Have always appreciated the "ripped from the headlines" kind of scenarios that the 'Law and Order' franchise often adopted and the franchise (especially the original 'Law and Order') did this kind of story very well. "Popular" has one of the more delicate subjects of Season 3, in a season full of hard-hitting subjects (the most sensitive and most interesting one being for me easily for "Ridicule"), the dark side of popularity is always worth addressing and should be addressed more.
It is also always great when one sees Olivia's sympathetic side and her identifiable want to help victims and catch the responsible and we often see how great she is with victims, her rapport with them is often very touching. Just like here in "Popular". Which on the most part is a very good, if not mind-blowing, episode that was though a slight let down after having the daunting task of following on from one of the season's high points "Execution".
"Popular" doesn't have an awful lot wrong with it, not in a major way anyhow. Other episodes of the show before and since shocked and moved me more admittedly, compared to for example as far as the previous episodes go tne heart-break seen in "Care" or the scary suspense in "Execution". Not quite the same amount of oomph here.
Very good performances here from the regulars though, especially from Mariska Hargitay. Brittany Slattery is affecting as Cynthia and one of the best things about "Popular" and what gives it its heart is the chemistry between Olivia and Cynthia. Just love how sympathetic Olivia is towards victims and this is one of her most sympathetic appearances of Season 3.
The story is interesting and deals with sensitivity a delicate subject in a relatable and ripped from the headlines scenario. And while there may not be much that's unpredictable, nothing is simplistic or too obvious either. The script is intelligent and the production values and music are also solidly done.
Overall, very good if not a Season 3 high point. 8/10
