Hysteria
- Episode aired Oct 11, 1999
- TV-14
- 1h
Benson and Stabler investigate the murder of a young woman who is initially believed to be a prostitute and the latest in a long line of victims.Benson and Stabler investigate the murder of a young woman who is initially believed to be a prostitute and the latest in a long line of victims.Benson and Stabler investigate the murder of a young woman who is initially believed to be a prostitute and the latest in a long line of victims.
Photos
- Detective Elliot Stabler
- (as Chris Meloni)
Storyline
Did you know
- Trivia"Hysteria" was deleted from official Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders in 1980, which had included hysteria as a mental disorder from its second publication in 1968. Throughout history, only women were given Hysteria diagnoses.
- GoofsThe victim's mother states that her daughter was a cultural studies major at Columbia University. Columbia does not offer a major in cultural studies.
- Quotes
John Munch: Miss Webber was told to disrobe, put her feet up in stirrups, and try to picture David Hasselhoff on Baywatch.
Defense Attorney: Objection! Your honor, this witness is not qualified to testify on the treatment for hysteria.
John Munch: Actually, sir, I am. Up until 1952, hysteria was one of the most commonly diagnosed illnesses among women. The medical treatment was hysterical paroxysm.
Court Reporter: Could the witness spell that?
John Munch: O-R-G-A-S-M.
- ConnectionsReferences Baywatch (1989)
"Hysteria" is even closer than "Or Just Look Like One" in being very nearly as good/on the same level as "Payback". Not one of the best 'Law and Order: Special Victims Unit' episodes and maybe there is a slight finding the feet feel (the original 'Law and Order' had that too, and 'Criminal Intent'), but like a lot of prime-'Special Victims Unit' "Hysteria" disturbs and compels as it should do. Very difficult not to expect much and it delivers.
Did find the ending on the abrupt and rushed side though, it was definitely shocking and does leave one floored but part of me felt it could have been revealed earlier.
And this is more of a nit-pick, but wouldn't have said no to more of the order side of the show, which there was more of when the show went on and fully settled when at this early stage there was more of the law.
That was not a massive problem though, because the case was gripping with a fair share of surprising twists and turns, and another that was not an easy watch, and the crime solving was intriguing and rang true. Elliot's subplot was pretty charming, didn't feel soap-operatic or featured too much, maybe a bit awkward but it seemed a situation where the awkwardness would be understandable. Loved the small scene between Cragen and Briscoe (always worth watching as is Jerry Orbach) and Munch's role and humour is priceless, can't pick a favourite because it was all funny.
Writing is thoughtful and has tautness and the odd touch of humour with Munch. The gritty visual style is still here, as is the spare but not intrusive music. The acting is just fine, with the standout of the SVU team being for me an amusing Richard Belzer. Garrett Brown is suitably unsettling in his role, which didn't feel written over-obviously.
Summing up, great. 9/10
- TheLittleSongbird
- Jul 26, 2019
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