Episode Discussion: Season 3 and Onward

[CrystalBlue]

This episode was boring.

[Andyourlittledog2]

I am so confused. The unit was shutting down from an order on high and this was their last day but now Ayanna says no to the promotion so all is good in OC unit land?  What the hell is going on?

So Ayanna injures her leg so badly that she can barely climb the stairs but in no time at all she is running and keeping up with Stabler during the rest of the gunfight?  And the hit man is clobbering Stabler with a fire extinguisher and she is right. there. and she doesn't even fire her gun (plenty of target space).  And Jet gets bumped into the wall and stops chasing to recover but an entire bookcase falls on that other guy whose name I don't recall and he just gets up without missing a beat.  And the 'I'm fading fast' bullet wound guy gets a bandage and suddenly he has no problems whatsoever the rest of the episode.  None of this is realistic, it's just written for the convenience of the episode and nothing else. Hollywood writers don't even try any more, if they ever did.

The whole episode was just one long shootout bookended by what is apparently meaningless angst about not actually closing the unit.

At least Wheatley didn't show up.

[CrystalBlue]

Ayanna apparently healed her leg wound with the saging ceremony.

At least her ex-wife didn't show up either.

[TV Anonymous]

Detective Jet Slootmaekers, what can she not do? She is a hacker extraordinaire, excellent in multimedia manipulation and she personally has all the equipment, expert in system controls and instrumentation, a fully trained Police detective, and now knowledgeable in building M&E system. Let us wait what other super powers she has.

[CrystalBlue]

15 minutes ago, TV Anonymous said:

Detective Jet Slootmaekers, what can she not do? She is a hacker extraordinaire, excellent in multimedia manipulation and she personally has all the equipment, expert in system controls and instrumentation, a fully trained Police detective, and now knowledgeable in building M&E system. Let us wait what other super powers she has.

Don't forget Makeup Artist for All Occasions and Fashion Icon!

OK, I really do love Jet but I was rolling my eyes at her awesome ever increasing set of skills in this episode.

[Andyourlittledog2]

Honestly? I started watching this episode and couldn't hack it within a few minutes and came back again only today to power my way through it.  The problem is Stabler, silverback ape of the NYPD. Listen to him growl, beat his chest, posture angrily for effect -- he is Stabler, king of the forest!!  Bow before him, all ye lesser beings.  It's just so ridiculous.  And offensive, frankly. His superior this time is a gay black woman and he walks all over her repeatedly, because only Stabler can be in charge, only Stabler can be right, only Stabler can know all. He is this way with everyone and I have loathed his persona for at least two decades now but it really grates watching how he talks to his boss this time around. And it pisses me off that the writers keep writing him doing it. I stopped watching SVU for years because of him (although Benson has her own unique issues that leave me frustrated). I should stop watching anything with him in it but there is so little scripted television these days that I keep trying with this one.  Or maybe there's just something wrong with me, idk. Masochism, perhaps?

[Zaffy]

And we are back to stupid.

I could not take this seriously from the beginning. Meet in a neutral place to negotiate? WHAT FOR? nothing that Silas said could not have been told by his lawyer.
Then they did not know WHO would meet them from the DA's office.  Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!!!!
We are talking about state of the art security measures here.

But the lack of radios was the worst of all.
They are going to an unknown location and they do not have any kind of radio communication or backup following them using a tracking device. I am pretty much sure at one point Silas must have regretted surrendering to those idiots. At least he had some IQ to use security cameras.
Watching the goons running all together up and down  and left and right in the building was pure comedy.

They should had decided to close down OC for all  them being dumb. And dumber!

[1775rik]

I know it isn't wise to expect too much realism, but sergeants don't get promoted to deputy inspector.  Wouldn't it have been enough to just say she was going to be promoted to lieutenant.  

18 hours ago, TV Anonymous said:

Detective Jet Slootmaekers, what can she not do? She is a hacker extraordinaire, excellent in multimedia manipulation and she personally has all the equipment, expert in system controls and instrumentation, a fully trained Police detective, and now knowledgeable in building M&E system. Let us wait what other super powers she has.

And apparently dual citizenship.

[Snazzy Daisy]

On 12/12/2022 at 7:29 AM, CrystalBlue said:

Don't forget Makeup Artist for All Occasions and Fashion Icon!

As iconic as Bridget Jones??!

😆😆😆

Edited December 14, 2022 by SnazzyDaisy

[CheshireCat]

On 11/19/2022 at 5:26 PM, Raja said:

After being missing in action so far this season not your ordinary Sergeant Bell made a grand return. Not just a promotion but a jump over all the Lieutenants and Captains to Deputy Inspector is promised to her.

I'm finally catching up on all the episodes I've missed and yeah, that was what I noticed as well. I like the character but what has she really done to deserve this? Leaving aside whether or not Olivia is liked, from what I've seen, her record is much more impressive than Bell's. Hell, even with his years-long absence, Elliot's record looks much better.

 

On 11/18/2022 at 7:11 PM, Route66 said:

Stabler was always like that when Cragen was Captain. 

I was going to say the same. But I think that also speaks against Bell. If a commanding officer is not able to keep her detectives in line and doesn't have the respect of her officers, what makes 1PP think said commanding officer's Deputy Inspector material? Why does 1PP think said officer would have more respect when overseeing an entire district when they don't even have it in their precinct?

Not to mention that she would skip over Lieutenant and Captain which I would think wouldn't go over well with those working beneath. But even if this were a regular thing, I find her promotion a bit ridiculous since, as said above, she hasn't done anything.

With regards to the unit, I suspect that the promotion offer will be rescinded (because Elliot went rogue and something will go sideways) or Bell will change her mind.

 

[WendyCR72]

Airing January 5, 2023:

Quote

When an informant comes to Stabler desperate for help, the task force sets their sights on a dangerous gang making their mark on New York. Jamie goes undercover, but soon realizes he may be in over his head. Bell meets her new boss.

 

[wknt3]

On 12/27/2022 at 6:54 PM, WendyCR72 said:

Airing January 5, 2023:

When an informant comes to Stabler desperate for help, the task force sets their sights on a dangerous gang making their mark on New York. Jamie goes undercover, but soon realizes he may be in over his head. Bell meets her new boss

Exclusive clip below. You'll be shocked at who've they gotten as this season's movie star stunt casting!

Spoiler

 

[Raja]

If that gang would have just been calm then the police never would have been on them.  So what if a smuggling car had a traffic stop?  And then the escort didn't know enough to hurt them and couldn't help when he wanted to to help find his wife.  Meanwhile the second in command of the drivers wants to go ahead and turn kidnapping into murder.

You would think once the victim was located not your ordinary Sergeant Bell would have had some back up on the way for the rescue. 

Edited January 10, 2023 by Raja

[edhopper]

Anybody else just zone out when Stabler is talking to the shrink?

 

Interesting case, but worth no more than 3 episodes tops.

11 hours ago, Raja said:

Meanwhile the second in command of the drivers wants to go ahead and turn kidnapping into murder.

You would think once the victim was located not your ordinary Sergeant bell would have had some back up on the way for the rescue. 

I doubt they have any restraint from killing some one. It eliminates a witness.

They never have enough back up and always leave exists uncovered.

Edited January 7, 2023 by edhopper

[Snazzy Daisy]

It’s like watching the cheaper version of Fast & Furious with no racing.

Elliot talking to the psychiatrist about losing a friend, was it about Frank Donnelly or Olivia Benson?

They have rescued Tino’s wife, why is Jamie still embedded in the drug-trafficking gang? Why not let the Narcotics team work their magic, taking down their whole network?

[StaceyNotStacie]

This wasn’t bad, but I would have preferred the group take on the gang that was featured in SVU. I’m surprised they didn’t consider a crossover with that case (unless it’s planned in the future). 

[Raja]

10 hours ago, SnazzyDaisy said:

It’s like watching the cheaper version of Fast & Furious with no racing.

Come to think on it 2 Fast 2 Furious had the same set up

[WendyCR72]

Airing January 12, 2023:

Quote

Jamie makes a risky decision that could cost him more than the case. Stabler bristles at the arrival of two Miami detectives offering to help with the investigation. The task force learns the limits of the new deputy inspector's influence.

 

[MarylandGirl]

On 1/7/2023 at 9:54 PM, StaceyNotStacie said:

This wasn’t bad, but I would have preferred the group take on the gang that was featured in SVU. I’m surprised they didn’t consider a crossover with that case (unless it’s planned in the future). 

Hm, yeah, and a chance for Stabler to save Benson in peril!

[tennisgurl]

19 hours ago, MarylandGirl said:

Hm, yeah, and a chance for Stabler to save Benson in peril!

Considering Benson cant even cross the street without almost being hacked to death by a machete and the franchise is desperate to make Olivia/Elliot happen, I wouldn't be surprised! 

Not a bad start to the season, although I am not sure how long they can stretch this crime out. The criminals really need to find some less twitchy drivers. 

[wknt3]

On 1/9/2023 at 6:39 PM, WendyCR72 said:

Airing January 12, 2023:

 

Hmmmm. 2 detectives form Miami you say? On a show that often feels more like a CBS procedural than Law & Order? Yeah!

[WendyCR72]

We have a week off before the next episode, which airs on January 26, 2023:

Quote

After learning that an untouchable crime boss may have been behind her former partner's death, Bell enlists the task force to take him down. Stabler is recruited for a secret mission of his own.

 

[edhopper]

That wrapped up quickly. Seems like it could have been another episode or two.

[Raja]

So something is up with the new Deputy Inspector. Working out in his street clothes and tie. Not your ordinary Sergeant Bell eyeing his medications. And the worst of all Law & Order sins turning a case over to the feds for no reason.

Edited January 14, 2023 by Raja

[Snazzy Daisy]

It feels weird to hear Elliot talking about ego and pride to Jamie.

Dude, are you for real??!

Quote

“That’s not how I meant it. Now look, this job is not about ego or pride or who gets the credit. This is about us catching criminals, and we do it as a team. You’ll get your shot again. Just gotta be ready when it happens."

 

Edited January 14, 2023 by SnazzyDaisy

[christie]

4 hours ago, SnazzyDaisy said:

It feels weird to hear Elliot talking about ego and pride to Jamie.

Dude, are you for real??!

 

Also Elliot telling Jamie off because Jamie didn't follow orders FOMCL

[jabRI]

Maybe its the styling, but I don't find the Camilla Belle character a good match for sleaze Jr.  In the first episode at the casino, for a second I thought she was her husband's step mother, like his father's trophy wife.  Just a weird vibe, not sure how to explain it.

[Route66]

The lack of continuity in this show is annoying.

A few episodes ago, we saw Reyes having been raised in foster care and now he has close family.

Season 1 Jet wasn't even allowed out of the office and now she's everywhere including undercover romancing Seamus.

This is nitpicky but Jet claims she "paid for school" dealing at Foxwoods. Unlikely as Foxwoods is in Connecticut where you'd need to be 21 to work in a casino.

Why was she wearing a wig? Nobody would recognize her, so what's the point? 

 

 

[Andyourlittledog2]

What bugs me the most is that all these crime bosses in New York have their fingers into everything and know when some nobody twitches the wrong way but none of them have any idea who Stabler is. He's on TV, he's gone undercover in other major cases and yet none of these criminals have any idea who he is. It's ridiculous. Every undercover operation should be blown up immediately as soon as the big bads get a look at Stabler in the room. And yet presto! He is apparently a ghost to these people. They are brilliant criminal minds and are everywhere, but Stabler is a mystery to them.

Jet flirting with purpose and promise to a man that far up the food chain was stupid. And she is not a seasoned undercover operative so putting her in that position was not smart.

I guess we are supposed to handwave all of this because the writers don't care. They have to put this small group of people together to run this thing because that's what the show calls for. But it irritates me.

Poor dog.

[ribboninthesky1]

This is the only L&O show I've ever watched regularly.  And I am continuously amused at Stabler being undercover.  Even aside from the decades he was on the force before joining this team, he's definitely done enough "organized crime" undercover work for someone to recognize him. I get that NYC is densely populated, but come on. It is so ridiculous. At least Reyes tries to change up his look.

2 hours ago, Route66 said:

A few episodes ago, we saw Reyes having been raised in foster care and now he has close family.

I thought the woman was his wife's aunt, not his? She appears to be estranged from his wife, since apparently she's never met their children? Or maybe they've kept their distance since he became a cop? Not sure how long he and the wife have been together. 

I thought it was more strange that she was his CI - I didn't think cops could enlist extended family members like that. 

Jet has been my least favorite cast member (which is saying something because Stabler is annoying), and yet she's the only one besides Ayanna who has remained across all seasons.  Sigh.   

I'm mildly obsessed with Ayanna's braids.  Whoever the actress uses as her stylist is on point. 

[faithie]

When Reyes spoke to the CI, she did mention his wife being her niece.

For a minute I thought Wolf was desperately trying to save money on casting: the actor playing the prisoner looks a lot like the actor playing Capt. Duarte on SVU.

What was the point of red leather coat lady?  For the second time this season, Stabler has mildly flirtatious interaction with a woman who strongly resembles Benson but is not actually Benson. (Remember the pointless Italian lady?) Why?

[love2lovebadtv]

4 hours ago, Route66 said:

The lack of continuity in this show is annoying.

A few episodes ago, we saw Reyes having been raised in foster care and now he has close family.

Season 1 Jet wasn't even allowed out of the office and now she's everywhere including undercover romancing Seamus.

This is nitpicky but Jet claims she "paid for school" dealing at Foxwoods. Unlikely as Foxwoods is in Connecticut where you'd need to be 21 to work in a casino.

Why was she wearing a wig? Nobody would recognize her, so what's the point? 

I think the fans really like Jet but I feel like they're doing too much with her character. I never assume a character is the same age as the actor so I was thinking maybe Jet is a little older than she looks since she has so much experience doing so many different things and is apparently a detective. But then, the way Jet behaves with Stabler and Bell makes her seem younger. I also get the sense Jet was supposed to be a different kind of character - as you mentioned, not really allowed outside the office - but they keep making her have all these experiences: she's a detective, she's a tech genius, she's a gamer, she was a (probably underage) dealer at a casino, etc. 

As far as the wig goes, I don't think it was because she didn't want to be recognized. It just seemed like she wanted a different look. Of course, her clothing was different but so was her makeup - and her personality. Even her skin seemed to have more color to it than usual. I think she digs the undercover work. 

The CI that Reyes went to see is his wife's aunt, if I understood correctly. 

[Route66]

4 hours ago, faithie said:

When Reyes spoke to the CI, she did mention his wife being her niece.

For a minute I thought Wolf was desperately trying to save money on casting: the actor playing the prisoner looks a lot like the actor playing Capt. Duarte on SVU.

What was the point of red leather coat lady?  For the second time this season, Stabler has mildly flirtatious interaction with a woman who strongly resembles Benson but is not actually Benson. (Remember the pointless Italian lady?) Why?

I think her purpose was to let Stabler know that Murphy was being protected from inside. She didn't trust anyone at the courthouse. I thought it was weird since Stabler didn't know her that she didn't show any identification. It was just "oh hi I work for the DA here's some coffee." 

[Snazzy Daisy]

Hey Jet, you are not Gina Cappelletti... 🙄

 

Edited January 28, 2023 by SnazzyDaisy

[Raja]

14 hours ago, Route66 said:

Season 1 Jet wasn't even allowed out of the office and now she's everywhere including undercover romancing Seamus.

This is nitpicky but Jet claims she "paid for school" dealing at Foxwoods. Unlikely as Foxwoods is in Connecticut where you'd need to be 21 to work in a casino.

Why was she wearing a wig? Nobody would recognize her, so what's the point? 

Perhaps she's a method actor. I wouldn't be surprised if a wig was part of her work uniform when she was cheating the casino to earn better tips.

12 hours ago, ribboninthesky1 said:

I thought the woman was his wife's aunt, not his? She appears to be estranged from his wife, since apparently she's never met their children? Or maybe they've kept their distance since he became a cop? Not sure how long he and the wife have been together. 

So it follows the template of every cop squad having someone with an uncle high up in a local mob. Have they introduced on with the brother Priest yet? I guess they can flip expectations now that openly gay characters are portrayed and have the conservative church  pastor as the  relative.

[Route66]

5 hours ago, SnazzyDaisy said:

Hey Jet, you are not Gina Cappelletti... 🙄

 

I'm not sure if it's the multiple show runners or writing, but it makes no sense that they're putting Jet undercover, especially with a high up mobster. Initially she wasn't even let out of the office.

She's shown in the preview claiming she "can play a part" but when she and Jamie are staking out the jewelry store, she visibly gets upset when he jokes about her dad not paying for the wedding. She later tells Jamie that her dad didn't pay for her wedding for real. If she can't keep her face neutral in a brief stakeout, how's she going to deal with Seamus? 

[Andyourlittledog2]

Oops. Wrong forum. 

Edited January 28, 2023 by Andyourlittledog2

[CrystalBlue]

I'm a Jet fan and I like the actress Ainsley Sieger.  True she started out as the office geek but she early on was let out of the station to ride on her scooter and we got scenes of Jet at home as well.  I feel they are evolving her character and appearance.  Jet started out as Goth Girl, then Goth Girl With an Edge (remember the BDSM Club revelation?), then most notably she got a new shorter hair do with lighter makeup, and her hair went from soccer mom to more sleeker hairstyle, now the wig disguise.  Maybe Jet keeps getting promotions in her job description?

[Nintra16]

I thought Jet did a good job in her role, but I got the sense she was really getting drawn to the guy. Which is unusual for her, so that was a bit of a nice change.

Ayanna looked soooo pretty at the bar/casino. I couldn't stop staring at her. Loved the makeup. 

I agree with the Stabler thing. How he can still do undercover operations is beyond me.

The villain looked familiar. Was he on another Wolf show? 

We just got through with a story arc, but it seems like we're in for another. 

[Snazzy Daisy]

20 hours ago, Route66 said:

I'm not sure if it's the multiple show runners or writing, but it makes no sense that they're putting Jet undercover, especially with a high up mobster. Initially she wasn't even let out of the office.

Det. Jet Slootmaekers is multitalented, just like Penelope Garcia...

If Nova is still around, Ayanna would definitely utilize her in The Bluff sting.

 

11 hours ago, Nintra16 said:

The villain looked familiar. Was he on another Wolf show? 

I recognize Timothy V. Murphy from SWAT.

 

[The Wild Sow]

20 hours ago, Nintra16 said:

The villain looked familiar. Was he on another Wolf show? 

I don’t know, but we knew him as Ian Doyle on Criminal Minds.

[TV Diva Queen]

Why was Jet handling those cards like a third graders dealing a game of fish. My god. That was the worse dealing I’ve truly ever seen. 

[Raja]

2 minutes ago, TV Diva Queen said:

Why was Jet handling those cards like a third graders dealing a game of fish. My god. That was the worse dealing I’ve truly ever seen. 

We needed to see her actually cheat so not actually close up magic 

[CrystalBlue]

Does this mean that Jet worked her way through college by cheating high rollers by giving her "mark" a favorable outcome by cheating?  While underage (when under 21) and wearing a wig?

[Raja]

1 hour ago, CrystalBlue said:

Does this mean that Jet worked her way through college by cheating high rollers by giving her "mark" a favorable outcome by cheating?  While underage (when under 21) and wearing a wig?

I think she cheated the house. At least in the game played on this episode

[WendyCR72]

Airing February 2, 2023:

Quote

Stabler and Teddy Silas hatch a plan to turn the club into an indispensable venue for Murphy's illegal dealings. Jet blurs the lines between real life and her undercover persona. Bell tries to convince Thurman to take her investigation seriously.

 

[Route66]

Terrible episode.

Seamus is a high level mafia hitman but keeps his windows open to the point where Reyes can photograph him?

Whose hand was that? Why was Jennings ring on it?

A highly trained dog like that isn't going to stop eating because Eliott tells him.

Bell reveals to Jett that Murphy killed "her partner". Jett then refers to him as "Jennings". How does she know his name?

It was out of character for Jet to just fall apart when her wig came off. Lots of women wear wigs. Just giggle and say you like long hair.

Where exactly was she carrying her firearm? She was wearing a cocktail dress.

I'm also annoyed with the apparent ease that Jet can do anything electronic. You need a list of fake names and SS# for the bar employees? Oh sure I can knock that out by tomorrow afternoon. And not for anything, I've worked in a lot of bars and restaurants and never had the dishwasher had a social security number. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Tachi Rocinante]

Lamest car chase ever.  Yikes.

[Snazzy Daisy]

Aaahhhhh Jet, what a rookie move! You simply blew your cover because of the wig fiasco??! Come on, girl. You confidently told Ayanna you’re so ready for UC work. 🙄

It’s quite silly that Seamus never realized how clingy Juliet is in the very early stage of their relationship. 

[Raja]

12 hours ago, SnazzyDaisy said:

Aaahhhhh Jet, what a rookie move! You simply blew your cover because of the wig fiasco??! Come on, girl. You confidently told Ayanna you’re so ready for UC work. 🙄

It’s quite silly that Seamus never realized how clingy Juliet is in the very early stage of their relationship. 

Wiseguy where Vinnie Terranova spent a year in jail to build his cover this ain't. But if anything Jet's plea that she didn't sleep with Seamus reminded me of the introduction of Tina Russo on Hill Street Blues were she was angry at Captain Furillo's reaction to her sleeping with the target when she was put into an undercover role. As if when you send a woman undercover in such a get close to a man role and  hope the Seamus' of the crime world is not the kind of gangster who will only open up after the church wedding. And of course our star's first time out after he lost his wife was with the wife of his target

Edited February 4, 2023 by Raja