Still remember very vividly how much "Burden" struck a chord with me on first watch. Just the devastating subject matter alone is enough to move one to tears, even those that don't have children (like me). Not that this surprised me though because 'Law and Order', as a show and as a franchise, often is a harrowing watch, because of its unyielding approach to tough topics. Which has always been one of its, and the franchise's, most admirable traits.
On re-watches, "Burden" is not one of the best episodes of Season 8 or of 'Law and Order'. It is still great and actually appreciate it in a way even more so now, with more of an understanding on this tough and controversial subject matter. One that has strong opinions on both sides and evokes a lot of emotions. Anybody about to sit down for the first time watching the episode should be warned about not expecting it to be an easy watch, though actually considering the subject and the show itself that can be expected.
As always, "Burden" a slickly made episode, the editing especially having come on quite a bit from when the show first started (never was it a problem but it got more fluid with each episode up to this stage). The music is sparingly used and never seemed melodramatic, the theme tune easy to remember as usual. The direction is sympathetic enough without being too low key on the whole.
Furthermore, the script is thoughtful and flows well. Especially later on. The story is truly heart-wrenching and the most emotional parts devastating, was actually welling up even in the first scenes which just shows how much and how quickly the subject connected with me.
Have no issues with the acting from any of the regulars. Even better is John Hodiak, who really gets under the skin. John Procaccino is very moving in the very hard-hitting interrogation scene.
Maybe the ending is on the slightly rushed side.
But otherwise, great. 9/10.
On re-watches, "Burden" is not one of the best episodes of Season 8 or of 'Law and Order'. It is still great and actually appreciate it in a way even more so now, with more of an understanding on this tough and controversial subject matter. One that has strong opinions on both sides and evokes a lot of emotions. Anybody about to sit down for the first time watching the episode should be warned about not expecting it to be an easy watch, though actually considering the subject and the show itself that can be expected.
As always, "Burden" a slickly made episode, the editing especially having come on quite a bit from when the show first started (never was it a problem but it got more fluid with each episode up to this stage). The music is sparingly used and never seemed melodramatic, the theme tune easy to remember as usual. The direction is sympathetic enough without being too low key on the whole.
Furthermore, the script is thoughtful and flows well. Especially later on. The story is truly heart-wrenching and the most emotional parts devastating, was actually welling up even in the first scenes which just shows how much and how quickly the subject connected with me.
Have no issues with the acting from any of the regulars. Even better is John Hodiak, who really gets under the skin. John Procaccino is very moving in the very hard-hitting interrogation scene.
Maybe the ending is on the slightly rushed side.
But otherwise, great. 9/10.
