"Facing Demons" Showed 'SVU' Should Face Up To Its Demise!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                The best thing about "Facing Demons," was the return of Dean Winters, as detective Brian Cassidy.  For those who have not known him earlier, it may come as a pleasant surprise that he is more to some of us than Mr. Mayhem, though he does that role brilliantly.

                                   He is worn down, but still good looking, and Winters' inhabiting of the role was impeccable.  Of course, in each scene with Mariska, he enacted the shit out of her, but then so could a five-year-old in a Children's Theatre class.  Which Noah must be pursuing; if not, then something else, as there was no sight or mention of him.  This kid is raising himself.  Cue in Julie Andrews as a guest, playing Mary Poppins!  The REAL one!

                                   Sexual abuse was the topic, but what was so predictable was that Cassidy, back in 1985, when he was ten, had been abused by the coach of his Little League team,  William Sadler gave a subtle and smarmy performance as that coach, Gary Dolan, who very nearly got off.  Cassidy's anguish was palpable, and, of course, Olivia wanted to step in and fix everything, which is why he never told her what had happened to him.  Believe me, I get it. I wouldn't want Benson clinging to me like a drug to an addict!

                                  There really isn't more that can be said about this episode.  It was straightforward, simple, and predictable. If it had not been for Dean Winters, it would have been a snooze fest!

                                    The next episode does not air until March 14.  This show is taking too many hiatuses.  I think it is because the writers cannot come up with anything truly exciting.

                                     Which tells me it might be time to say good bye!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!