If asked whether there is a preference for the early seasons of 'Law and Order: Special Victims Unit' or the later seasons, my answer would be the early ones. Despite the production values being more refined later and some of the all-time great guest appearances being in the show's mid-late period, found myself a lot less frustrated in the early seasons by unprofessionalism, nonsense plot strands, too much focus on soapy personal lives and the chemistry and how one connected emotionally to the material were done a lot better early on in my view.
"Secrets" is a good example of this. If not one of the best. After two very good previous episodes, "Secrets" continues the very good, if falling just shy of amazing, streak and actually even better than the previous two episodes and the best episode since "Taken". Like some of the best 'Special Victims Unit' episodes, it has a very sad case and is a hard-hitting watch (almost too painful at times). It's a difficult subject again handled with care and sensitivity, anybody that likes to be moved watching something will love it but anybody that doesn't like frustrating outcomes might find themselves a bit annoyed after watching.
Almost everything is done right. It is slick and doesn't try to do anything too elaborate or overblown, while keeping an intimate atmosphere that doesn't become too confined or static. Locations are not many but are made good use of. The music didn't sound too loud while having enough presence when used to avoid it from being too low key. The script is tight and intelligently written, with the odd scattering of humour like at the swingers' club which included one of Olivia's best lines of Season 2 and also the interplay between Munch and Fin.
The case of "Secrets" is a powerful one and a painful reminder of how victims (and even people in general) are perceived to be based on their past and the consequences of that and how unfair the legal system can be. The perpetrator is also a real creep, one that one roots for him being given his just desserts and given a much harsher sentence than actually given. Nothing is laid on too thick but one feels the full impact of what this situation can bring. The investigating is plentiful and is always absorbing and rings true. All the cast are very good.
What let "Secrets" down somewhat for me was the outcome of the case. Couldn't help feeling that everything about it was an injustice, a clear case of what it appeared to be from the start which was clear premeditation but everything about the case's outcome (not just the sentence and the victim's treatment, but also that bias regarding her past played a part when really it shouldn't have been an issue and even more the actual indictment) rang false for me and slaps one in the face pretty much. Just my view though, am aware that injustices do happen a lot but that doesn't stop one from feeling angry.
On the whole, having said that, very good. 8/10
