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« The Drips
SVU: Goodbye
While this was certainly a powerful episode for all of the characters I couldn't help but think as I watched it that I might care a little bit more if the writers had actually taken the time to develop Lake's character over the course of the season instead of throwing some random mystery past in at the last minute as an excuse to get rid of the character. I think all SVU detectives probably become haunted by cases (one reason why there is such a high burn-out rate) and are tempted to take matters into their own hands like Lake did in this case, so it is probably fitting that one of the show's detectives finally cracked in that way. I just think it would have meant more if it was character we all cared about instead of the guy who they brought on for one season and hardly ever used.
I also wasn't a fan of the way they chose to get rid of Diane Neal by having Casey lie about some tests and getting (probably) sentenced to a year suspension by the Board. While it was great to see Judith Light back, and when Casey started crying I almost teared up with her (mainly because I genuinely like Diane Neal and I don't know why the show is dumping her) I don't understand why, of all the difficult cases Casey has been faced with over the years, she would choose this one to tell a boldfaced lie during. I know the opening scene was supposed to let us know that the work was getting to her and that she never sleeps, but I wish they'd given us more than one scene of character development before axing her so abruptly. Is that too much to ask?
Something in this episode that I actually found interesting was Finn's refusal to forgive Elliott for running his phone records because he suspected that he was helping Lake. Elliott has done worse things to defend Olivia when she's potentially in the wrong, and vice versa, but I guess, for the first time, we saw that he doesn't really completely trust Finn. Apparently the feeling is mutual because Finn requested a transfer that should hopefully make for an interesting season premiere in the fall. I enjoyed how that part of the storyline played out with Olivia urging Elliott to apologize to Finn and Finn eventually telling Elliott that his doggedness made him a good cop, but not a good friend. Elliott didn't even deny it, which makes me think that he probably knows it is a least a little bit true.
Note: I'm leaving today to go to Houston and won't be back until Sunday. I'm taking my laptop and I hope to still have some time for blogging, but if I do disappear for a few days you'll know why. 
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May 14, 2008 12:54 AM
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Hi Megan,
I agree with you about tonight's episode. The way the exit of Lake and Casey was handled seemed false. And you're right--they mishandled Lake from the beginning by keeping him in the background and then suddenly bringing him to the forefront in order to get rid of him. I'm very upset about their firing Diane Neal (and, according to her, she was fired). It makes no sense. I really liked her.
I have been happy to get more of Munch lately, and I hope it continues next season. Maybe all of the fan protests about limiting his screen time worked. So, are we going to lose Fin next season? I hope not.
Have fun in Houston, Megan. Thanks for using some of your limited time to do your blog. I hope you'll be able to check in from time to time.
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May 14, 2008 2:14 AM
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Hiya Megan, I totally agree with everything you said. We haven't gotten to know Lake so we have no vested interest in him. I like Diane Neal to and wondered what was going on, why she was leaving, I didn't realize she had been fired. I don't want Finn to leave either.
Hope you have a great time in Houston!!!
Have a safe trip!
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May 14, 2008 6:19 AM
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This was indeed a powerful episode. Megan, I agree with you: character development throughout this season has been flawed at best. Lake's change from a laid back character to angry vigilante was too abrupt. I was never quite sure why they brought in the Penelope character (will we see her again as a profiler?, implying less B.D. Wong--who, by the way, was totally absent in the episode). Casey's punishment (suspension for a year...perhaps more) did not seem to fit with the offense. I could see censure, but not years of suspension, particularly for a first offense. Like all of you, I am baffled about why they would fire Diane Neal, except to consider that a)she is not as slim as when she first started--hey, Hollywood suits are predictable! or b)it is a budgetary decision post-writer's strike.
Again, I ask, did SVU writers go to the re-invigorated L&O original flavor, and did SVU get second-string writers who don't like the Casey character and are therefore eliminating her? Whatever, the decision-making folk behind the scenes should have known not to fix what wasn't broke. They could have kept churning out great stories with an intact, original, and terrific ensemble.
It was great to see Judith Light. She is such a presence, even in brief scenes like this. I love her in Ugly Betty, and I loved her short scene last night.
The last scene with Finn and Stabler was powerful. Was there an underlying racial tension going on there? Stabler is usually fiercely protective of any of his fellow officers, but in this case, was he willing to assume the guilt of two officers of color a tad too early in the game? (is this how Finn interpreted it all?)
One last thing, I am saddened that Lake was finally truly guilty of murder. I still don't think that was consistent with his character. But, I am glad that the SVU viewing audience could see a bit of Adam Beach's acting chops, which were not allowed to be showcased at all in the short time he was on the show.
Safe travels, Megan.
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May 14, 2008 7:18 AM
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Maria - I agree that Adam Beach was not allowed to display his acting chops, which is a real shame. I saw him in his starring role in HBO's Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee, for which he was nominated for a Golden Globe. I also saw him as tribal officer Jim Chee in a couple of movies made for PBS's Mystery series, which were set on a Navajo reservation. If you look at his imdb page, you will see that his resume is quite impressive. He was very ill used on SVU.
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May 14, 2008 12:55 PM
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I don't know Lake had quite a few episodes in the beginning where he was the main lead and from what I read on the bloggins sites no one liked him.
He is a talented actor but for some reason on this show he comes up (to me) as a half assed. 
This episode felt forced and weird. I am incredibly thankful that Casey didn't ask if it was because she was a lesbian like they did with Serena in L&O 2 years ago.
I am not too sure if I agree with Finn and Elliot and they way they handled this case. Lake's accusation to Finn about not being a real partner was weird becuase from what I can remember they worked quite well together, didn't they?
Great recap! Enjoy Houston!
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May 14, 2008 1:09 PM
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L&O SVU has seemed to have very little flow this season. Most of the episodes seem chopped together, and the characters seem to just jump in and out of each episode. The difference between SVU and the other L&O shows is that SVU has a larger cast, which I am not sure is a good thing. This season on L&O regular, there has been terrific character development with all of the new castmates and the storys seem to really flow together.
Hopefully SVU will get back on track next season. I really hope that they do not replace Lake, but let the cast that they have become more of a focal point.
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May 14, 2008 1:52 PM
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I agree, Ranger. SVU did seem off this season, but I could never put my finger on what the problem was. I too hope they don't replace Lake and instead use Munch and Fin more (if Fin is indeed coming back).
I also agree that Law & Order is back on track this year. I had stopped watching it but started up again this season.
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May 14, 2008 2:19 PM
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Hi Megan! I couldn't wait to get online this morning and read your review, but then work got busy and I couldn't.
Why are you going to H-town? Could you stop by and say hi to my mom while you're down there? She is always complaining I don't visit her enough since I've moved.
On to the show...for once I'm going to completely disagree with everyone. I think the writer's NOT giving Lake more character development went really well with the plot. I've always felt this is Benson and Stabler's show and everyone else is just background. (Don't get me wrong I love me some Finn and Munch.) They didn't try to get to know Lake which means we, the audience, didn't get to know him. I thought how they worked it out was perferct. How are we or they to know if he is capable if killing someone? I thought the mystery was great.
BUT
On the other hand how they handled Casey's leaving was plain tacky. She has always been the one to not bend the rules for any reason and we're to believe she lied this time? Oh please! What a bunch of hooey!
I can't wait until next season to see what happens with Finn! I hope he's not off the show and they just do a fly-by line about him being in another station. That would suck!
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May 14, 2008 3:50 PM
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I always thought Adam Beach delivered his lines with such odd pauses and emphasis. Granted, I haven't seen him in any other role so maybe it's just this character. I want to see more Munch so I don't think I'll really miss Det. Lake.
I am however sad to see Casey go, especially if she has to "do something else" besides law as Judith Light's character suggests. I think Dick Wolf just wanted a new face in the DA role.
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May 14, 2008 7:10 PM
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Hello from Houston, everyone! Thanks for the comments. I am here to watch the NCAA Division II Sports Championships. I've been to a lot of states, but I've never been to Texas before and I know a lot of my blog buddies live here, or lived here at some point. 
April--Of course, I'll say hi to your mom!
They didn't try to get to know Lake which means we, the audience, didn't get to know him.
That is a very good point. Although I still think they wasted Adam Beach all season, the fact that they did it did work well in the context of the episode. I also agree that the way they got rid of Casey was ridiculous.
Ranger--I agree; this has not been the best season for SVU. There were a few very good episodes, but most of the rest them weren't very memorable or were somewhat mediocre. I love Chris and Mariska, but I think the writers tried to focus too much on them this season and ignored writing good stories to go along with it. A lot of the character development felt forced or repeated from previous seasons. And I think we can all agree the way they treated Munch was a huge mistake.
Indy--You are right; Lake did have a prominent role in a few early episode this season, but then they seemed to forget that he existed. The Finn and Stabler thing seemed odd to me, too, since we've never really seen conflict between them before even if they haven't ever been really close. I'm glad Casey didn't suddenly become a lesbian either, even if I didn't like the way they got rid of her. 
mdaily--Adam Beach is a good actor; I've seen him in other things, too, and I think he was completely misused as Lake. They kept changing his character around and then ignoring him all together. His departure should be good for him and for the show. Sadly, I've been wondering the same thing about Diane Neal's weight and I certainly hope that wasn't the case.
Thanks, Molly!!
Marci--I hope the writers get their acts together and give the fans what they want next season; more Munch and better stories. Diane Neal has been very classy about her dismissal, which is also good business, but the whole thing still makes me angry.
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May 14, 2008 7:13 PM
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Congrats on the red star, Megan!
April, good point. Interesting perspective. Not sure I agree, but you made me think about it all from a different angle. Thanks.
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May 14, 2008 8:32 PM
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Thanks, mdaily!
Hi anner2! Yes, I thought his line readings were weird sometimes, too, but he doesn't talk like that all the time so I wonder if it was some type of character decision. Diane Neal did last a lot longer that most Law and Order ADAs; it just seems silly to me to dump a good actress just because you want someone new.
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May 14, 2008 11:55 PM
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Finally got to see the episode!
indy: "I am incredibly thankful that Casey didn't ask if it was because she was a lesbian like they did with Serena in L&O 2 years ago." Well, Casey wasn't necessarily fired--she was just reported to the Board, with the liklihood of having her license suspended, and Liz just basically told her she should quit.
April: "On the other hand how they handled Casey's leaving was plain tacky. She has always been the one to not bend the rules for any reason and we're to believe she lied this time? Oh please! What a bunch of hooey!"
EXACTLY. What was so special about this case that had her breaking all the rules? Cops have gotten off before. Pedophiles, rapists, Rapist/Murderers have gotten off as well. Her actions just didn't ring true. Why producers feel they have to assassinate characters when their portrayers leave has always confuzzled me. At least with Angie Harmon, she told Jack she got another job offer with the U.S. Attorney or some federal agency, and they kept the integrity of her character. Likewise with Jamie.
Now, on to my thoughts:
Beach's behavior just about had me scratching my head, and saying 'say what?' Why he refused to make a statement made NO sense to me. He was treating these officers, who were his COLLEAGUES, even friends, as the ENEMY. As if HE weren't a cop himself. I found myself wanting to just bang his head against the wall. And Craegen, et all, treating him like a normal suspect, well, that's a first, because as we all know, whenever a star of a show is arrested, and he or she is a cop, they at least have the support of their Lt. or Cpt., etc. And so Beach decides to turn vigilante. wonderful. Why? Because this case has been haunting him for 10 years?
What about the rape case when he guest starred last season? He had been after that rapist for years too! No continuity. He could have just said he wanted to back to Brookly, Bronx, or whatever precinct he came from.
I have to defend my Eliot here.
I think he automatically jumped on Beach because he doesn't know him as well as Liv, Finn or Munch. Then again two years ago, when Morales bent the rules and Olivia came back from the computer unit, and Craegen said she'd made the right decision, El assumed that she'd ratted out Morales, then bluffed his way out when he realized Liv was back, lol. I love my El.
Other than the dramatic effect, I saw no reason why Finn jumped all over El, calling him the names he did. Because what makes Stable a GOOD cop, is he's a GOOD person. Victims gravitate to him; he's got friends, doesn't he? We just don't see them. And really, Finn called him a lousy human being? For what? a mistake in dumping Finn's phone instead of approaching him? Whatever. Finn was partners with Munch A LOT longer and never showed this much loyalty to him, as he did toward Beach.
And I said my piece about Casey. Stupid igit, MORON! Expecting Warner to LIE on the stand as well????
And I don't see why they'd bring Penelope in next season--she's not a psychiatrist, I don't think. She analyzes the scientific evidence. I'd rather they bring back that hunky Daniel Sunjata for that!
Whew. Sorry for the loooong post!
Finn'll be back.
~Sangeeta
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May 16, 2008 11:05 AM
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Hi Megan and everybody. Great comments. I'll admit I was a little bored by the beginning of this episode. I guess the writers had to come up with something fast when they found out Adam Beach was not renewing his contract or whatever. I wasn't really buying the whole Lake and the VIDOQ Society thing. It got better in the scene where Finn went in to talk to his partner and convince him to surrender.
Even though I knew it was coming, I'm really sad that Diane Neal's Casey won't be on the show next year. She didn't have a lot of episodes that focused on her, but in the ones that did, she did a fantastic job - like the one where the brother of a Muslim woman who had been raped by a Society Matriarch's (Angela Landsbury) son almost beat Casey to death for convincing his sister to testify. That episode still echos powerfully in my mind.
It will be interesting to see how it all plays out next year.
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May 16, 2008 8:08 PM
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