The 'Law and Order' franchise showed frequently that they were very good, and even great at its best, at presenting moral dilemmas for particularly difficult cases. The early seasons of the original 'Law and Order' did this extremely well often, making for many intriguing, hard to watch episodes that handle difficult subjects tactfully. Prime-'Special Victims Unit' also excelled, back when sensitive content didn't risk causing controversy when executed.
Although some fans will have, and have had, issues with how a regular character behaves in this episode for understandable reasons, "Guilt" still manages to be a powerful and thought provoking episode if not one of the best episodes of Season 3 and a slight disappointment after the brilliant "Surveillance". Also really appreciated that, while it did have a very well handled case that had emotional impact, "Guilt" was one of the more character-driven episodes of Season 3 and perhaps of the early seasons. Where we see development to a regular character not seen as much before and where we see them let themselves go more, and see a very well developed victim.
Production values are slick as usual, the locations are not a high number but they are made good use of and easy on the eyes. It's a well shot episode as always, the photography intimate and simple but not in a stage-bound way. The music is thankfully not used constantly, lets the drama and dialogue speak without over-emphasising it and didn't come over as repetitive. The direction is sympathetic and excels in the character interaction while not being leaden or heavy.
Stephanie March gives one of her best performances of the show, showing a real determination and emotional side easy to root for. Bret Harrison is also poignant as one of the season's most interesting and relatable victims, his conflict harrowing and lump to the throat worthy. Which makes the perpetrator more hateful than he is already.
"Guilt" is an intelligently scripted episode, with a difficult moral dilemma being handled in a way that is not biased, preachy or too sentimental. The case is one that leaves one sad and creeped out, but it is the character writing in an episode that is essentially character driven that makes "Guilt" really stand out. We have a victim that one feels a lot of empathy for in a difficult situation and roots for him to get justice. It was also great to see character development to Cabot and seeing a conflicted side to her.
Did think that "Guilt" could have been even better though. It is easy to root for Cabot wanting to get justice and one can get what it means for her to do so, but when it comes to the evidence and how she conducts the case her extreme unprofessionalism is a turn off.
Namely because up to this point of 'Special Victims Unit' she wasn't normally like this and was more by the book. What is done by her is not just sackable offense worthy it could to some be considered not legal. Just my personal stance though.
Overall, very good. 8/10
