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

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

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’

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

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

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

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

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!