Olivia finds her biological brother in New Jersey, but discovers that he is under investigation by local police for sexual crimes. But her obsession with finding him puts another investigati... Read allOlivia finds her biological brother in New Jersey, but discovers that he is under investigation by local police for sexual crimes. But her obsession with finding him puts another investigation in jeopardy as well as her partnership with Elliot.Olivia finds her biological brother in New Jersey, but discovers that he is under investigation by local police for sexual crimes. But her obsession with finding him puts another investigation in jeopardy as well as her partnership with Elliot.
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- Special Agent Dr. George Huang, M.D.
- (as B.D. Wong)
- ME Dr. Melinda Warner
- (credit only)
- Bobby Trapido
- (as Roberto Purvis)
- Detective Folkner
- (as GregAlan Williams)
- Director
- Writers
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaFirst appearance of Olivia's long lost half brother Simon Marsden, played by Michael Weston.
- GoofsOlivia says she illegally ran her own DNA. It is not illegal for the police to run the DNA of a person who voluntarily submits a sample. This includes samples submitted via a can of pop kindly offered to a thirsty suspect, then kindly "disposed" of by the police. Olivia voluntarily submitted her own DNA sample. It was not illegally run. The fact that familial DNA cannot be used in court is a separate legally issue.
- Quotes
Elliot Stabler: [to Olivia] Liv, what is it? Tell me.
Olivia Benson: My long-lost brother is Simon Marsden. He might be a rapist. Like father, like son.
Elliot Stabler: Maybe there's a mistake.
Olivia Benson: He's stalking women, Elliot. That's why the cops are looking at him. Just a matter of time before he hits.
Elliot Stabler: Did you see Marsden?
Olivia Benson: I talked to his girlfriend. She's scared. She stonewalled me.
Elliot Stabler: Well, look, maybe you should go talk to him.
Olivia Benson: And say what? "Hi, I'm Olivia. Your dad raped my mom?" And, "oh, I found you 'cause I illegally ran my DNA?" I wish I never went looking.
Elliot Stabler: You had to find out, Liv.
Olivia Benson: Last night, watching him in that window playing with that little boy I wanted to be part of a family so much. I've been alone my whole life. I'm sorry, I'm whining.
Elliot Stabler: You're not. Family is everything.
- ConnectionsReferences Little House on the Prairie (1974)
Giving it a few more rewatches over time when 'Special Victims Unit' airs every evening (often as a triple or quadruple bill), "Philadelphia" is one of those episodes that got better with each viewing and is a lot better than initially remembered. Especially everything with Olivia. It is not one of my favourite episodes overall of 'Special Victims Unit', but it is one of Season 8's best episodes and when it comes to the Stabler and Olivia partnership "Philadelphia" is one of the more satisfying ones of the season.
"Philadelphia" is excellent in nearly all areas. It is shot with the right amount of intimacy without being claustrophobic and that the editing has become increasingly tighter over-time has been great too. Nice use of locations too. The music doesn't get over-scored or overwrought, even in the more dramatic revelation moments. The direction doesn't try to do too much and is understated but never flat or unsure.
The performances are impeccable, especially that of Mariska Hargitay who does vulnerability so well. Absolutely adored the chemistry between Olivia and Stabler, those who ship their partnership will be in heaven. Just love how sympathetic and supportive Stabler was towards her, very different to how they behaved towards each other in the episodes between "Fault" and this, and their poignant scene in the car is one of their finest moments.
Moreover, Olivia's personal life subplot while featuring heavily works remarkably well (a lot more so than initially remembered) and has vast emotional impact. It is also illuminating character development for Olivia and wasn't too soapy, certainly not to the extent that Stabler's personal life was in Season 7.
While the case is not focused as heavily upon or as memorable (quite), it is still very compelling and tense. The script is taut and thoughtful, with the psychological scenes being insightful and seamlessly interwoven with the rest of the story. Loved the insight into Stabler and Olivia's perspectives.
Only one thing wasn't quite right, Cragen's shocked reaction at the end didn't really ring true all that much considering that the closeness between Stabler and Olivia was quite obvious actually since "Fault" (despite being apart for the first quarter of the season).
Concluding, great. 9/10.
- TheLittleSongbird
- Jul 27, 2021