Law & Order: SVU

Well I hope you enjoyed tonight's episode folks because unless this writers' strike ends soon that's the last new one you are going to get for awhile.

I think we are all in agreement that this has been the lamest season in SVU history. The biggest problem has been with the writing, Not only has the dialogue been unrealistic at times, but in several cases it wasn't true to the characters. We've seen both Benson and Stabler do things that totally contradict actions from earlier episodes. Also we miss John Munch.

I'm not sure how much of this new direction is Executive Producer's Neal Baer's fault or if the blame goes to the top of the NBC food chain with boss Ben Silverman. If Ben is tinkering with a winning formula because of possible ageism you guys are going to have to make a stink. Or you can kiss Richard Belzer goodbye for good.

As if further proof is needed that the show has fallen on hard times tonight's Boston Legal also featured a storyline about a theft from sperm bank.

Oh yes, let's not forget the show's other major problem which was all too evident right with the opening tease... what's with the acting? L&O used to get actors from Broadway...some of these extras and guest stars wouldn't be able to land a spot on a daytime soap. Speaking of which, one of tonight's guest stars was former General Hospital and Northern Exposure star Janine Turner.
Also on board was Mark Moses from Desperate Housewives. (I thought they were fine by the way).

So if Stan never wanted kids why would he have fertilized the eggs in the first place? I can understand not wanting to have kids with his ex-wife, but they made it sound like he never wanted them in the first place.

Gabrielle Anwar from Scent of a Woman had an interesting reason for wanting her embryo saved: cancer treatments left her infertile. Something similar happened to a friend of mine many years ago. I was heartened by the detectives' efforts to
recover them even if I doubted it would happen that way in real life. (My friend had a healthy son.)

I am pretty liberal so I was sympathetic with the couple who had the disabled child using a screening process so their next child wouldn't be similarly afflicted (tough issue, tough decision) but when she said the egg was from her 8 year old disabled daughter she lost me. Evidentially I am not as liberal as I thought.

Also a tough spot for Olivia/Marisha Hargitay talking about being a mom over 40. Mariska was 42 when she gave birth to her son with actor/husband Peter Hermann. Fortunately it all worked out in real life. I am sure though that Mariska didn't have to dig too far to come up with the emotions for this scene.

As someone whose day job is television (check out TV Guide Close Up) I can tell you having the police march onto the set and take away your guest... gold. Best thing that happened to that news show all year, I guarantee it.

Now if the couple truly believed that life does begin at conception then its hard to follow that they would put all these babies life at risk. Publicity or not. Would they kidnap a group of babies and hope they were found before they died?

Best line tonight. This exchange between Detectives Tutuola and Munch:
Tutuola: "Since when did you become Super Tech?
Munch: ""Since you dumped me for Lake."

I thought Munch had become the office receptionist. At least they are acknowledging it.

To be honest I was wondering about the woman in Iraq who stored her eggs for her husband. If she died over there how logical would it be for her husband to hire a surrogate or have another woman have his wife's baby? Its not like he could have the child without another woman's help. Not the same for a woman whose husband dies I'm sorry to say.

Although I am sure he is grieving the loss of his wife (and her eggs) would he really shoot the guy responsible? Would that happen in real life or is it a a dramatic device to get one more "bang" for your buck?

Despite the griping it was one of the better episodes this season. At least everyone was in it and that counts!


Check out SVU clips in our Online Video Guide.

For all you bloggers who want L&O:SVU to go back to investigating sex crimes I think we can all agree that the rape of a young boy is going to qualify.

Now since Olivia was the featured detective in last week's episode it was pretty obvious that we'd be treated to a little Elliot Stabler tonight. But lo and behold who is that dapper chap standing next to him? Well if my eyes don't deceive me I do believe it's our long lost conspiracy minded investigator Det. John Munch. Haven't seen too much of Richard Belzer since NBC sidelined him at the beginning of this season. NIce to have him back

Wonder what came first though? Did the Orthodox Jew storyline logically dictate Belzer's presence or did they figure: well we're committed to putting Richard in one episode this year so let's throw his religion into the mix? If that's what its going to take I guess we won't see Munch again until SVU starts investigating hate crimes or someone defaces a synagogue. Shame. They even dumped him once it moved past the Hasidic Jewish community. Don't you think his character would be in court alongside Stabler or checking in with ADA Novak?

Interesting glimpse into the Hasidic lifestyle. Sad that it would cover up rapes on children like the Catholic priest scandals we've all heard about. Imagine...it's better to be a thought a child molester than get caught with your girlfriend? If this is true I'd like to know. Anyone? I don't want to take theology lessons from a TV show.

The actor playing the Rabbi looked really familiar under that big beard so I did a little research. The name Bob Dishy doesn't mean anything to me (Sorry Mr. Dishy) but he has been on lots of episodes of the original L&O. Just thought you guys might want to know because that stuff bugs me.

So the accused said he got the idea to rape because he saw it in a movie. A prison movie where one guy raped another guy...well I immediately flashed on the HBO show OZ. Also starring Christopher Meloni...who also happened to play a rapist.

For Rhea Perlman's character to even suggest that one child raping another is "just 2 kids screwing around"??? Casey should have walloped her. (Not that I advocate violence). Still. And as a father Stabler feels bad for the rapist? I don't buy it. I think Stabler would want to protect his children from a future psychopath...bad home life or not. He seemed to identity more with the dad who raised the attacker and not the victim's father. I don't know about anyone else but I know I wouldn't want my kid dating Dickie Stabler anytime soon.

Wouldn't you think one victim would be enough to justify adult court especially considering that Jack raped the victim multiple times? Why would Stabler need more than one kid's life to be ruined for it to count?

Oh and whatever tanner they have been spraying on Mariska Hargitay to turn her orange clearly got doused on Diane Neal. The poor girl looked like a clown in a couple of scenes. Maybe the make up artists went on strike too.

Despite all my carping it was a better episode than most this year. We've seen the ol' "blame the media" defense many times but after 9 years and 2 other L&Os on the airwaves it's bound to happen.

I give it a C.

Check out SVU clips in our Online Video Guide.

Well at least Mariska didn't look as orange this week so that's good but when Erika Christensen introduced herself as a Special Agent with the F.B.I. I had to smile. She looks like a kid to me. And maybe even worse...she sounds like one. Now the Traffic and Swimf@n star is 25 years old so I guess its possible for her to run an investigation in the hunt for the serial killer The Woodsman...no wait...it just seems kind of dumb. Tell me: am I alone here? Does everyone on this show HAVE to be young and beautiful??

That scene at the strip club was just embarrassing. I don't think the owner could have been any more stereotypical. Asking if she "wanted to get her freak on"...What? For the second time this season I thought I was watching a bad 70's TV series. Something is seriously a bit off this year since I never feel that way watching the reruns.

A stylistic change I've also noticed this year is the use of voice overs. In this case we hear Dr. Huang describing the killer's profile while Det. Lake was doing some of the grunt work. I liked it at first but I think they are overusing the device.

Ok I have to say it again. Erika may be a lovely young woman but she was seriously miscast in this episode. I couldn't believe anything coming out of her mouth and I found it really pulled me out of the story. All that whispering didn't help either. Of course she was fighting an uphill battle with this script. Hard to imagine the FBI is so hard up for experienced agents that they would send such a loose cannon out on her own. Especially after the case caused her mentor to commit suicide!!

I think we should make "Give us the damn location now" a new drinking game we can play with all our friends. Just throw a little Law & Order marathon (no trouble thanks to NBC, TNT & USA) and whenever a line like that is uttered you throw back a shot. It replaces the previous L & O drinking game which celebrated D.A Adam Schiff ordering his A.D.A.s to "Make a deal".

So which D.A is it exactly that would not have wanted to prosecute Agent Lauren Cooper for murder? I am supposed to believe Jack McCoy would just give her a total pass? Even if the guy was a serial killer there would have to be some kind of inquiry. The public may be glad he's dead but I don't think they'd want the FBI to start shooting suspects on their own without even a trial.

My suggestion instead of watching this "Woodsman" investigation rent the superior Kevin Bacon movie The Woodsman which is about a somewhat sympathetic pedophile. Tough subject but the acting was way better.





Check out SVU clips in our Online Video Guide.

While most TV series has already resorted to reruns due to the writer's strike, L&O: SVU still has 4 new episodes to air in the new year. So here we are one down 3 to go. Got to thank Executive Producer Dick Wolf for his skewed shooting schedule. He has the first few episodes of each season in the can before he begins shooting his "new" season.

For starters I could totally tell this was shot months ago in the summer. What will all the greenery in the park. And was it me or did Mariska look darker than usual? Real tan or spray on? I don't have Hi-Def so I couldn't tell how orange she looked. But I digress.

Didn't you guys love the band name? Sticky Butter Fingers. Clever. Usually when L&O try to sound hip they miss the mark but I thought this was a more on the money.

So I don't know what "ripped from the headlines" case this was. Street kids killing people because some charismatic adult told them to? I was thinking Charles Manson right when Benson said it but it also reminds me of Oliver Twist. Yes folks I am just that well read. Helter Skelter to Charles Dickens. A library card can be your friend...especially with this strike dragging on.
Course Fagin talked a tough game but I don't think he'd gouge out a kid's eyes.

Still no Munch in this one. I sound like a stuck record there. But I hope they are paying Adam Beach a lot. He seems to be getting more screen time than anyone. I think he's been in every episode this year.

I found the fight between Stabler and Cole a bit weird. Didn't feel authentic to me. Am I quibbling? It looked, forgive me for this, but very TV.

Not sure how cleaned up the 'mother' of the cult was. I think the jury would have seen the huge bird's nest of hair in the back of her head but what have you. And then putting pearls and a headband on her later? Please. I had to agree with the crazy cult guy Cole. Why would a jury believe that? Of course they didn't.

I have never served on a jury but I can't believe so many defendents would risk acting like a maniac in front of a jury. Its a dramatic device I am finding overused big time.

Overall I liked the premise of this one: a cult of street kids. I didn't like the execution though. The casting of the cult mother seemed a bit off. The actress looked so young. More importantly though the writing was a bit off. I even felt that Chris Meloni and Mariska Hargitay were just walking through it.

Check out SVU clips in our Online Video Guide.

I look forward to your comments.

Here's an e-mail that I was sent that I thought I should pass along.

Thank you for the information on Richard Belzer's episodes being cut. I was very irritated over the situation, since I really miss seeing Sgt. Munch and want him back on the show ASAP. On ALL the episodes.

I'm starting a letter campaign, encouraging all Belzer (John Munch) fans to write in and voice their wish for him to be included in every episode.

Please send your letters to:

Wolf & Baer
SVU
Chelsey Piers
Pier 62/Suite 305
New York, NY 10011

To further show Belz how much we miss him on the show, please e-mail a copy of your letter to his manager:

Eric Gardner
Panacea Entertainment
Juno@panacea-ent.com

Many thanks for taking the time to write! Let's bring Belz back to SVU!

I have more news on the Richard Belzer front. I spoke with the actor himself this week and he is very grateful that you guys all miss Detective Munch and it turns out we weren't imagining things: Belzer’s contract this year was reduced from 22 episodes to a measly 13.

No word on why this happened. Belzer is as mystified as we are but the 63 year old's character was pretty much replaced by 35 year old Adam Beach this season. Nobody is saying its ageism and maybe I am just as conspiracy minded as Detective Munch but you do the math and tell me what you think.

Executive Producer Neal Baer would not comment further. Although he told me last week Munch wasn't going anywhere, they have sure found screen time for Adam. I think every episode this season.

Personally Munch is one of my favorite characters. He is funny, cynical and real. If you want to see more Munch let your voice be heard. Write to NBC or send a letter to TV Guide Magazine and let the show’s producers know how you feel. You can also log onto NBC.com and vote for him in the People's Choice Awards. He's nominated for "Favorite Scene Stealer".

At least he made an appearance in this one...however briefly.

As for the rest of this week’s episode…the guest star was Method Man (born Clifford Smith). The rapper previously had a recurring role on Christopher Meloni's HBO series OZ. Wonder if Chris ever jokes around with his former co-stars now that he's the good guy and not the sadist, rapist, white supremist they all knew and most likely didn't love. Maybe not.

Great look on Olivia's face when she realized Elliot had dated his "friend" at immigration during his separation from Kathy That's what is known in medical circles as "stink eye". She didn't even try to cover it. I don't think she wants Elliot for herself but I think she is disappointed with how much her partner has kept from her. Probably not too impressed with how much he got around during that time either. Interesting how she was offended by the polygamy and Stabler was more sympathetic. Although I suppose not too surprising.

Former ER regular Gloria Reuben was back last night...I seem to recall last time she was on the show she was a former drug addicted mother whose daughter was abducted...nice to see she got her life together and is now a high powered lawyer....What was that? She was playing a DIFFERENT character? Are you sure? I've never known Law & Order to recycle stars like that. Next thing you know you'll be trying to convince me that Diane Neal played a murderer before she became an ADA and that is obviously outrageous.

When the husband said "I wanted to be a Hero, but I'm not", I immediately flashed to another NBC show. I think I've been watching too much TV.

The twist at the end was unexpected. I didn't suspect Sarah as the killer. Apparently one other wife was ok but a second one was out of the question. Kind of a coincidence that her husband was about to testify against a violent gang leader though. And do people on trial really jump up and threaten the lives of witnesses as much as they do on television? Because I have to tell you that seems like a pretty bad idea for a strong defense.

Overall I was a bit bored by this one. They did an earlier and better show on female circumcision and they've covered ineffective witness protection many, many times. Remember to heed Gloria's advice here. If you are going to witness a crime make sure its federal since their program is much better.

First let me tell you what I found out about Richard Belzer's limited role this season. I called Belzer's manager and was told a friendly "no comment". Strange. I then spoke directly with the show's Executive Producer Neal Baer who told me that Richard isn't going anywhere. In fact, he will be featured prominently in 2 upcoming shows. One of which, Unorthodox, will pair Munch with Stabler. That airs in January. Set your Tivos.
Of course there may be more to this whole story. If things develop re: Richard I will keep you posted.

Is it just me but does Mark Valley from Boston Legal look a lot like Thomas Jane? Just wondering.

Best lines go to Fin again! Ice-T must be paying the writers a little something extra.
"She sounded normal on the phone. I didn't know she was from planet Zero." Also "Man you need to update this photo. Talk about bait and switch." I also liked "Everyone knows Mormons make the best nannies." That went to guest star Anastasia Griffith.

Speaking of Griffith...In case you didn't recognize Raphael aka Casanova that was Scarface star Steven Bauer. Formerly Mr. Melanie Griffith.

Some nice symmetry in this one. What with the father finding out his son wasn't really his and Stabler's wife about to give birth. You could tell from that scene Elliot wasn't 100% sure if his wife is expecting his child.

Appropriate that Olivia and Elliot would have differing views on the whole 'right to know father' stance. Olivia wanted to know about her own birth father even though he was a rapist but Elliot, the dad, believes you raise a kid and he's yours.

Took 45 minutes before we got the car crash in the promo. I get why the networks do that but it sure takes away the shock value. (Apparently my cockatiel missed the promos as he had a freakout when he heard the crash. He's okay now though).

I'm relieved Stabler didn't have to choose between Olivia and his wife (and possibly baby) in some rescue scene. I found the aftermath of the crash really interesting. The details of how to put in the IV and getting her out of the car was very realistic to me. Except the kid looked a little clean to me. Finally, I am glad Kathy lived. Sometimes shows kill off characters for sweeps without considering the aftermath. Hello Lost! SVU went another route. They added one. Welcome Elliot Jr.

Before you guys get mad at me for posting this recap late let me explain: my laptop is at the shop so I had to wait until I got back to work to post. Your patience is appreciated. now let's get to it.

I have found the openings this season to be really good this year...arguably better then what follows. I actually gasped out loud when Dr. Warner announced she found the victim's lips. I know a lot of you have complained about the writing so far this year but you have to admit that is a grabber.

This episode's revelations were all about the newbie Det. Chester Lake. So he was an Ultimate Fighter and a foster kid? It felt like a shorthand way to make us invest in this character fast. I am going to need more time with Lake before I am ready to make that kind of commitment.

I will admit that before this aired I had never heard of Ultimate Wrestler Forrest Griffin. But judging from his performance I don't think he should leave his day job behind just yet. And was that well endowed young lady Fin was questioning Ice-T's wife Coco? I couldn't find out in time for posting but it sure did look like her. Also not an Emmy worthy performance either way. I was cringing at some of the acting in this one.

Turns out this one featured another misleading promo. For an episode entitled Fighter that storyline was dropped pretty quick when it turned out the detectives had the wrong suspect AGAIN.

Since this one was all about Lake and Fin we didn't see much of the other detectives. No Benson. And where the hell is Munch? Is Lake Fin's permanent partner? I'll see what I can uncover about Richard Belzer after the holidays. Will keep you posted. Oh and apparently Stabler's blindness from last week healed fast enough for him to not only be back at work but he was well enough to do mounds of paperwork in a dimly light room. A little continuity there would have shown a bit of respect for the fans.

Did you catch country singer Steve Earle as the hippy prison teacher? If I hadn't seen his name in the opening credits I wouldn't have know that was him. Hard living does catch up to you in the end. Momma don't let your babies grow up to be cowboys is not just a song. Sometimes its just good advice.


On several fronts this felt like a show from the 1970's. Kind of Kojackesque. You got the 2 inner city kids hoping to make good, the heroin addicted hooker mom, (Sharon Warren from the movie Ray did a great job in what was a stereotypical role)and the gunplay in the streets. The chase ending with the suspect smashed up in a garbage truck could have even made an excellent crossover episode with Quincy M.E.

This one ended really weird for me. While we may want to see all the charges dropped against these 2 guys. They were framed, the older brother only confessed to protect his sibling, they had a pretty bad mother but STILL come one! How realistic was it that Ezra was not going to serve anytime after shooting a gun in the streets? Oh and I like dark humor but Lake telling the guys he was taking them to Red Lobster to cover for their mother being dead. That was a strange moment for the show. Not funny.

I won't give away the promo for next week except to say it looks Benson and Stabler heavy. And I do mean heavy. Don't miss it.

I really like how this one started. I think the cops looking for the missing girl in the car impound was different and dramatic. Smashing the windows to open the trunks fast was great TV.

I've never had the cops show up at my home (not that I'd admit it here), but if one of them did ask to use my bathroom, the first thing I would think is that they want to snoop around. Since Picard knew they would find nothing, I guess he wouldn’t mind. Crazy or not, best not to look suspicious. (Note to self: Let the police use my toilet if they ask. Flee later).

Who else remembers Ayre Gross as one of the original cast members on Ellen DeGeneres’ sitcom? He was pretty charming and funny on that show and I was sorry when he left. Truth be told, I stopped watching soon after, as I didn’t like Jeremy Piven or the other additions nearly as well. He was also great in Minority Report as the man who didn't murder his wife. This guy is an unappreciated character actor. In this episode alone he made us feel bad for a serial child rapist. That, my friends, is talent.

Another question: Where are Sabrina’s parents? No sign of them at the hospital. Did I miss something?

Oh, and Picard’s book was a total rip-off of Dr. Seuss’ Horton Hears a Who. Damn child molester ripping off Seuss. That’s just wrong.

I wish Stabler hadn't gone blind after being shot. I think that premise has been overused on other shows. His head getting smashed into the window was well done and believable; his guard was down and the guy was cuffed. Also, until Picard saw the billboard telling him to escape, he was pretty docile.

They sure are tarting up Novak a lot more this season. What’s with the Farrah Fawcett hair? Aside from Ayre Gross, this was really Diane Neal’s episode. We got that backstory on her. But how did Olivia know that Novak would have a photo of her "schizo ex-boyfriend" in that desk drawer? That was a little lame.

So now it's official: Sam Waterston is the new DA. Since Law & Order hasn’t debuted yet this season, SVU gets to announce his promotion.

And please... McCoy lecturing a lawyer on ethics? I remember McCoy also doing "the defense attorney’s job." A few years ago he helped that drunk driver get a lesser sentence because he thought it was the right thing to do. And that’s not the only time.

So they aren’t going to milk Stabler’s blindness. Good. Meloni isn’t going anywhere and it would be a drag to sideline his character. (I believe I predicted a speedy recovery last week.)

All and all, one of the best episodes this year. Hope you all agree.

Yikes. Well, you guys wanted SVU to go back to investigating sex crimes and I got to say that cutting off a woman’s breasts is going to qualify. (Side note: Never, never stick your head down an elevator shaft if your floors don't line up. Nothing happened this time, but your mother wouldn’t approve.)

A blood splatter like the Venus de Milo is pretty cool and you’d think it'd be pretty challenging to make. Not something I’d want on my wall, but I am more a fan of the Impressionists.

Years ago I saw Jared Harris play Andy Warhol in I Shot Andy Warhol. I thought he was really good so I was happy to see him again. He’s the son of Richard Harris, for all you film fanatics. Now I’m wondering, did his Robert Morton character remind anyone else of Hannibal Lector? Maybe it’s the British thing. They do make the coolest villains.

If you think about it, this episode does make a statement about our (the viewers') fascination with serial killers. So while the detectives were disgusted with the “Bundy Undies” and that graphic artist, we are that guy. We share his interest. So wouldn’t Stabler and Benson also be disgusted by us? Here we are watching them track down a murderer. Did I just get too deep there? Sometimes I scare myself.

For a second I thought NBC was going all green with the pizza-box recycling line. Odd spot for a PSA, I think. Has Al Gore’s influence spread to the squad? Then boom! I admit, I flinched. No shame there.

Favorite line: Fin gets the honors again after the bomb blast.

Cragen: “How’s your ear?”
Finn: “I got two.”

Great to see Olivia totally take care of herself when that guy attacked her. Not only did they have to hold her back earlier when Morton wanted to see the victim’s “remains,” but she just walloped that guy. That must have been fun to shoot. OK, I just scared myself again.

It is creepy how these guys become celebrities and how guys like Ted Bundy and Charles Manson have such devoted fans. We love these shows, but are we part of this killer pop culture?

PS. The promo for next week looks awesome. Stabler blind. Is he going to make some major changes regarding his wife and Olivia? How long will his blindness last? My guess he’ll be back before the end of sweeps.

Maybe it’s a not a bad thing that tonight’s episode of SVU was a repeat from last season. It gives everybody a little more time to get over the very controversial (and according to your blog responses very unpopular) installment last week.

I couldn’t find an entry for this one on the website so I thought I’d give us all another chance to weigh in on what we thought of Season 8’s big finale.

For me, watching Court TV's Nancy Grace and Star Jones (together no less) is what I’d call torture, but I admit their cameos were a nice touch, plus they were mercifully short.

I like it when TV shows remember past storylines and tie up a lot of loose ends. For starters I enjoy seeing bad guys make a repeat performance. I think rapper Chris “Ludacris” Bridges did a really good job as Finn’s sociopath nephew/stepson. On the one hand I find it hard to believe that Finn’s son Ken would have looked up to this guy, but when Ken was first introduced to the show he did have a really big chip on his shoulder. They even touched on that with a great exchange between father and son in this episode.

Finn: "You told Darius about the guns and drugs, didn't you?"
Ken: "Ten years ago! I mean, I looked in the glove box and found the stash. As usual, you screamed at me. I was 10."
Finn: "There you go again. Will you change the channel? Get a therapist. Work it out."

The storyline was compelling, although I was pretty annoyed at Finn’s ex-wife refusing to testify even if it meant her guilty son going free. I’m glad she had a really good reason (incest). I did figure it out before the reveal, but it was still a pretty big bombshell. It sure explained why she hated her kid so much.

There’s definitely chemistry going on between Mariska and Vincent Spano. Are their characters definitely involved, or was he just hitting on her with that “I can’t go home" line? Smooth, Agent Porter. Smooth.

Nice complication for Stabler on the home front. Looks like Benson isn’t the only one in an undefined relationship. Interesting that he got his wife pregnant while they are still separated. Doesn’t look too happy about it, either. Maybe he’s moved on? I personally don’t want him with Benson, though. I prefer them as partners, not “partners.”

Again: I liked how they brought up other stuff from earlier in the season. Especially when Benson and Stabler totally went over the line to protect their family members. It really rewards the loyal fans and gives these characters some consequences for their actions. Especially for Stabler's daughter. That scene with her being arrested was pretty cool. The music was so poetic.

Although we know everything works out for Cragen now, I for one believed his job was in jeopardy in this cliff-hanger. Don't forget that Dick Wolfe cut Dann Florek loose once before in the original Law & Order.

He also got the chance to deliver the best line in this episode: “Even a turd can float.”

Pretty powerful episode and right from the first few seconds, too.

I don't know about you, but as much as I watch all these cop shows, I still suck in my breath when I see someone getting stabbed. A little grittier start than usual for the ol' L&O: SVU. What happened to some dog walker finding the body after the fact? Oh the days of yore... or at least reruns on TNT and USA.

Quick aside: I love Munch's "Orwellian delight" line. Great how Stabler made a joke about his paranoia in the next scene, too. I wish they played up his conspiracy theories a bit more on the show. Its an interesting quirk.

Now talk about a timely storyline. With the Blackwater scandal in the news and on 60 Minutes and Rendition currently in theaters, it does seem that government-sanctioned torture is getting a lot of attention lately. However you feel about the practice, I was glad to see that they covered both sides of the issue through Dr. Warner and Dr. Huang and later through ADA Novak and Attorney Braden.

I thought Steven Weber did a fine job as the defense lawyer. Although I know him best from his days on the sitcom Wings, I also really liked him on the dramatic, albeit short-lived, series Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip.

The testimonials from the victims of torture were so sad and hopefully thought provoking. Maybe open up some dialogue on the topic? The subtitles worked, too. Made it feel more authentic to me.

Also realistic: a split jury. Americans are still torn on this very touchy subject. Shows like 24 make torture look like an effective tool against terrorists... but does it work in the real world?

Do the ends justify the means? Let the debate begin.

I'd seen the promos for this episode of Law & Order: SVU over the past week heralding the special guest appearance of Aidan Quinn. I was intrigued. Would Aidan (lovable movie star whose heyday was arguably the '90s) going to play an against-type villain as previous guest stars Martin Short, Henry Winkler, John Ritter, Cindy Williams and Matthew Modine have done? Or would he remain the lovable Aidan from Benny & Joon?

OK, the first thing I had a problem with (and maybe this is just me): If I come across my kid covered in blood, I am not going to let her come back with me into the apartment while I look around. Seriously. He didn't even know if the guy who caused all that blood was still inside! Couldn't he have left her with a neighbor while he did a quick pass to check out the wife? Also — and if this is rude let me know, because I don't want to be un-P.C. here — is there a reason this family wouldn't have gotten this kid braces? They can obviously afford it.

One highlight: You gotta love the pregnant woman mistaking Finn and Detective Lake for a gay couple. I especially loved it when Lake touched Finn's leg. You don't usually get humor from the SVU show, so it was a nice touch.

Side note: Saw the commercial for Gone Baby Gone. Now, I read the book and really liked it so when I read that Ben Affleck bought the rights to the Dennis Lehane novel and directed the film, I was pretty bummed. But I have heard nothing but good things. Who knew? Maybe he should stay behind the camera.

What I really liked about this episode was that the entire cast was involved. I would have liked a bit more Benson, but don't SVU fans always say that? Stabler and Benson, it's our mantra. Also nice to see Julie White from Grace Under Fire keeping busy as the doctor who told Aidan's character his wife was pregnant.

Now, using the Patriot Act to give the unit the runaround on Aidan's character's whereabouts was especially weird for me, as I had just finished watching the Frontline documentary on PBS about Dick Cheney. Good thing he was innocent... if not exactly lovable. At least he wasn't the one to rape his wife, right?

Not really crazy about the boyfriend's son doing it. Sometimes these shows need three twists just to mark the commercial breaks.

Lots of weird humor in this one, with the kid wanting hugs from the detectives and the judge and mimicking the sound of her mom with her lover. I didn't really like the child actress, though. She seemed a little affected to me. Granted, she was playing someone with a syndrome that makes her socially awkward, but she kind of grated on me.

So in the end, Aidan still looks pretty hot even though his character was a real jerk. Remember: You can always rent Benny & Joon.