Like the original 'Law and Order', 'Law and Order: Special Victims Unit' was, particularly in its early seasons (so pre-Season 10 or so), very good at dealing with difficult subjects and its approach to them. Something that has always struck me as very admirable in film and television. Have said this a lot, and sorry if it's been annoying if a follower, but when talking about the 'Law and Order' shows it is hard to not bring it up again and again when that was such a big selling point and when topics are especially difficult.
Topics like drug trafficking, not an easy subject to explore (then again when did 'Special Victims Unit' or the franchise cover easy themes?) fit under this distinction. "Risk" for me is another standout episode of Season 4 and has always gotten a wide range of emotions out of me. If anybody on a daily evening 'Special Victims Unit' marathon is trying to recover from being disturbed and emotional watching the previous episode "Damaged", it might be better seeing something else first before watching "Risk" as those feelings are every bit as strong in "Risk" as well.
"Risk" looks good, with the usual slickness and subtle grit. Really liked too that the photography was simple and close up but doing so without being claustrophobic. The music has presence when used, and luckily it isn't constant, and when it is used it doesn't feel over-scored. The direction allows the drama to breathe while still giving it momentum as well.
Script is intelligent and is tightened up to avoid over-talkiness, with enough tension to satisfy. The story is a twisty and disturbing one that may not have a leaving one floored twist but shocks in its own way, namely because the subject and basic story it revolves around hit hard. The truth leaves one not just angry, but also disgusted because the perpetrator is such a lowlife that agreed one roots for the SVU to take down.
Moreover, the SVU are great here, seeing them undercover sees plenty of very entertaining (including Stabler and Olivia flirting) and intense moments (such as Stabler playing off against the cop up to no good). They work cohesively and there isn't any excessive unprofessionalism. No issues to be had with the acting either, with Christopher Meloni standing out in one of his best episodes.
Overall, wonderful and another Season 4 high-point. 10/10
