Nullification (5 Nov. 1997)

An attempted armored car heist leads to the prosecution of a suburban right-wing militia group that claims to be at war with the U.S. government.

Director:

Constantine Makris

Writers:

Dick Wolf (creator), David Black

Stars:

Jerry Orbach, Benjamin Bratt, S. Epatha Merkerson

Cast

Episode cast overview, first billed only:
Jerry Orbach	...	Detective Lennie Briscoe
Benjamin Bratt	...	Detective Rey Curtis
S. Epatha Merkerson	...	Lt. Anita Van Buren
Sam Waterston	...	Jack McCoy
Carey Lowell	...	A.D.A. Jamie Ross
Steven Hill	...	D.A. Adam Schiff
Denis O'Hare	...	Phil Christie
Gerry Becker	...	Thomas Robbins
Betsy Aidem	...	Kay Brant
Ted Kazanoff	...	Judge Daniel Scarletti
Jesse R. Tendler	...	Matthew Brant Jr. (as Jesse Tendler)
Walt MacPherson	...	Shelby
Alexandra Rhodie	...	Brinn Lehey
Timothy Kirkpatrick	...	Greg Kubie
Andy Fowle	...	Lewis Cray

Storyline

Detectives Briscoe and Curtis investigate an armored car robbery at an off track betting parlor that the resulted in the deaths of two security guards. One of the robbers, Matthew Brant was also killed and another, Greg Kubie, is in hospital in a coma. The weapons they used were modified to allow full automatic fire. It turns out they were part of a self-styled militia called the New Sons of Liberty, a group of 20 men who were well-armed and seemingly prepared to go to war. Their leader, Phil Christie, refuses to recognize the government's authority and leads the defense for himself and his band. He's clearly out to get a hung jury.

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Genres:

Crime | Drama | Mystery | Thriller

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Details

Language:

English

Release Date:

5 November 1997 (USA)

Filming Locations:

New York City, New York, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Wolf Films, Universal TV

Technical Specs

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

User Reviews

Militias, oh my!

"Nullification" begins with a broad daylight armored car heist that is badly botched, resulting in the death of a guard and a robber. The detective story is pretty compelling as Lenny and Ray unexpectedly end up in the suburbs and quickly suspect a militia. We get to see techno-geek Ray in action using something called a "search engine" for the big break in the case.

The legal side is plenty dramatic, with militia members passionately defending their beliefs, sometimes through chaotic outbursts in court. The leader acts as his own attorney, and Jack McCoy's own beliefs on the will of the people and even apparently on jury nullification are unexpectedly used against him.

As compelling as some parts of this episode are, I thought the portrayal of the militia was a bit cartoonish and off-base at times. They gave them a bit too much credit, making them all respectable suburbanites who attended Militias 101 then committed the mandatory murder in Manhattan to get them on the show.

It's just a bit too uneven for me to consider one of L&O's better efforts.