One of the biggest appeals of 'Law and Order: Special Victims Unit' has been the topics it addresses and issues that come with the topics addressed. Also with how they are explored, the execution more often than not was hardly sugar coated or trivialised and was often pull no punches in quality. "Dearly Beloved" was definitely one of those kinds of episodes of having difficult subjects, though memories of first watch were not good, with the story execution and writing severely wanting on many levels for this viewer.
Some episodes that weren't too great on first watch fared better on rewatch, but others that didn't work first time still didn't on rewatch and either about the same or worse. One of those episodes is "Dearly Beloved". Season 20 was showing some improvement (not significant but sizeable enough), but with "Dearly Beloved" it goes back to disappointment and nearly on par with the worst Season 20 episodes. It's not quite that, with it being better than something like "Part 33" (which is how to not do a change of pace), but it is in the lesser end.
"Dearly Beloved" does have good things. It is slickly photographed throughout, a perfect match for the gritty tone, and the location work looks both striking and atmosphere-filled. The music is only used when necessary and when it is used it does stick in the mind and not done so ham-handedly. Both the main theme and opening voice over are memorable.
The acting from the regulars and supporting cast is all fine.
Less fine are the writing and even more so the storytelling. The dialogue is awkward and could have been a lot tighter and more subtle. The story is very thin and predictable, with the evidence being far too flimsy to be prosecutable, which contributed to some very dull pacing throughout. Atmosphere-wise, "Dearly Beloved" is bland. Like a stale sandwich with too little filling. Very little tension or suspense due to over obviousness.
Furthermore, the ending is ridiculous. What Kitty does should have been treated far more seriously and not treated like she had not committed a crime. Olivia actually does not come over as professional, trying to influence somebody to keep a baby is not just unprofessional but also unethical. While the acting is fine, the chemistry is rather disconnected.
In conclusion, rather lacklustre. 4/10.
8 out of 9 found this helpful.
Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink