Alternate
- Episode aired Sep 25, 2007
- TV-14
- 1h
A woman's child is missing, but her multiple personalities make finding out what happened to the child more difficult. And the case is further complicated by the appearance of a relative.A woman's child is missing, but her multiple personalities make finding out what happened to the child more difficult. And the case is further complicated by the appearance of a relative.A woman's child is missing, but her multiple personalities make finding out what happened to the child more difficult. And the case is further complicated by the appearance of a relative.
Photos
- Special Agent Dr. George Huang, M.D.
- (as B.D. Wong)
- Church Lady
- (as Ann Guilbert)
- Director
- Writers
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaThe episode won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series - Cynthia Nixon.
- GoofsCordite hasn't been used as a firearm propellant since the 1960's, and it was only used in European manufactured ammunition. Modern ammunition, including shotgun shells use double-based smokeless gunpowder, which is made of nitrocellulose and nitroglycerin. Cordite used nitrocellulose and nitroglycerin although in different amounts and with different additives so Cordite and modern gunpowder do smell somewhat similar though anyone with experience should be able to distinguish the two smells.
- Quotes
Dr. George Huang: Tell me about her alters.
Detective Olivia Benson: Her alternate personalities? So far we've seen a shrink, a little girl and a tough Russian.
Det. Elliot Stabler: And I bet she does a mean Christopher Walken too. Look, she's playing us.
- ConnectionsFeatured in The 60th Primetime Emmy Awards (2008)
On the whole, it was. "Alternate" is not on the same level as the best of Season 8, but it is nowhere near close to being on the same level as the worst of it. It is a very good season premiere, the best since Season 6's "Birthright", and almost great until a certain point, with one of the season's best guest turns. As far as Season 9 goes it is not one of the best or one of the worst. Though it was actually close to being in the former category and just missed out.
Its only major issue is the final quarter. This portion was rather unrealistic and everything wraps up too neatly.
While Lake is marginally better than he was in Season 8, he still comes over as bland and unlikeable. Stabler's overboard loose cannon personality has already gotten old.
"Alternate" succeeds (very highly) more than it fails. Its clear best aspect is Nixon, who is absolutely incredible in a challenging role that is very easy to overact. Nixon however has always given me the chills and freaked me out in the final quarter. Along with Robin Williams, she gives one of the best and most memorable guest turns of the season. A vast majority of the regulars, apart from wooden Adam Beach, are excellent, particularly Christopher Meloni. If not quite on the same level as Nixon.
The script is taut and the amusing humour and suspenseful drama is balanced beautifully. Most of the story is absolutely riveting in what happens and the atmosphere (which is often creepy). The truth is shocking and completely unexpected.
Visually "Alternate" is well made, especially the intimate photography. It looks stylish and slick with a more refined look than when 'Special Victims Unit' first started all the way back in 1999, while maintaining the show's grit. The music doesn't overbear and is not overused. The direction keeps things moving well while letting the drama breathe.
Overall, very good and promising season opener. 8/10.
- TheLittleSongbird
- Aug 4, 2021
- Permalink
Details
- Runtime1 hour
- Color
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 16:9 HD