There are plenty of reasons to see Season 8's premiere "Informed". Marcia Gay Harden's return after making such a big impression in Season 7's "Raw" is interest value enough, and then there is the interest of seeing how they would handle Olivia's arc accomodating Mariska Hargitay's real life pregnancy and also for its unique (at this point of 'Law and Order: Special Victims Unit's' run) subject matter. Was hoping too that it would be at least better than Season 7's disappointing finale "Influence."
"Informed" luckily is absolutely better than that episode, a vast improvement in fact. It is a very good start to Season 8, though not one of the best episodes of 'Special Victims Unit', and leaves one eager to see what the rest of the season would be like. Really did admire its handling of the eco-terrorist subject and what it taught, loved the character interaction and little character moments. The story wasn't perfect but "Informed" was mostly a big success in that aspect.
Will get the not so good things out of the way. Despite having good intentions, Olivia's unprofessionalism in want of getting a result agreed goes beyond breaking point. Her behaviour towards Haley being more intimidating than helpful.
Also agree about the truly sloppy police work throughout. While the ending was tense admittedly, it did for my tastes feel rushed as well.
However, Harden makes a fabulous return, being a great authority figure and also with some fun comic timing and steely intensity. Hargitay embodies Olivia's determined steeliness and compassion and while Christopher Meloni isn't in it enough he is his usual reliable self. Kristen Bush is affecting as Haley. Loved the character interaction throughout all round, especially between Hargitay and Harden. Meloni and Harden have funny moments, like the hilarious exchange in the aftermath of Stabler getting injured. The coda is poignantly uncertain.
Furthermore, the script is a mix of thought-provoking, unsettling and raw emotion, all wrapped up in a taut, very appetising and not too neat package. Harden has some great lines and exchanges, not just that aforementioned hilarious exchange but also what she says about the dynamite. The story had some nice tension and had some clever well done twists, the climactic one being a surprise. The heavy subject matter was not done with too much of a heavy hand and was surprisingly very informative, it was one that didn't interest me before watching the episode and with knowledge of it being little. Did find myself learning a lot.
Production values as ever are slick and with the right amount of muted grit, the photography doesn't try to do anything too fancy or gimmicky while not being claustrophobic and keeping things simple. The music doesn't overbear with the theme tune still memorable. The direction doesn't let the tension slip while still giving enough breathing space to the drama.
Concluding, very promising start to the season. 8/10.
