Uncle

A vast majority of episodes of the whole 'Law and Order' franchise have at least one interest point. In "Uncle's" case, its biggest interest point was seeing Jerry Lewis, known best for comedy and his partnership with Dean Martin, in a rare dramatic role and a dramatic role that was against type. Those that like Munch and didn't like how underused he was for a while during this period will be happy to know that there is more of him here and we learn more about him as well.

"Uncle" is to me a very good episode and one that has grown on me over-time. Very like in the way that Dani Beck, a polarising 'Law and Order: Special Victims Unit' character and often heavily criticised, has grown on me. Didn't care for her for a while and "Uncle" was an episode where the most memorable things were Lewis, Munch's character development and a scene that has never done it for me and still doesn't. Like "Recall", though not as good as that, "Uncle" should not automatically be dismissed, actually don't think any of the Stabler and Beck episodes should.

Will start with the not so good things. Its weak link being that scene that has never done it for me and this opinion is probably not going to go down well, that being the subway scene. To me that has always lacked tension, felt too easy and been too unintentionally silly in staging, the death that occurs in that scene is very goofy and oddly shot/edited.

Regarding Andrew as a character, he could have been written more consistently. Being far more interesting and hard hitting in his homeless state and easier to feel sympathy towards him.

However, a lot about "Uncle" works. Lewis' performance is truly admirable and often moving, especially in the tear-jerking closing scene. Also shining is Richard Belzer who has great chemistry with Lewis and the tensions between him and the SVU in how to deal with the case and Andrew were believable. Really liked that we see more of Munch here and that he gets some very illuminating development, and not just Andrew, his anger towards Stabler at one point was completely relatable and a lot of people would react similarly if something was said that was the catalyst for somebody doing something tragic (something that Stabler should have gotten more heat for).

Personally didn't have a problem with Connie Nielsen or with Beck, personally can understand why there are fans that are indifferent having been someone in that position for a while but Beck in my mind over-hated. There is nothing here that is on the same level of her interview scene in "Recall" and her over-zealousness is extreme, but it is hard to not identify with how she reacts to the case and the body. Always did admire Beck's determination and grit though, which Nielsen captured very well and always did. The chemistry between Nielsen and Christopher Meloni (on typically strong form) has some nice no-nonsense tension, though by Beck's last episode the relationship didn't really develop massively. Diane Neal had nice moments too and it was nice to see and hear phrases that sound so simple on paper be very memorable in delivery (i.e. "I guess I suck"). The SVU chemistry, whether harmoniously gelling or when clashing, is very well done.

With the exception of one scene, "Uncle" is well made visually, with slick and intimate yet never too claustrophobic photography. The music doesn't come over as too intrusive or melodramatic. The direction has momentum but also breathing space. The script is tight and thoughtful, especially all the dilemmas surrounding the treatment of Andrew. The story does have tension and a few shocks, certainly feeling like a 'Special Victims Unit' episode with a tailor made scenario for the team and a case of knowing who the perpetrator is but searching for how to catch them. It also has poignancy, especially everything with the medications. While hating what Andrew does, much of me just couldn't hate him and was very saddened about the position he was in.

In summary, very good. 8/10.

Some years ago that other Hollywood comedy icon Lucille Ball gave a powerful dramatic performance in a made for TV movie about the homeless in The Stone Pillow. Now Jerry Lewis in his 80s takes a turn in an episode of SVU playing Richard Belzer's uncle.

The squad is assigned to a case involving mother and daughter rape victims and during the course of said investigation Jerry Lewis, homeless and on the streets and clearly not in possession of all his faculties is brought in.

Being the aged uncle of one of the squad members, Lewis gets more than a presumption of innocence. They try to get him help, but he keeps insinuating himself in his investigation. In the end it brings about some tragic consequences for Lewis.

You can only hope a merciful God does not put you in the same position that Lewis is in and I daresay a lot of the elderly homeless. In a population that is aging, we as a society are going to find better meds and better housing for folks like these or this will be a growing problem.

A recent couple of stories from New York City make this SVU episode particularly relevant. More I cannot say.

It always fascinates me when a noted comic is cast in a dramatic role. Invariably the result is electrifying. Jerry Lewis, Guest Staring in the 'Uncle" episode of S.V.U., is no exception.

Excellent ensemble cast, tight direction and dialogue so surreal it makes the hair on the back of your neck bristle.

Highly recommended.

To David from California.

Many of the bios written about Martin and Lewis state that Jerry was about 1/4 inch taller than Dean. He had to get some material shaved off the heels of his shoes and needed to "stoop over" a little bit to be "the little guy". No way was Dean taller.

It was stated in "Dean and Jerry" a love story and also in the biography channel's special about Dean Martin.

As far as Jerry's performance goes... An excellent performance with substandard writing. AND today is Jerry's birthday!

Thank goodness for DVD's... we will never lose these great performances.