Law & Order: Special Victim's Unit S. 13 recap

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I can't hold in my abnormal for SVU any longer. The series has survived the consistent departure of regular cast members and seems to always feature memorable guest appearances. I think the best new thing about Season 13 of the hit drama is actress Kelli Giddish's portrayal of transplanted Texas Detective Amanda Rollins. She has her fair share of problems (i.e. a dangerous gambling conviction) and has a lot of heart. What's missing from this season is the edge Christopher Meloni brought to the screen as Detective Stabler. The show needs more muscle, more fire and less glitz.

Of second-most importance in terms of good new things to hit SVU is the hot, hot, hot romance budding between Detective Benson (Mariska Hartigay) and ADA Haden (Harry Connick Jr.). Connick is new to the show, but is a force of nature. However will the pressure get to this couple and force them to go their separate ways? Even more exciting then Benson's love affair is the fact that ADA Haden is decidely less annoying as a character then Diane Neal's portrayal of ADA Casey Novak was.

If you can be sure to watch the final few episodes of season 13. I warn you though -- consistency hasn't been a strong suit this season -- 2 of the past four episodes this season have been surefire hits while 2 have really jumped the shark.

What you can expect to see are a bunch of colorful, eccentric victims and suspects. The last episode "Father Dearest" aired last week on May 2nd and centered allegations that a sperm donor was getting his 'daughters' to sleep with him... Anything involving incest is always a bizarre experience and this episode pulls out all the twists one could possibly desire. Another recent episode "Justice Denied (aired 4/11/12) told the harrowing tale of a convicted rapist & torturer who steadfastly claims that he's innocent.

While the two episodes recapped above were gems two episodes out of the last four to debut were absolutely atrocious. Arguably, the worst episode of the season "Street Revenge" (aired 4/25/12) revolved around the media saturated George Zimmerman-Trayvon Martin incident. Another ridiculous episode titled "Valentine's Day" sported a convoluted plot and aired April 18, 2012. The plot centered around a sociopath housewife (Chloë Sevigny) who weaves up an elaborate tale of rape and intimation in a ploy to waste the cops time.

Despite the recent inconsistencies be sure to stay tuned tonight, May 9th, because Season 13 is still kicking. "Learning Curve" will surely intrigue because Fin's son is back, a teacher seduces a student and racial unrest threatens the stability of NYC.

Check out this clip featuring guest star Chloë Sevigny

As always thanks for reading!

© 2012 Matthew R. Reis, All rights reserved.