Monster's Legacy

An excellent episode of special victims unit.

Always interesting to see Olivia working with others.

Ed Asner showing his ability to play chilling characters with a veneer of respectability well into old age. However, sickening and shocking to see Tyson playing a victim. I would have much preferred to see any number of other actors in this role.

It's also always interesting to see more of the intricacies of the American and in particular the new York criminal justice system.

I hope people watching this show are provoked to understand the actions and repercussions for victims of sexual violence.

This was another fantastic episode of SVU. Early on, I noticed the janitor and immediately picked up on the fact that it was Carisi (Peter Scanavino). I'd seen him recently in a 2005 Law and Order: Criminal Intent episode called "Diamond Dogs," so it was fun to see him again in a non-Carisi role. When I saw Mike Tyson's name in the opening credits, that rang a bell telling me that I'd seen this episode before, a long time ago. It was really touching to hear about his character's poignant story. The penultimate scene where he, Andre and OIivia are celebrating the outcome of his case and his huge smile is wonderful, especially since before that moment the only feelings he exhibits are resignation and hopelessness.

I had also seen Ed Asner is another Law and Order show recently; I think he played an equally creepy guy in that one.

The only celebrity I wasn't able to spot was Jan Brady (Eve Plumb). I guess becoming an adult really changed her looks.

I'm thinking now, Mike Tyson was sentenced for 6 years due a sexu@l ass@ult case (r@pe); is kind ironic to him to participate in a episode of SUV... at the minimum...

The casting of Mike Tyson caused quite a stir at the time Season 14 was made and aired, understandably so considering a convicted rapist was cast in an episode of a show that often deals with sex crimes. Yet "Monster's Legacy" on first watch, which was back when having no knowledge of Tyson's conviction or who he was really, struck me as a very powerful episode with a very difficult subject and the chance to see Ed Asner in a different role to usual.

"Monster's Legacy" is still a tremendously powerful episode that proved to be even better on rewatch. On first watch, one plotline was more interesting and investable than the other, with it feeling more of a 'Special Victims Unit' case, but on rewatch there was so much more to appreciate about the plotline that didn't resonate as strongly before. Namely down to the two main characters that carry it. To me, it stands out as one of the best episodes of Season 14.

Of the regulars, Mariska Hargitay with the most to do was particularly strong. Once again showing steel and empathy with ease. It was fantastic to see Andre Braugher again, have loved all his appearances and have always wished that he was in more episodes. Dramatically, "Monster's Legacy" is probably his best appearance, some very powerful acting in the second half. Also loved their chemistry together, which was far more believable and complex than any of Olivia's romantic relationships.

As for the supporting cast, Asner stands out. Usually cast in crotchet and curmudgeonly roles, he gives the creepiest performance of his career here. Scary that someone that seems on the outside harmless and amiable is such a monster on the inside. Pre-Sonny Carisi Peter Scanavino intensely and movingly plays a very troubled character yet not treated too sympathetically. Regarding Tyson, while not as good as the aforementioned he does conflicted very well and his subplot was rootable and a lot more involving than remembered, Olivia and Ellis' roles helped a lot in this regard though.

Furthermore, the case is both disturbing and poignant. The subject is a brave one and unmistakably 'Special Victims Unit', that will hit home for those that went through similar and inspire them to come forward. It is a subject that is handled tastefully but also in a way that doesn't hold back. The dialogue is tight and thought provoking, especially Ellis' in the second half and his interaction with Olivia.

Photography and such are fully professional, the slickness still remaining. The music is used sparingly and is haunting and non-overwrought when it is used, and it's mainly used when a crucial revelation or plot development is revealed. The direction has some nice tension while keeping things steady, without going too far the other way.

In summary, wonderful episode that fared better on rewatch and Tyson's casting didn't bother me anywhere near as much compared to the stir it caused. 10/10.

This story was incredibly written, acted and directed. Not only Bayard Ellis' fight for justice, but seeing Peter S, and Mike Tyson's beautiful rendition. One of the best!