Okay, let's talk Law & Order: SVU. Specifically, Season 14, Episode 2. "Twenty-Three Years". It's an episode that many remember. But do we remember it correctly?
My (Maybe Wrong) Take on "Twenty-Three Years"
Here's my hot take: this episode is...overrated. Don't get me wrong, it's SVU. It's watchable. But is it a top-tier, cry-your-eyes-out, unforgettable episode? I'm not so sure.
The premise is intense. A woman, Irena, comes forward after 23 years. She claims she was raped. And the alleged rapist? A powerful, seemingly reformed, businessman, David Haden.
Haden: Good Guy Gone Bad?
Haden is played by the always-great Treat Williams. He oozes charm and regret. Is he genuinely changed? Or is it all an act?
That's the question the episode wants you to ponder. The problem? I didn't ponder it that hard. The clues felt a little too obvious.
Irena's story is heartbreaking. There's no denying that. But parts of the plot felt a bit rushed. Maybe too conveniently packaged for the one-hour runtime.
Where It Shines (and Where It Doesn't, According to Me)
The acting, as always, is superb. Mariska Hargitay is phenomenal as Olivia Benson. Her empathy is always believable.
And the supporting cast? Fantastic. The episode touches on the complexities of delayed reporting. Which is important and relevant.
But here’s where I get a little…critical. The resolution felt…meh. It wasn't the gut-punch SVU sometimes delivers. It felt a little too neat.
I also found myself questioning some of Irena’s actions. It made her a less reliable narrator for me. Which takes some of the emotional punch away.
Unpopular Opinion Alert!
Ready for my most controversial statement? I wasn't completely sold on Haden's supposed transformation. He felt...sketchy from the get-go.
I know, I know, I'm supposed to be torn. Was he a monster then? Or a decent man now? But something about Williams' performance just screamed "still guilty" to me.
Maybe that's the point! But it also made the journey to the truth less compelling. The mystery felt a little deflated for me.
In Defense of My "Wrong" Opinion
Look, I love Law & Order: SVU. I binge it regularly. So, saying I didn't *love* this episode feels almost sacrilegious.
But I'm allowed to have opinions, right? Even if they're unpopular? Especially when about a fictional TV show?
Maybe I went into it with too high of expectations. It had been hyped up. Perhaps that's why I was ultimately underwhelmed.
The episode tackles a serious and sensitive topic. It brings awareness. And that’s always commendable.
Ultimately, "Twenty-Three Years" is a decent SVU episode. But it doesn't crack my top 20. Sue me!
What do you think? Am I way off base? Or do you secretly agree that this episode is just…okay?
Sound off in the comments! Let's argue about fictional crimes!
Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go re-watch "Rage." That's a classic.
