Expectations were mixed before rewatching "Presumed Guilty", an episode that didn't do much for me on first watch. The story did have some potential despite traps and have no issues with the cast, but 'Law and Order: Special Victims Unit' have a very variable track record with mixing cases with personal life drama. And generally up to this still early stage of Season 14 had not done a good job with the personal life drama aspect, especially Rollins' subplot in "Friending Emily".
After two fabulous previous episodes "Lessons Learned" and "Dreams Deferred", which saw the season back on track, "Presumed Guilty" returns to disappointment in what is for me easily the worst episode up to this point of the season and one of Season 14's worst overall. Is it unwatchable? Not really, there are a few things that save it from being that. Is it good? Nowhere near close, not with the story being as poorly done as it turned out to be here.
"Presumed Guilty's" best aspect is Dennis O'Hare, a deeply committed performance and one of not many guest turns that make a big impression but deserved a much better episode. Have found that to be the case with his other 'Law and Order' franchise appearances too. The only other standout in the acting is Raul Esparza, who brings some much needed spark in his screen time.
The production values as ever are slick and with the right amount of muted grit, the photography doesn't try to do anything too fancy or gimmicky while not being claustrophobic and keeping things simple. The music doesn't overbear with the theme tune still memorable.
However, "Presumed Guilty" on the whole came over as dull and convoluted. Especially towards the end where my attention and comprehension were lost, this is a result of the episode trying to do too much while also being devoid of surprises and suspense. The personal life stories do not work, not only are they not interesting, are mushy and take over the case but also a couple are rather odd. Especially with Fin and Warner. The dialogue tends to be bizarre and stilted, especially Olivia's.
Furthermore, "Presumed Guilty" goes well overboard in making the ADA as annoying and inept as possible. Including dumbed down and over-explanatory dialogue for them that too often states the blatantly obvious pointlessly. Most of the regulars are practically walking through their roles, with Esparza being the exception.
On the whole, very underwhelming and a lesser episode of Season 14. 4/10.
