Season 15 was rather up and down as a season. There were a lot of good and more episodes, namely "Gunplay" and "Cut", and many great guest turns. A few episodes did underwhelm, particularly the previous two episodes and the season started shaky. It also has one of the franchise's worst ever endings (Southerlyn's notorious exit) and the previous episode had one of the show's most frustrating and cheated feeling verdicts. It is not easy to not expect a lot from a season finale, though with some weak ones out there hopes are never too high.
"Locomotion" is not too bad a season finale, being neither one of the best or worst episodes of Season 15 (in the middle). It is an uneven episode, with one half being much better than the other, and considering the subject it could have been a lot more harrowing than it was. Credit is due though for even attempting an issue that is a very complex one, one too that hits home with me, and doing so in a way that didn't come over as judgemental or one sided.
The good things are many. The photography while very close up doesn't come over as too static or filmed play-like, while the production values are typically solid and have subtle atmosphere while not being drab and keeping things simple. When the music is used it is haunting and has a melancholic edge that is not overdone. The episode is sympathetically yet uncompromisingly directed.
Most of the writing is thoughtful and gritty, with no signs of rambling. The story is intriguing and has the right amount of tension and emotional investment. The investigative elements are cohesive and has grit, while the legals portion is very compelling and thought provoking at first. The acting is very good from most of the regulars, Sam Waterston especially, while a harrowing, deeply felt Joseph Lyle Taylor as a very interesting defendant is even better. The subject matter handling is laudable and is generally tactful.
Jesse L Martin's temporary replacement, while he filmed 'Rent', Michael Imperoli always came over as bland when he appeared and this is no exception. He and Dennis Farina never quite gelled as a partnership.
Did find the latter stages of the second half on the heavy handed and predictable side and that the episode did lose a little momentum towards the end in pace and surprises. The ending didn't really leave me satisfied, the verdict was right but the punishment considering the state of mind of the perpetrator was too harsh. It also felt rushed.
In conclusion, decent finale though it could have been better. 7/10.