I've seen this episode before and it hits me in the feels every time. I would give it ten stars but I miss Barba (freaking love Barba) and I think the Rollins storyline is pushed a little far. I don't want to give spoilers so I will just say the ending is very touching and the episode is worth a watch.
10 Reviews
Identity
TheLittleSongbird4 January 2023
"Service" in all honesty was watched with apprehension on first watch. 'Law and Order: Special Victims Unit' generally don't have the best of track records when it comes to cases centered around the military, and this type of case varied in the 'Law and Order' franchise too. It had some potential of being hard hitting and tense, but some of the franchise's military themed episodes have been heavy handed and one sided and with the plot summary there was potential for that to happen too.
On first watch, "Service" surprised me in a good way as it didn't fall into the traps the show's other military themed cases did. On rewatch, it still struck me as a good episode that is somewhere in the high middle category when ranking Season 19 and everything that was good and not so good about it were pretty much the same. Not a 'Special Victims Unit' high point by any stretch but a vast improvement over the underwhelming previous episode "Send in the Clowns".
A lot is done very well. The acting is very good from all, outstanding actually in the case of Marquise Vilson in one of the finest guest turns of the season. He particularly shines agreed when his character is on the witness stand in a powerfully written scene (one of the season's best courtroom scenes). "Service" is well made, intimately photographed and slick with no signs of under-budget or anything. The music didn't sound melodramatic or too constant and the direction is accomodating while still having pulse.
The writing doesn't ramble, although as usual there is a lot of dialogue to digest, and really provokes thought. When it comes to the story, "Service" is one of the few military themed stories of the show to explore the subject with tact, no bias while also with enough uncompromising edge. Themes are sensitively and thoughtfully explored and the preconceived notions aspect of the story is not heavy handed or one sided, two things that the other military themed 'Special Victims Unit' episodes make the mistake of being.
It is not perfect having said all of that. The episode overdoes it with Rollins' pushiness and her combative nature, once or twice in the episode is fine but throughout and to the wrong people not so much. Too much of Olivia's dialogue is syrupy and patronising, have really not liked most of her character writing this season, which at its worst has been just as intolerable as her at her worst in Season 18.
Did feel too that it does try to cram in too much and the case was a lot more interesting and tactful than everything with Rollins.
Concluding, good but not great. As far as the franchise's military themed episodes go though, it's better than most. 7/10.
On first watch, "Service" surprised me in a good way as it didn't fall into the traps the show's other military themed cases did. On rewatch, it still struck me as a good episode that is somewhere in the high middle category when ranking Season 19 and everything that was good and not so good about it were pretty much the same. Not a 'Special Victims Unit' high point by any stretch but a vast improvement over the underwhelming previous episode "Send in the Clowns".
A lot is done very well. The acting is very good from all, outstanding actually in the case of Marquise Vilson in one of the finest guest turns of the season. He particularly shines agreed when his character is on the witness stand in a powerfully written scene (one of the season's best courtroom scenes). "Service" is well made, intimately photographed and slick with no signs of under-budget or anything. The music didn't sound melodramatic or too constant and the direction is accomodating while still having pulse.
The writing doesn't ramble, although as usual there is a lot of dialogue to digest, and really provokes thought. When it comes to the story, "Service" is one of the few military themed stories of the show to explore the subject with tact, no bias while also with enough uncompromising edge. Themes are sensitively and thoughtfully explored and the preconceived notions aspect of the story is not heavy handed or one sided, two things that the other military themed 'Special Victims Unit' episodes make the mistake of being.
It is not perfect having said all of that. The episode overdoes it with Rollins' pushiness and her combative nature, once or twice in the episode is fine but throughout and to the wrong people not so much. Too much of Olivia's dialogue is syrupy and patronising, have really not liked most of her character writing this season, which at its worst has been just as intolerable as her at her worst in Season 18.
Did feel too that it does try to cram in too much and the case was a lot more interesting and tactful than everything with Rollins.
Concluding, good but not great. As far as the franchise's military themed episodes go though, it's better than most. 7/10.
Sometimes Law & Order SVU takes you to a place of conscious and discussion
tommieadamsphoto22 November 2021
Warning: Spoilers
It was interesting I watched this episode today 11/21 we celebrate transgender remembrance for all those who lost their lives to violence and suicide to those in the transgender community.
And I know that as I watched this episode today it hit definitely touched my heart hard at the end. As well as the focus on the usual perception of sex work and workers. I thought the episode was outstanding both in the writing and the main guest stars. This was definitely one ripped from the headlines. I always enjoying watching an episode that sparks conversation after, in hopes that perceptions can be changed for the better. I commend you Law & Order SVU.
And I know that as I watched this episode today it hit definitely touched my heart hard at the end. As well as the focus on the usual perception of sex work and workers. I thought the episode was outstanding both in the writing and the main guest stars. This was definitely one ripped from the headlines. I always enjoying watching an episode that sparks conversation after, in hopes that perceptions can be changed for the better. I commend you Law & Order SVU.
Excellent change from the stereotype
louiselane200219 April 2018
Warning: Spoilers
I thoroughly enjoyed this episode, instead of the usual military bigotedness we get to see a refreshing change towards the lbgt community, one that is inline with our society. Seeing people for who they are not what it says on their birth certificate. More of this please.
Very touching and inspiring
vesperasky24 May 2019
Patriotic and Beautiful~
ladyann121313 April 2018
Warning: Spoilers
I was overwhelmed with this episode of SVU. The end where the Sergeant is saluted was just magnificent! As he stood there proclaiming what he believed in, took pride in who he was, and showed no remorse about detailing his superiors unbecoming (rapist) to the courts...he took the chance and they loved him so much they saluted him. I was just in awe! This was one of the best episodes ever, almost as good as Season 7 episode 3 "911". This is my favorite show and I wait each week breathlessly for it! Tonight was super fantastic! I give thanks to all the star cast. ~LadyAnn
SVU Tackles Gender Identity & Self-Image
audaciousness26 October 2018
Warning: Spoilers
Tonight's episode of SVU, titled "Service" was a beautiful and moving piece that tackled gender identity, and the self-image of prostitutes.
It was filled with absolutely touching moments, particularly when the transgender soldier was saluted in the courtroom, and when Sandy told Amanda how lowly and painfully she views herself every time she takes another prostitution job.
We haven't seen an episode of SVU that's done this before, so I commend the originality and sensitivity on bringing these two very difficult topics to television. Truly moving.
It was filled with absolutely touching moments, particularly when the transgender soldier was saluted in the courtroom, and when Sandy told Amanda how lowly and painfully she views herself every time she takes another prostitution job.
We haven't seen an episode of SVU that's done this before, so I commend the originality and sensitivity on bringing these two very difficult topics to television. Truly moving.
Service
bobcobb30114 April 2018
Warning: Spoilers
When it started off this felt like a pretty generic episode, a rape and assault victim that was nervous about coming forward. Then things took an odd turn when there was military involvement, and then it went even more odd when it was a commentary on the military's position on transgender individuals.
They tried to accomplish too much here and in the end got a poor episode.
They tried to accomplish too much here and in the end got a poor episode.
A deep dark secret
bkoganbing12 April 2018
Warning: Spoilers
The SVU squad catches a case of a woman who was taken out from an SRO hotel
by the manager Wayne Knight because she looked beaten to death. Big surprise
though, working girl Morgan Taylor Campbell is alive, but very reluctant to press
charges.
Still the squad persists and the investigation leads to three soldiers from Fort Hamilton (different name in the episode) who were involved. Only one however, Sergeant Timothy Adams is the one who assaulted her. Yet the other two Marquise Vilson and Jack DiFalco won't cut any deals to convict their superior.
Both Vilson and DiFalco have secrets. Vilson's however is a deep dark one that is ripped from some very current headlines about an issue the military is grappling with.
I have to make mention of Wayne Knight whose character could be just like Newman from his days on Seinfeld. Imagine him as the night manager of a cheap SRO in Manhattan, you will remember him and love what happens to him as well.
A most compelling story and you will not forget Vilson on the witness stand.
Still the squad persists and the investigation leads to three soldiers from Fort Hamilton (different name in the episode) who were involved. Only one however, Sergeant Timothy Adams is the one who assaulted her. Yet the other two Marquise Vilson and Jack DiFalco won't cut any deals to convict their superior.
Both Vilson and DiFalco have secrets. Vilson's however is a deep dark one that is ripped from some very current headlines about an issue the military is grappling with.
I have to make mention of Wayne Knight whose character could be just like Newman from his days on Seinfeld. Imagine him as the night manager of a cheap SRO in Manhattan, you will remember him and love what happens to him as well.
A most compelling story and you will not forget Vilson on the witness stand.
Overall concerning
michelle-m9426 May 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Rollins is pretty bad in this ep- saying what she does about working girls. Nothing about her is redeemable in this, she clearly hasn't learned anything from 7 years on the job.
Wayne Knight was a funny addition to the episode. Glad to see him back on tv since it's been awhile since Seinfeld.
Plot was thought provoking but a story like this makes me miss Barba.
Wayne Knight was a funny addition to the episode. Glad to see him back on tv since it's been awhile since Seinfeld.
Plot was thought provoking but a story like this makes me miss Barba.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
