Home invasions is another one of those familiar topics for the 'Law and Order' franchise, and the execution of the episodes that have them as their case have varied. Most are tense and heart-breaking ("Invaders" from the original), but others are too obvious and have too few twists ("Annihilated"). It is a case of familiar ground not mattering that much, as home invasions are not unheard of to put it lightly and there have been some truly shocking real life cases (ie. The Richmond spree murders).
One of the better examples of this type of story in the franchise is "Home Invasions". One of the best episodes of Season 13 by quite some way and the best since "Spiralling Down", if not quite as good as that episode. "Home Invasions" is also notable in providing some long overdue character development for a regular character that was still not settling properly at this point, and this aspect is also done very, very well indeed. So a great episode.
Almost everything works. Photography and such as usual are fully professional, the slickness still remaining. The music is used sparingly and is haunting and non-overwrought when it is used, and it's mainly used when a crucial revelation or plot development is revealed. The direction has nice and at its best (such as towards and at the end) thrilling tension while keeping things steady, without going too far the other way.
The dialogue is taut and is not long winded or lacking in cohesion, and even with it being a familiar subject for 'Special Victims Unit' and 'Law and Order' in general the story is always intriguing, tense and suitably twisty. Not too simple or too complicated. The acting is extremely good all round.
Really appreciated Rollins' character development, it is also not too melodramatic while also being very relatable and it forwards her character in a way that none of her previous appearances had done. Also liked the chemistry between her and Fin, one of the better written character chemistries of Season 13. It was great to see Fin's sympathetic side, something we don't see enough of, underneath that tough exterior he really does have a big soft heart. Rollins' and Cragen's discussion of her addiction was great.
Will admit that the identity of the responsible was not a surprise, it is not new territory with this type of story in a case where the suspect count is pretty low. The motive though was less foreseeable and is shocking and sad, by the end of the episode personally found myself not hating the perpetrator.
In conclusion, great. 9/10.
