The Newsroom

"The Newsroom" was yet another episode of 'Law and Order: Special Victims Unit' that could have gone either way in execution, it is not an easy subject to address and it is not an easy subject to pull off. It could have either been intriguing and hard hitting or, considering what the setting is and what the story centres around, too sensationalist and heavy handed. The show has often done very well with exploring challenging topics so there was hope.

Luckily, "The Newsroom" executes its subject very well and was better than expected. Not a 'Special Victims Unit' high point or flawless, with one major issue that brings the episode down, but it is easily one of the best episodes of a generally not up to top standard Season 18. Due to having some of the season's best writing and being one of the few Season 18 episodes to get the balance of case and personal drama correct and where issues with Olivia were few.

So much is good here in "The Newsroom". It is shot with the right amount of intimacy without being claustrophobic and that the editing has become increasingly tighter over-time has been great too. Nice use of locations too. The music doesn't get over-scored or overwrought, even in the more dramatic revelation moments. The direction is also accommodating.

In regard to the writing, it is some of the most thought probing and tightest writing of the season, an aspect that the season varied very wildly in. "The Newsroom" contains a perfect balance of very compelling and disturbing case (that isn't too simple or convoluted) and personal life drama (the latter not taking over too much). Loved the beautiful heartfelt chemistry between Olivia, in one of her least judgemental and sanctimonious appearances, and Dodds. The acting is excellent, with Christopher MacDonald standing out on chillingly lecherous form.

Did feel that "The Newsroom" has a major problem. To me, the victims were very unsympathetic (common sadly with Season 18). Especially Heidi, whose behaviour was more than enough to jeopardise prosecution.

Maybe it is a little crowded towards the end.

Otherwise, a very good episode. 8/10.

All of America or at least all of New York City is shocked when news anchor Bonnie Somerville makes an accusation of rape against her boss Christopher McDonald. This may be a he said, she said, but the point is that Somerville said it on live television in front of a few million viewers.

That being said it's going to take a lot to convict McDonald unless she gets someone to back her story. And her fellow and younger reporter Peyton LIST is testifying for the defense.

Rafael Barba has a lot of complaining witnesses now, but the judge rules this has to be tried on the evidence of this and this allegation alone.

Sex crimes are hard enough when it boils down to the credibility of the accuser or the accused. What this SVU episode shows is how much more difficult it is with celebrities involved.

You'll have to watch to see how this is handled.