The subject matter immediately is enough to grab the attention. It is a very sensitive, unpleasant and difficult topic to discuss, and if anybody has doubts about whether the execution would be tactful enough without being ham-handed, one-sided and too heavy that is understandable (those are common traps with this kind of topic and similar). Anybody though that has always admired how 'Law and Order' approached tough subjects and how it did so will be intrigued.
Season 8's second episode "Denial", a "ripped from the headlines" kind of story based on two cases, is a very good one, only two episodes in and already Season 8 shows a lot of promise. It also explores a very heavy-going topic with hard-hitting edge and poignancy, in a way that appropriately makes one feel sad and angry in equal measure. All the usual good things are here, and, while not one of the best 'Law and Order' episodes or quite one of the best of the season, it's a powerful one.
"Denial" isn't perfect, although actually nothing is done inherently wrong. Just that other 'Law and Order' episodes are more consistent. Do agree that the detective scenes are not as good as the second half, where the episode really does come to life and have the full emotional power needed. The detective scenes are still well written and acted, just not my definition of earth-shattering. All the shocks, emotions and complexity are in the legal scenes.
However, so much is done incredibly well. The production values are solid and the intimacy of the photography doesn't get static or too filmed play-like. The music when used is not too over-emphatic and has a melancholic edge that is quite haunting. The direction is sympathetic enough without being leaden, while having enough momentum to make the drama sing in its atmosphere. The performances from all the regulars are great, with tough talking Jerry Orbach and knowing Sam Waterston standing out, while the supporting cast are fine too. James Rebhorn was interesting casting.
Moreover, the script is very thoughtful, and despite having a lot of (thankfully still interesting) talk it doesn't ramble. It is especially good in the more complicated, which are not too hard to follow, parts of the legal scenes and when dealing with the moral dilemmas that come with this tough topic. The story is both harrowing and moving, so a very uncompromising approach to such a hard to watch story while also being tactful and not exploitative or biased. It is truly frightening that cases like this have happened and exist. The ending is one that makes one both very sad and very angry, it was a denouement that did not satisfy me on first viewing and felt wrong but am aware that there are times where verdicts are not what one expects or wants.
In conclusion, very good. 8/10.
