'Law and Order: Special Victims Unit' "Redemption in Her Corner" (2020)
Opening thoughts: "Redemption in Her Corner" is notable for its attempt to develop the character of Kat Tamin introduced this season. Which made me apprehensive, as Tamin left me indifferent at best in all the previous Season 21 episodes. It is also notable for seeing Rafael Barba in a cameo, was a big fan of Barba during his time on 'Law and Order: Special Victims Unit' and thought him one of the most consistent best things about that period of the show's (which had declined by quite some bit) run.
Was really hoping on first watch that "Redemption in Her Corner" would be better than my mixed expectations and that it would prove me wrong in regard to Tamin. Sadly, it didn't come together on first watch and was little improvement on recent rewatch, which was true of a lot of Season 21's episodes. It has a terrific guest performance, but it is a case of the performance being much better than the episode itself and deserving of better. It did not do a good job with Tamin and did nothing to change my negative feelings on her.
Good things: The best thing about "Redemption in Her Corner" is Manni L Perez, who is outstanding. Especially when conveying Esperanza's rage when speaking to her father. Close behind is Barba's more than welcome and quite refreshing cameo, just delightful and a strong reminder of how missed he is. Just wish the role was bigger. Raul Esparza is authoritative and brings a lot of energy. The acting is near-uniformly great with one big exception.
Furthermore, the production values are still fully professional, the slickness and subtly gritty style still remaining. The music is sparingly used and is haunting and thankfully non-overwrought. Loved Carisi with the soup, that was very caring and heart-warming.
Bad things: However, there are a lot of major shortcomings. Really did appreciate that the episode gave a back story to Tamin, which is pretty much the only reason as to why the episode exists, unfortunately it is a back story that is not particularly interesting or investable. Actually found it pretty bland and in need of a tighter pace, as well as not adding that much to her character. Not to mention that it does nothing to change my negative feelings on Tamin, such an annoying loose cannon and not much else for no real reason and Jamie Gray Hyder acts with little enthusiasm or intensity, whenever she does emote it comes over as forced rather than genuine.
In general, the case is dull and lacking in surprises or tension, with a very overlong opening scene. It is hurt too by a lot of truly sloppy investigating, the tragic parts of the story would not have happened if the team were more organised and if Tamin hadn't made such a fundamental rookie mistake. Some of Olivia's dialogue is cringe worthy, especially that "that's all men" comment that is a "whoa" moment.
Closing thoughts: Overall, appreciated its efforts but it doesn't come together.
5/10.
