#The42Minutes
The squad and Carisi juggle three cases they caught late on a Friday night because Kat fucked up and said the Q-Word. Each case comes with its own unique snags, tempers flare, coffee flows, and Benson and Rollins have to pay some serious babysitter overtime unless of course Noah was being cared for by...ok, I'm not going to go there quite yet.
The Verdict
A+++++++
There's so much to unpack in this loaded, ambitious episode, I'm certain to miss something. Showrunner Leight had already stated either in a tweet or in an interview that this season will explore how race, power, and class stratify the criminal justice system and determine agency, so, thematically, the episode wasn't a surprise and there was relatively little case-related suspense. Rather than a whodunit with multiple twists and turns, this episode was a raw, real, beautifully written, acted, and directed plea for humanity.
The juxtaposition of the three victims was done in a way that evoked compassion and sympathy without diminishing each woman's inner strength. But, from the outset, race, class, connections, and, in Lakira's case, gender, led them down three very different paths.
After her husband assaults her, Joelle goes to the hospital with her son, and there are apparently no actual rooms available, so she's relegated to a bench in the hallway. Lakira is on a gurney, partially separated from other patients by a curtain. Chloe, whose mother called Benson on her cell phone to report the attempted rape, is treated in a softly-lit private room that would make the occupant almost feel not too bummed out about being in the hospital.
For Carisi, who's assigned to an unappealing newbie role within the DA's office, the cases are difficult to get off the ground. Joelle is concerned with losing Leon's financial support, Lakira doubts anyone will believe her story, and the Hail Me driver Chloe accused appears to have an alibi. The frustration leads to an argument with Rollins and "I would be fine if you were here beside me"...was she exhausted and overly emotional? Simply missing her partner? Or is there a more personal meaning to what she said? I'm sure we'll see this play out over the course of the season. I'm not a Rollisi shipper, but it's certainly probable that Rollins has realized she has developed some complex feelings for Sonny. It's also reasonable to assume Carisi's new job has left him little time to help her out with the girls and she's missing that piece of their friendship.
A little over halfway through the episode, as Chole's case comes together, we're introduced to the fourth victim--Aadesh Patel. My heart absolutely broke seeing this kind man invite the detectives into his house only to witness his son's arrest in the backyard. The writers managed to touch on the peril of medallion owners in the age of Uber and Lyft and also included a reference to the circumstances that led to the murder of Samantha Josephson, who mistook the killer's car for her Uber.
Speaking of hearts, before mine broke it melted at Fin caring for Andre, Joelle's son who is all too familiar with fathers going to jail...see what I mean? There are just too many elements to squeeze into one post!
BTW-Carisi debating the merits of putting Andre on the stand to testify against his father reminds me of the bourbon bar and "Either he has to testify against his father, which is barbaric..."
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| Carisi applying eyedrops while Rollins does push-ups was such in-character writing it almost hurts. |
Finally, I really didn't appreciate Davies sullying Venn Diagrams.
Wardrobe
Not a lot of outfit changes in this one, but Benson sizzled with her hair back in that clip.
Quotable
"Get over it." Badass Boss Benson is back and it's bringing me more joy than a television show character should. There is absolutely no doubt as to who's calling the shots, but OMB being all "hey, kids, shut the hell up, Mama's on an important call" was especially fabulous.
"Women are stronger than men."
"...Andre would be alone."
So well written, compassionate but not condescending.
"Even his eyes shine money." Lakira's no dummy; she knows how the world works. Too often victims have to choose between fighting for justice or basic survival, and Lakira, much to Kat's disappointment, chose survival.
"Already on the street cams." Overeager Kat started to get on my nerves a little bit and I think maybe on Benson's too, but her reaction to Davies' arrest was adorable and I love her.
"Your shoes say police." LOLOLOLOLOL. What a great character. I hope there's room to see her again even though the use of "Moms" sounded awkward every time Lakira uttered it.
"Siddown, Gilligan."
Is It Next Thursday, Yet?
Fuck next Thursday, when exactly is "midpoint of the season"?
Kidding, kidding, well, sort of...in the teaser for next week Benson's crying. WHY IS SHE CRYING? Looks like another good one and I'm wondering if the ghost from the past is someone we know. In the meantime, will Tucker's return be cause for celebration or result in crushing disappointment? For the love of all things good and perfect and wonderful, please let it be the former.
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