Excepting the disappointing, but still above average (just found it difficult to get past Olivia's unprofessionalism, which was unlike her at this point), "Wanderlust", the previous 'Law and Order: Special Victims Unit' episodes ranged from very good to brilliant, which is a quite remarkable standard for so early on in what tends to be most shows' finding its feet period. All for similar reasons and with similar and even the same strengths, and with little to say against them.
"Uncivilized", only the show's seventh episode, is to me among the best Season 1 episodes and one of my personal favourites of the early seasons. Also consider it the best 'Law and Order: Special Victims Unit' episode since the very first one "Payback" and the most emotionally powerful and most uncompromising of the show up to this point. And this is coming from a show that was already not an easy watch.
Visually, "Uncivilized" is once again slick and doesn't look drab, suiting the gritty tone more than convincingly. The dialogue is already tautly paced and intelligently written, allowed to do all the talking and is not drowned out by constant and intrusive music, used sparingly and other than in major revelations it tends to be low-key which was the right choice.
As said, "Uncivilized" is a very powerful and harrowing watch, with enough suspense and twists and turns to satisfy with the major one being a complete shock. One of the most shocking for any Season 1 episode, not just because it's not what is thought throughout the episode but also because it was done by the most unexpected of perpetrators considering the crime was so brutal. It was interesting to see how the case affected the personal lives without taking over too much, with Elliot's family life being the most emotionally impactful and most relevant to the case it was up to this point of the season and show.
It all kept me on the edge of my seat, more so than the previous six episodes, and it never felt dull. The acting was very good, Christopher Meloni and Mariska Hargitay continue to not disappoint.
Summing up, brilliant. 10/10
