The story on paper does sound hard hitting and powerful. Stories featuring victims with disabilities is not novel territory for the 'Law and Order' franchise either before and especially since, but for me originality has seldom been a problem (especially when it is a theme, like this, that needs addressing) and the overall execution of every element has mattered to me a lot more. This type of story tends to be done very well on the whole, though not always completely tactful.
"Damaged" is one of the best episodes of the franchise or of any show to have this type of story. It is one of the most harrowing, most moving but also most tactful episodes featuring victims with disabilities. As someone who is disabled myself, that was appreciated. With no outdated terminology that makes one wince and the victim is treated sympathetically and not with contempt. Season 8 was a solid season for 'Law and Order' and at its best brilliant, "Damaged" is one of its best episodes in my mind.
What immediately stands out about "Damaged" is the performance of Lauren Ambrose, who is truly powerful in a poignant way as a character that hit home with me. Jerry Orbach once again shows conflicted anguish beautifully, really felt for Briscoe (always one of my favourite 'Law and Order' characters and the show wasn't the same without him after Orbach's death) in his heart-rending subplot.
Story-wise, "Damaged" pulls no punches but also treats the subject sympathetically with no taking of sides or treating anybody with too much contempt. On paper, it sounds typical with it as said not the first or last episode in the show or franchise to have a crime centered heavily on victims with disabilities. But again as said this is one of the more perceptive, more tasteful and poignant episodes to take on this kind of story for reasons already given. It is a story that makes one feel saddened (with the victim being so relatable) and angered (particularly the irritatingly biased judge, but people like him are not unheard of in the legal system and it was good that the episode showed that without being cartoonish).
As to be expected, the script is thought-probing and taut. The moral dilemmas that come with the subject and the case, as well as with Briscoe, pack a punch but are also handled sensitively. The rest of the acting is excellent, but not quite on the same level as Orbach and especially Ambrose. Photography and such as usual are fully professional, the slickness still remaining. The music is used sparingly and is haunting and non-overwrought when it is used, and it's mainly used when a crucial revelation or plot development is revealed. The direction has some nice tension while keeping things steady, without going too far the other way.
Fantastic episode and one of Season 8's best. 10/10.
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