Sightless in a Savage Land

One of my favorite episodes of the later seasons. I loved Barba as the ADA and was so happy to see his return and his performance was even greater than expected.

Not sure what the plot hole someone else was referring to, the review was just way to long, I tend to just skip those ones. Another person commented on Olivia's morals but actually, her morals only kicked in so high later in the series, there was alot of episodes where her "morals were not so black and white and she didn't follow her captains orders. I 100% disagree with another about killing off fins woman n how him n liv should be together, HELL NO, I would never want to see them as a couple! They are way better as friends. The couple who should be together by now is amanda and sonny! He has clearly been in love with her for years. Yes, it is plausible that sonny could win case against Barba, Barba was his mentor and tought him well!

'Law and Order: Special Victims Unit' "Sightless in a Savage Land" (2021)

Opening thoughts: Expectations were rather mixed for "Sightless in a Savage Land". Was absolutely delighted at seeing Rafael Barba, one of the best things about the period where he was on 'Law and Order: Special Victims Unit' and one of the reasons why the show was still stuck with (despite its decline some time before). At the same time, part of me was apprehensive, as the previous three episodes were very disappointing and there have been times when the show doesn't do returns and exits of characters well.

After three disappointing episodes, Season 22 at least shows promise with "Sightless in a Savage Land". Barba is a joy and far from wasted and overall, despite one major problem, "Sightless in a Savage Land" is very good with many excellent things. As far as Season 22 goes, it is one of the better episodes by quite some way with it being one of the small handful to be above good. Is it a 'Special Victims Unit' high point? No. But it does show that the show hasn't completely lost it, despite the much higher number of average or less episodes with each season.

Good things: So much is great about "Sightless in a Savage Land". The production values are slick and have subtle grit, with an intimacy to the photography without being too claustrophobic. The music isn't used too much and doesn't get too melodramatic. The direction has momentum while also having freedom. The acting is some of the best of the season, though overall the acting was one of the stronger aspects of it. Raul Esparza is authoritative and sassy, which was so refreshing, and it is like he had never left. Of the regulars, Peter Scanavino, who really has shone throughout Season 22, particularly impresses.

Particularly in his dynamite chemistry with Esparza, the conflict between them being surprising and having tension. There is lots of tension in the courtroom and while the story is predictable it still intrigues and grabs the attention in a suspenseful way. The dialogue is thought provoking and there is nothing awkward or preachy in it.

However, "Sightless in a Savage Land" isn't perfect. Olivia is too unnecessarily judgmental towards Barba at the end, do agree that Barba's way of thinking is the opposite of what she insinuated and it does go against what we know about them in past seasons where they generally had respect for each other.

Closing thoughts: Very good episode otherwise.

8/10.

This was a reasonably lucid and well acted re-introduction of a cast member from a previous series. The story was well written and concentrated on the judicial hearing for a perpetrator rather than on the guilt of his victim.

Another reviewer has stated that there was a plot hole. Well, I don't agree. The absolute nature of the victim's guilt was covered during the court hearing.

This show is known as a message sender. That in itself is not always bad, but it shouldn't be the total focus of the show. That's the direction it's been going for some time now. Finally with this episode a good balance took place. Message, subject matter, writing, acting,and personal feeling. Keep it up.