This was one of the Season 19 episodes where first impressions generally were not positive, loved what was done with Fin but the story never got into gear. It was so great to finally after so long see Fin getting not just a bigger role but also pretty much the main regular. After so much Olivia and to a lesser extent Rollins, this was refreshing and after being underused for goodness knows how long it was needed. All the previous Season 19 episodes on rewatches were pretty much the same as on their first times (both good and not so good) but expectations were not high.
"Guardian" is another Season 19 episode where rewatch impressions was pretty much exactly the same as on first watch. As far as the not particularly great Season 19 goes, this is in the lesser end. As said with first watch, Fin was an absolute pleasure (although there are better Fin centric episodes, primarily in the earlier seasons) but the storytelling just wasn't there. Is "Guardian" a terrible episode? No it isn't, personally don't consider any of the 'Special Victims Unit' episodes so (even the duds like "Intimidation Game"). Is it a particularly good episode? No, not really.
Albeit still with good things. The production values are slick and have a subtle grit, with an intimacy to the photography without being too claustrophobic. The music isn't used too much and doesn't get too melodramatic. The direction has momentum while being accommodating in enough parts. The acting is very good, with Ice T giving a performance that mixes tough and sympathetic adeptly.
Fin here is a pleasure. Loved that there was lots of screen time for Fin and he has some real corkers for lines, whether he's all sympathetic and wise or tough talking. We see and hear plenty of both here. It does start off intriguingly.
Really did wish that it stayed that way but it didn't alas. The case is paper thin and very predictable, with too much use of old ideas. Actually knew what was the truth well before it was revealed. Really do agree that there is a run out of ideas feel and that it is presented rather routinely. Intriguing start but the second half lacks suspense and momentum. Also didn't care for any of the supporting characters, which are very little variation on seen before types of characters (that is in regard to the franchise) and not much is done to make them interesting or worth rooting for. Fin is the only character that makes a good impression.
Other than with Fin, the script is very bland and manages to be both overwrought and under-cooked, as well as being too talky. The pace is dull most of the time, with too much emphasis on talky interrogation tactics. Very little so far has been done to make Stone interesting and he is still as flat as a pancake, Phillip Winchester comes over as very one-dimensional as him.
Concluding, watchable for Fin but not recommended for anybody that likes their cases to be strong. 5/10.
