Plot
I'm not even sure if this really counts as a plot, because it seemed to be cobbled together from multiple sources - both real life and other fiction - and that made it feel quite frustrating. It was still mostly about Olivia, which makes sense, and she had achieved something within her own personal struggles by the end of the episode, so at least that's a step in the right direction. It's frustrating when too many episodes harp on a character's trauma, but equally frustrating when the character appears to recover from the trauma instantly and without a hitch. I feel that this episode got the balance right. In terms of general plot, it was very basic, and the end result with them finding the kidnapper felt slightly rushed and out of pace with the rest of the episode. Overall, though, while it may not have been an original story it was certainly not a boring one, and I enjoyed watching it. We haven't seen much of the order part in Law & Order lately though (or is it the law part? which is the courtroom?) so I hope we get back to that soon.
Music
Had some nice moments, especially at the end. Was mostly average, definitely not bad.
Acting
I was really quite impressed with the acting of the guest characters in this one, particularly the little boy, Buddy, and the three kidnapped women. Child actors are always interesting to watch, because they either sink dramatically or swim fantastically. The main cast were good too, but there weren't really any supremely outstanding moments.
Scenery
Mostly the usual places - squadroom, interrogation room, anywhere in the precinct, etc. The addition of the basement where the kidnapped women were kept actually created a lot of problems, because I think they went overboard in trying to make it horrible and forgot that if you were kept locked in a cage, you'd struggle to walk afterwards because of how weak your leg muscles would become, if they'd been kept inside all that time they'd be incredibly pale, and Buddy in particular would have a seriously depleted immune system, etc. But I guess these are the cops, and they deal with the bad guys. The hospital probably handles all that other stuff.
Sexism
None that I noticed. I suppose if you were really desperate you could call it sexist when Rollins and Olivia say that Ma is more likely to talk to them than their male partners - but then it's also just realistic, and I feel that would be seriously reaching, so none.
Bechdel Test
1. It includes at least two women, (Yes)
2. who have at least one conversation, (Yes)
3. about something other than a man or men. (Yes)
Hooray! This episode passed in a couple of places, actually, so I'm glad about that. 3/3
2. who have at least one conversation, (Yes)
3. about something other than a man or men. (Yes)
Hooray! This episode passed in a couple of places, actually, so I'm glad about that. 3/3