really a good time to stick in random internet statistics.

One of my biggest problems with this episode has to be how CSU Tech Morales was uber involved, while Munch, Fin and Casey were pretty much no where to be seen. Why is the Tech Guy getting major scenes? He’s not in the credits is he? That is not to say I want him added to the credits, no siree. But, why is the computer guy all of a sudden in on interrogations? If the squad wants to use information found by him and put him on the stand, go for it. But how about putting a lawyer in the interrogation room or how about another cop?

Also, why give the “my relative was abused” storyline to Morales? It would have been so much more interesting to see the storyline on Casey, or… Casey, since everyone else already has a connection to SVU. Furthermore, a nephew just isn’t close enough. Son, daughter, mother, father, best friend, etc. would have made for a more compelling storyline. Morales beating up the perp really did nothing more than to further upset me and wish it was Casey.

And now Elliot is taking suggestions from… Langan?! Mr. Alex-Is-Dining-With-The-Enemy Langan? Ok, honestly, if the story had fully encompassed Munch, Fin and Casey, I wouldn’t have a problem. But all of a sudden, Langan and Morales are calling the shots. Where’s Cragen with his licorice?!

“I wasn’t planning on coming back!” –Olivia
“It’s in your blood.” – Elliot
“That’s the problem.” – Olivia

Yes that IS the problem. I couldn’t tell that Olivia wasn’t planning on coming back because, yes you guessed it, she never left! She couldn’t even stay away for an entire episode. My notes immediately following Olivia’s announcement at the very end that she is “returning”, and I quote:

“WHAT THE HELL?! WHY DID YOU EVEN BOTHER?”

How, in all that is sacred in storytelling, can we explain that mess? Not only did the writers begin by botching Olivia’s absence, but it doesn’t even explain what it was meant to: Mariska’s pregnancy! “Fault” was supposed to be her last pre-baby hurrah, but instead, we got hit with a whole bunch of chest up shots (at least there weren’t anymore ornaments) and a returning Olivia. Now Wolf and Company have to come up with some (equally as stupid and pointless I’m sure) plotline that explains Mariska/Olivia’s absence. I guarantee it will be something along the lines of “On a long, long, long, long, long, long, long, undercover assignment.”

Also, why then was “Fault” largely advertised as Mariska/Olivia’s last episode before the baby boom? All this confusion and anger could have been avoided with a simple “Mariska will be with us until the end of the season.” All this in effect renders the “Fault” plot pointless. “Officer” was “down” for a period of five seconds, and the wound wasn’t even deep enough to require immediate medical attention. And it caused all sorts of unneeded problems for Elliot and Olivia’s partnership.

I think Wolf is taking the “lets see some more of their personal life” thing a little too seriously. So seriously, in fact, that an actual plot has been abandoned and replaced with “lets see how many Unstabler moments and/or Olivia emotional moments we can fit into one episode.” We do want some personal stuff, we really do. Just not this much! Bring the focus back to the cases first. None of this Elliot/Olivia saga crap. Then, after you rediscover the goodness that is seasons 1-5, start to incorporate a personal storyline in. Little things, like a Munch/ Solway scene. Only with different characters. And not the same plot.

I was also set to recommend a crossover with Conviction, but that ship has apparently sailed. That isn’t to say though that Alex couldn’t come back with another episode now that she is “officially” out of Witness Protection. Kill two birds with one stone and explain how in the world she got there!

I am still not sure what I thought of this episode. The plot was halfway decent, but it was overshadowed by the Elliot/Olivia saga. Olivia needs to make up her mind and Techie Morales needs to GO AWAY. And we need to stop writing CSU techs and CSIs and EMTs and MP3s into the storylines. Put Munch, Casey and Fin in first! Extras later.

Make up your mind, Wolf! It’s not a soap opera, it’s a crime drama!

Deliverance

2006-05-11T20:57:00.000-05:00

"You don't understand women, do you Mr. Steele?"

What a way to start off the episode. Oh, how I could go on for hours and hours just analyzing that one quote right there. He obviously doesn't

understand women. Most men don't. But Jim Steele, he is more clueless than most. His idea of a solid relationship at this point is a series of sexcapades with Jessica, a one night stand with Alex. Wash, rinse, repeat.

"Let me guess. Fear of intimacy. Lots of sex. But no love."

Wow. She just hit the nail on the head. Twice. Does someone know where I can reach this woman so that I can hug her?

"You're a fool to represent yourself."
"If you're all they've got, then I'm a genius."

Hey, I won't argue with that right now. Good job on this scene, I would have never noticed the difference. Sly smile, piercing eyes, killer smile. I can't notice the diference between perp and defense lawyer, can you?

I don't think I'm going out on a limb saying that Steele is in a hot spot. Harassment allegations can put a serious wrench in any case, even if they aren't true. The jury will keep an extra close watch on the goings on after those types of allegations. But wait, having Christina on second chair is blowing the problem out of proportion? If Chris wasn't a good lawyer, she wouldn't have her job. Jim does have a serious problem with women.

Seriously. Yale undergrad, Yale law... Chris is smokin'!

On the other side of the equation though, Chris... you have to remember that you are in the hotseat now!! Everyone will be watching you, even when you don't think they are, and especially when you don't want them to be watching. But, the roll eyes/groan combo was good. It worked for me!

"I've known Steele for several years. He treats women with dignity and respect."
Whoa rewind and press that pause button! Since when? When do we get to see this Steele? Will the real Jim Steele please stand up? Oh and Jim? She just owned you in that courtroom. And the judge did ask. So shut up and sit down.

Are Jess and Steele on the ropes? From that look that Jess just gave Chris, I'd say she's not so sure about what's happening between them. But Chris and Jess are nice and buddy buddy. Works for me! Doesn't the asking permission to speak line remind everyone of an SVU episode? "Now you may dialogue." Yeah. If Steele says that to Chris, I will be verrrrrry angry. I would urge Chris to knock him one.

"I'm here to talk about the penis"
Not a line you hear everyday. Except at restaurants with Casey Novak. But another story for another time. It kept my attention though, so I bet it caught the attention of many others!

"Most men don't sprint down the street after consensual sex."
Er... except Steele maybe.
"Depends on what she looks like."
No he didn't!!! He just really said that? I gotta hand it to Wolf, he knows how to push all the WRONG buttons... and apparently all of Jessica's too!

She's not liking that comment any more than... any other sane person would.

Why is Alex all up and up on the political bench now? And what the hell is up with her hair? Before any hint of Scotch would have sent her running in the opposite direction. The lawyer not knowing his client's NAME would have had her making motions all over the place (and winning them at that!) What's happened?

Ok. Props to Wolf, never seen a mother, or any parent, interrogating their own kid on the stand. Something new, I like it. Strange line of questioning though... what does a personality disorder have to do with witnissing a crime?

Jess/Chris subtext. What are we gunna do with the office romances? Make them all interesting that's what!

Ok. Right after the court scene with Rossi in court, PAUSE!!! Alex's face caused me to fall off my chair!!! Now, is she jealous of JIm or Jess? Cause she's staring at that paper pretty intently...On anther note, Jess, she's never going to help you. I dont know why. But she's not.

WOW!!!! That was better than the "Shortcomings" thing from SVU!!!! I don't think we've EVER had a lawyer ask a defendent to show the jury his penis. BRAVO WOLF!!

Yeah. I'm with Chris on the eye raising thing. Wayyyy up there.

Jess is not happy. Not happy at all. I hate it when old... and I mean old, friends help eachother out. especially in the law profession. And of course she didn't listen to Alex. I mean what self respecting lawyer is going to now? Not many.

Chris is the girl next door. I think we can all peaceably agree on that fact. And Jim is the arrogant SOB that she makes him out to be... And yet the girl next door just wipes the floor with the closing arguement. And she wins. Her first murder trial, and she sails right through. (Mentioning the testimony is an excused mishap in my book.)

I don't think Jess was expecting that hug that she got at the end there. I don't think she expects any hug, ever. She definitely wasn't hugged enough growing up.

Awww look. Jim does have a soft side. Who knew? He should show it more often, maybe people would be a little more inclined to actually like the guy if he did. And if he keeps having private conversations with Alex all the time, I'm going to have to smack him. I may also have to smack him for that smack he layed on Jess outside the courthouse. Just because you can now have as much PDA as you want doesn't mean we want to see it. You still need to get a room. Oh, and we don't like the butt tap thing that the guys do.

Overall, a good episode. Good cases, but lets move on from the Steele/Jess storyline, shall we?

Fat Review

2006-05-05T14:58:00.000-05:00

There's a lot to say about this one, so sit back and enjoy the show. But I'd lay off the popcorn.

SVU Review
“Fat” 7.21
05.02.06

I’m wearing my Alex Cabot glasses tonight during “Fat”, in the hopes that they will help me catch some hidden treasure in this episode.

So, this is Elliot’s new partner, hm? Detective Lucius (what?) Blaine, Queens Special Victims Unit. He’s harsh, cold, closed, and it seems like he’s scared to open up to the cases. All work and no compassion. Not a good mix for a cop, especially an SVU detective. It is suspicious that they never mention how long this Blaine fellow has been on the job. He’s certainly not like any other SVU detective we have seen before. Or will hopefully ever see again.

He pretty much jumped a bystander, offered immunity to a discriminator, and dethroned Elliot as the bastard of the episode. Big undertaking for an hour. I would not be surprised if he is the kind of detective that never gets personally involved in the cases, and always tries to snap the law to get his way. Huh, does this remind us slightly of anyone we know?

Blaine made Elliot seem like a saint in this episode. Quick and smart thinking on his part to try and save the finger.

Does Elliot know that Olivia wanted a reassignment? I guess not. I’m only halfway surprised that they transferred Olivia and not Elliot, given her connection to the cases and her personal reason for joining SVU. However, maybe that’s exactly the reason they transferred her and not Elliot, because she was too close to the job. It could also be simply because she asked for the transfer and not Elliot. And oh yeah, Mariska is pregnant. They needed to send her somewhere, why not… across the hall?

Blaine really got on my nerves in this episode. What is his place to call Elliot on how he operates? He’s been working with the man for less than 24 hours, and he apparently can’t see his own issues. They’re concerning me more than Elliot’s problems right now. Because then he has the audacity to question Olivia. That is where Elliot, and I think all of us, draw the line. Talk down to someone to the face? Ok, fine. Behind their back? No way. At least Elliot was provoked into the hitting routine this time. It makes it just a tiny bit more explainable.

However, that said, Olivia completely deserved to be walked out on. First, you ask for reassignment without even telling your partner. I know the entire point was to get away from him for a little while, but jeez, common courtesy? Maybe a “Hey, I’m being transferred for a few weeks, catch you on the flip side”? Elliot defended Olivia’s honor in those squad hallways. He’d do it again too, if someone questioned her. I wonder if she ever considered that they have stayed partners for those seven years because their compatible with each other? It’s not often that you find just anyone that you are willing to trust with your life. Cops do it every day, but they don’t trust just any old person, either, the instant that they are placed with them. It takes time to develop trust, and I have a feeling Olivia and Elliot are going to have to start all over again in that department.

It’s Analyze Elliot in the Squadroom Day! Honestly, if you haven’t picked up on the fact that Elliot is unstable or that he has anger issues, you’re way too far gone to be caught up. We don’t need Elliot’s partner, his captain, his former partner, and every other Joe Schmoe to confirm it.

“What, did Dick Cheny shoot someone else?”

The. Best. Quote. Of. The. Entire. Season. No competition anywhere in sight for that one.

Ok, now are all SVU detectives oblivious, or is it just ours? This is the second time a victim (or in the first case, the father of a victim) has shot a suspect in a secure location. It’s not like it was even out on the street. First time it was in a courthouse, second time in the precinct! There are plenty of cops around. Did they honestly think that Rudi was taking it as well as he seemed? Especially after telling him that there wasn’t enough evidence to hold his attacker, there should have been a detective with him to escort him home.

Objection! Babble in the courtroom. Do we need to know every meal he had, when he ate it, what his favorite TV show was when he was eating it? What does that remotely have to do with the case? He shot a suspect (who the DA didn’t even have enough evidence to officially call him a suspect) point blank after hearing that there probably wouldn’t be much of a case. And the defense is trying to fight this, why? Nobody can get a defense like that past Casey Novak. Big thanks go to Casey for finally saying something and shutting up the lawyer. After 20 minutes. I was about ready to punch my TV set in.

“Wonderful. I goaded our little friend until he snapped.”

Repeat after me. “I am only the prosecutor. I’m only the prosecutor.” You can’t save them all Casey, especially when they murder someone in a police station full of cops.

It’s an amazing concept really. The writers get Olivia and Casey in the same room for five seconds. Casey says one thing to Olivia. And there’s still a squee moment.

Did the ending of the episode surprise anyone? Elliot is alone, again. The closing shot with the empty chair was a little cheesy for me. It just doesn’t do it like a badge or a newspaper article reading “No Leads on Slain ADA.” I’m sorry, that was two seasons ago. Or was it?

Casey’s blondness can’t possibly escape anyone’s eyes now. Anyone watching the scene in the squad room when Casey had her back to us, could have easily wondered “Alex?” Honestly, this problem has gone on too long.

And hey, Olivia’s back! From across…the…hall. Hm. Wasn’t “Fault” supposed to be the last episode for Olivia and the chest up camera shots? “A case so big that it will bring her back.” But she hasn’t left. I have a feeling, though, that we’re going to be going heavy on the internet crimes for the next couple of episodes. Problem is, they did the computer crimes thing on purpose. I bet that a large percentage of computer crimes involve something of a sexual nature. She could have her own spinoff: Law and Order: Computer Crimes and still be on the show more than Munch, Fin, Cragen and Casey. I don’t really see how computer crimes are easier for her to handle right now. Maybe it’s a little easier on the mind to handle the perverts that you don’t have to look at?

Over all, a big bust for SVU. So much more could have been done with the episode. And since Olivia’s supposed to be gone, she could have done us a favor and stayed gone. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve been an Olivia fan since the beginning. But when you say you’re going to leave, its not polite to come back the next week and say “just kidding.” However, it does raise some interesting questions. Towards the end of that episode, Elliot didn’t seem to be as down in the dumps as he was at the beginning of the episode. Maybe a little break was all he needed.

You're Under Arrest For... Being Fat?

2006-04-25T22:06:00.000-05:00

You're Under Arrest For... Being Fat?

The title of the latest episode of "Law and Order: Special Victims Unit" has viewers astounded, baffled, even amazed. And it hasn't even aired yet. Episode 20 of the seventh season, simply titled "Fat" has left many of the long time viewers of SVU wondering "What could possibly happen now?"

Episodes as of late have been lacking, and that is on good nights. The twists and turns of mind boggling cases are nowhere to be found, and neither are most of the detectives on the squad. The CSU Tech, Morales, makes more appearances than our detectives do! Wolf reeled us in with charming wit and jaw dropping cases. There's none of that left now amongst the heavy plots that don't resolve completely and tamper tantrums from the squad members.

It's obvious that Dick Wolf has been fiddling with the SVU formula that has allowed the show six fabulous seasons. First and foremost, where has the shock factor gone? SVU used to be the show to watch, because it was hard to believe where they went, and how seemlessly they went there. Jumping from rape to homicide to torture to kids in the blink of an eye. People gasped when the detectives found young Ilena locked in a coffin under the bed. Or cried when they watched the victim become the abuser. When Alex was unmercifully shot down, there was tension and anguish. Casey was ambushed, and the audience watched in horror. But, this is no longer the case. Over dramatic previews contribute to this problem, but the real issue is that these episodes just can't compare! During "Raw", the courtroom scene ended with Elliot shot in the arm and Munch in the behind. These shots were never seen! Elliot was
seen falling to the ground, Munch was ignored completely. Casey being held hostage was a big part of the pre-episode circulation, yet the actual occurance lasted seconds, and ended with her being tossed aside. No negotiation, no lucky "just missed Casey" shot. It was there and gone so quickly that all that could be said was
"huh?" Everyone expected a doosey for Mariska Hargitay's last episode before maternity leave. "Officer Down" rumors were flying, videos were circulating. But the actual event lasts for a mere ten seconds, and Olivia walks away with nothing more than a scratch. A huge revelation comes later, but to little, too late for my attention.

This season has also seen more character centric episodes that any other season. But, all these episodes are featured around the same two characters! "Law and Order: The Benson and Stabler Show" accurately describes most of this season. Elliot's growing anger problems and Olivia's growing belly have certainly made for some interesting episodes, but when is it time to walk away from the beaten path and explore somewhere new? There are five other major characters in this series that could all have their own episodes, if Dick Wolf and company would simply take the time to write them.

John Munch, a character who has been around from the beginning, is lacking some serious screen time. He's been through it all; Homicide, Law and Order, Law and Order: Trial by Jury, Arrested Developement. You name it, John Munch (AKA Richard Belzer) has been on it. Munch is the longest running character on television, starring in seven series! And yet, he seems to get more screen time on OTHER shows, rather than his new home base, SVU. Munch has seen an episode or two in the last few seasons. Amy Solway has played a huge role in his life, and there's room for her in many more episodes! Munch's past has been left unexplored, save for a few comments on ex-wives, and one about his suicidal father.

Donald Cragen has also been around since day one, first on Law and Order, then transfered to our Special unit. Not much has been said about his life either, and any fan is hardpressed to name an episode off the top of their head that featured Captain Cragen. He may be the one just giving the orders, but Captains sometimes get field time too!

Casey Novak holds a wonderful opportunity to explore the "Law" side of the show, which is rarely visited. She is bothered once and a while for a search warrant, but not much else. Her cases are all slam dunks or "not in a million years" prosecutable. Even though she is the baby in the SVU family, she has still seen more screen time than Munch or Cragen, which is a start or a setback, depending on how you look at it. But, she's still in need of some serious screen time. Also a serious set back for the character of Casey Novak: Where is her gorgeous red hair? She has slowly transitioned from a fiery redhead to a conservative blonde, who seems to remind me of someone we've seen already... Ah! That's right! We used to have an ADA named Alex Cabot. Emphasis on USED TO. We're now in the age of the Novak, where no Alex clones are allowed. It is getting to the point where the unit has to use their own facial recognition software to tell Casey apart from Alex. Should we be expecting blue contacts and a second pair of the "glasses of justice" next? In addition to restoring her hair color, her original demeanor should also be renewed. In more recent episodes, she has gone down the road of right and wrong. Give us some of the old Casey, who always traveled the "lets get some justice!" road, no matter what.

Odafin Tutuola was a late addition to the team, and is still waiting for that really big episode. He's been given episodes before, but nothing that quite reaches the limit that Ice-T is capable of acting to. We've seen his gay son... much more than we probably wanted to. But do we really know Odafin Tutuola?

George Huang is just a fine bottle of wine waiting on the shelves to be opened. And this wine has been aged long enough. Coming on in season two, we have yet to see George in a truly compromising, confusing, or conflicting situation. We know the professional side of Dr. Huang, but not the personal. What are his likes, his dislikes? What makes him tick, what makes him happy? Who is he close with, where does he live, what kind of food does this man like to eat? Being a psychologist, he has been exposed to many different types of people, and that no doubt has taken some sort of toll on his mind. Give him a case where the victim is his sister, his brother, his best friend. Where the perp is someone he was best friends with in college.

Those are just the possibilities of character centric episodes! What about going back, way back... all the way to season one? Where it wasn't focused on just Olivia or just Elliot, or just anyone. It was a team effort. The team won, the team lost. Take a look at the ending scene in "Slaves", where the last thing the viewer sees is a playful team taking a breather, interacting with each other without being on the other's throats. Give us another "Charisma" beginning; as horrid as it was, it brought the squad to a common place. Give us an episode like "Night", where one
of our own is physically involved. Give us something that will convince us to stay tuned.

Law and Order: Special Victims Unit Season 2 DVD

2006-04-21T19:52:00.000-05:00

Law and Order: Special Victims Unit
Season 2 DVD Review

Overall Summary: Very compact. Comes in a slim case; three disks (front and back). All season two episodes are present, in excellent quality, and of course, no commercials! Each individual episode offers an episode summary, containing the original air date, rating, writer, director, guest stars, and a brief synopsis. The only language option is English, but Spanish subtitles are available (along with English for the hearing impaired).

Title Screen Summary: Slide show consisting of stills and clips. Stills show Elliot and Olivia, Elliot alone, Olivia alone, Munch (from a farther distance) Captain Cragen, Olivia, Jefferies, and Alex Cabot, Munch and Fin, Dr. Huang, and entire squad. (Some are obvious promotional shots, some are screen captures. They are all
separated by clips of New York City.) Underneath the slide show is a scrolling bar, in black and white, featuring promotional shots, screen captures, and shots of New York City. Everyone is present except Dr. Huang. There are several pictures of Elliot and Olivia. More effort could have been put into the title screen to vary it from Elliot and Olivia mania.

Episode Summary: Law and Order may be the perfect pair, but in this series, so are work and play. The harsh reality of the cases found in the Special Victims Unit is cleverly balanced by just the right amount of playful banter to keep the pressure off and everyone sane. Special victim's cases may not be the easiest to stomach, but, but the talented cast and writers portay just the right things to make it a daring, entertaining show.

Bonus Feature Summaries:

Average one deleted scene per episode. On occasion there were three or four.

Interview with Mariska Hargitay is funny and zealous, uses a lot of animal references and tons of metaphors.

She thinks of Olivia as a superhero. Only 5:24. The interview with Chris Meloni is not as bubbly as Mariska's. They both use one of the same stories in their segments. Shot on the SVU stage. There's unappealing noise in the background of Chris's interview due to carelessness. Only 5:12.

All the cast members agree that the show covers a difficult subject matter. Kids are the hardest part to work through every day for 24 episodes.

Mariska says: "You can play or not play, but we're going there." 2:47

Humor on the set is a mere 2:30.The same clips are used over and over. No bloopers, just pictures of people laughing.

Response to the show: 3:39. Merely tells how cops respond to the show.

Overall, an excellent buy if you are just looking to view the second season. If it's extras that you're after, then its not the set for you. Many of the interviews and segments clearly use clips from other seasons, as is made painfully obvious by the frequent change of hairstyle in Mariska Hargitay. With all the time Dick Wolf and
company had to prepare this DVD, since they decided that five comes before two, the viewer is left wanting more. All the information contained in the interviews could easily be found online, and they are not long enough. The cast insists that there are hilarious moments on the set, so where are those? Also, where is Dick Wolf and company? Keeping the main focus on the actors is good, but a little behind the scenes input would be nice as well. And, last but not least, Benson and Stabler are not the only ones on the show! Have Richard Belzer, Ice-T, and Stephanie March do a little more!

New Blog

2006-04-20T22:03:00.000-05:00

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