The idea for "Caviar Emptor" sounded very interesting with some serious and controversial issues raised. Ones that were big back then and are still relevant. Part of me had no doubt that it would be done well here, as 'Law and Order's' unyielding and gritty approach to topical issues was always one of its selling points. A number of them were explored more than once over the years, but not in a way that felt too repetitive.
"Caviar Emptor" does a very good job with its content, which is not near as over-complicated, culturally insensitive or as heavy handed as it could have been in the wrong hands. Instead it's intelligent and uncompromising, but the offensive factor is very low on the scale and it was very interesting what the episode had to say about the cultural issues explored. It is a very good episode if falling a little short of being outstanding.
And it would have been if the slightly too ordinary first quarter or so was as good as the legal scenes.
Plus if Elisabeth Rohm could have at least injected some life to Southerlyn.
However, there are many truly great components. As usual, the production values are solid and the intimacy of the photography doesn't get static or too filmed play-like. The music when used is not too over-emphatic and has a melancholic edge that is quite haunting. The direction is sympathetic enough while also taut. The acting was near-uniformly excellent, Sam Waterston dominating the riveting legal portions.
Moreover, the script challenges enough without being too much of a challenge in terms of understanding what's going on. It is taut and intelligent throughout. The story is always engrossing and tight in pace, with enough surprising twists and turns to be satisfied by. The cultural differences angle was done with tact but also doesn't sugar-coat. Briscoe and Green's chemistry is never short of grit and entertainment value.
Overall, not incredible but very, very good with great elemets. 8/10.