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With over 500 Law & Order episodes, even ardent fans of the show have trouble naming just one favorite. Premiering in 1990, this beloved police procedural and legal drama continues to enthrall viewers with gritty plotlines and compelling characters season after season. Most Law & Order episodes tend to follow the same format, but there have been times when creators took a different route.
Fans will agree that Law & Order episodes thrive on impactful dialogue that stays in the mind of the viewer long after having watched it. In addition to that, the show often takes inspiration from real-life cases which adds to viewer anticipation.
Although each season of this long-running show is highly bingeable, this list throws the spotlight on some particularly memorable Law & Order episodes that rank high in terms of storytelling and execution.
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Where to watch: This list contains information from various sources. It contains spoilers.
Indifference, Aftershock and eight other Law & Order episodes that are thrilling from start to finish
1) Indifference: Season 1, Episode 9
Like many long-running shows, Law & Order's success is connected to the fact that it made a solid first impression on viewers. In fact, there are several Law & Order episodes from the first couple of seasons that helped cement its reputation as one of the best shows of the time.
This particular episode from season one made a big splash because it drew on the real-life case of Lisa Steinberg. Joel Steinberg, who had illegally adopted Lisa, was accused of manslaughter.
In the Law & Order episode, a child collapses at school and dies. Sergeant Max Greevey (George Dzundza) and Detective Mike Logan (Chris Noth) uncover that the family has a history of abuse. Child abuse is a sensitive subject and the Law & Order episode is able to address the issue with just the right gravitas. It also sent a message to fans about the show's willingness to explore darker, grittier plotlines.
2) Pro Se: Season 6, Episode 21
Over the years, several Law & Order episodes have featured narratives tackling different mental illnesses. However, this particular Law & Order episode is notable because a man with schizophrenia named James chooses to serve as his own defense after being accused of killing three people.
One of the biggest highlights of this episode is the compelling portrayal of James by Denis O'Hare. He's logical and articulate inside the courtroom but unpredictable and dangerous when he stops taking his medication. O'Hare carefully creates a troubled killer who draws sympathy from the audience.
The Law & Order episode doesn't only capture the hardships of living with a severe mental illness but also enlightens viewers about the protocols in place to protect suspects who aren't completely in control of their actions.
3) Aftershock: Season 6, Episode 23
Law & Order episodes usually begin with a crime investigation followed by the court case. However, this Law & Order episode goes a little differently. The lawyers and cops witness the execution of a man they arrested and convicted. All of them are impacted by what they see and struggle to wrap their heads around the conflicting emotions.
The poignant plot progression of this Law & Order episode allowed creators to give viewers a peek inside the inner workings of their favorite characters. It also helped highlight the challenges of working in law enforcement.
This is also the episode wherein Claire Kincaid, portrayed by Jill Hennessy, gets hit by a drunk driver while driving an inebriated Briscoe (Jerry Orbach) home. And the impact of this shocking incident is woven into the storyline of succeeding Law & Order episodes.
4) Under the Influence: Season 8, Episode 11
Ardent fans would agree that Law & Order episodes with emotional narratives tend to have a bigger impact on viewers. And this particular Law & Order episode certainly fits into that category. When three people are killed by a possible drunk driver, Jack McCoy, portrayed by Sam Waterston, will do anything to see justice is served.
It becomes obvious that McCoy is still struggling with Kincaid's death and becomes too emotionally attached to the case. In this Law & Order episode, Carey Lowell's character, Jamie Ross, has her chance to shine, as she's the only voice of reason who helps McCoy understand that vengeance is not the answer.
Law & Order episodes like this one help reinstate the fact that the characters we see on screen have their own flaws and weaknesses, making them that much more relatable and endearing.
5) Disciple: Season 9, Episode 15
One of the reasons why fans can't get enough of Law & Order episodes is because they feature complex cases that aren't as simple as they appear at first sight. In this episode, a child is found dead with severe injuries, consistent with a beating.
When detectives Lennie Briscoe and Rey Curtis (Benjamin Bratt) look into the case, they find a connection between the death and Sister Rosa Halacy, portrayed by Frances Conroy. Eventually, they arrest Sister Rosa who claims that she did what she did at the behest of St. Michael.
This Law & Order episode is memorable because viewers weren't able to predict the direction the narrative would take until the revelation was made. It also explored how easy it is to misdiagnose adolescent rebellion.
6) Killerz: Season 10, Episode 2
One thing Law & Order episodes do well is to present heinous crimes without sensationalizing them. And this Law & Order episode is one great example of the same. A young child is found dead, and when the detectives start investigating, all paths lead them to a 10-year-old girl who becomes their prime suspect.
It's certainly difficult for the audience to comprehend that a young child is capable of murder but the way the Law & Order episode navigates the tricky subject is commendable. It also encourages people to ponder whether underage convicts understand the gravity of the crimes they commit and the consequences they have to live with.
Hallee Hirsh, the actress who plays the role of the suspect, Jenny, particularly deserves praise for delivering a realistic performance that adds to the narrative.
7) The Ring: Season 13, Episode 5
Like other shows based in New York, the creators of Law & Order understood that they would have to address the 9-11 terrorist attack at some time or another. But they made the sensible choice to give survivors enough time to heal before broaching the subject.
In this Law & Order episode, which aired on November 6, 2002, a body is found in Hell's Kitchen. Detectives are perplexed when the victim turns out to be a woman who was reportedly killed in the World Trade Center on 9-11. They will have to dig deep to find the truth.
The well-written episode finds a way to weave in the real-life incident in a manner that fits in with the story and isn't just there for the sake of it. The creators take the time and effort to ensure that the narrative remembers the fallen and honours the survivors.
8) Bodies: Season 14, Episode 1
Shows that explore the age-old battle of good versus evil need strong characters to engage the audience. And there's no doubt that Law & Order has a wide range of compelling characters who viewers would want to root for. However, to make the good guys stand out, the show creators go the extra mile to create intimidating villains who find a way to get under their skin.
This Law & Order episode features a disturbing antagonist, Mark Bruner, portrayed by Ritchie Coster. A serial killer, Mark revealed that he had killed more girls than the ones found by the police at that time but refused to disclose the location where he had stored them.
True crime fans will find this episode particularly interesting, as it seeks to give insight into the mind of a person who feels no remorse about ending another person's life.
9) C.O.D.: Season 14, Episode 24
Law & Order has introduced several interesting characters who have become fan favorites. One such character is Lennie Briscoe portrayed by Jerry Orbach. Even though he wasn't part of the original cast, Briscoe appeared in 12 seasons, making him one of the longest-serving main characters in Law & Order.
On the surface, he appeared calm and collected, but Orbach's character had many demons that he was battling on the inside, which included his addiction to alcohol. This Law & Order episode is one that ardent fans of the show will never forget because it's when Briscoe decides to retire.
Not only is the episode a particularly emotional one, but it also features two trials, which is different from the usual format of the show.
10) Bogeyman: Season 18, Episode 15
One reason Law & Order stands out is because creators draw inspiration from the real world. And so, it's not surprising that the show includes narratives addressing cult-like institutions, as several real-life cases linked to such systems make the headlines even today.
In this episode, Detective Cyrus Lupo, played by Jeremy Sisto, and Detective Kevin Bernard, portrayed by Anthony Anderson, come across a novelist who apparently died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. However, as the investigation proceeds, the detectives link the death to a secretive religious group.
Navigating the secretive workings of the group is already a challenge and add juror-tampering tactics to the same, and the audience is in for a thrilling episode with plenty of unpredictable twists and turns.
Fans can watch these episodes from Law & Order multiple times because they truly capture the essence of the show brought alive by its talented cast.
