"Wannabe" is another 'Law and Order' episode where the concept isn't anything original but still has enough to make one interested in seeing it. Personally do prefer the episodes that tackle difficult and controversial topics that are still to this day hardly outdated, or at least ones that are more so, but again if a fan of 'Law and Order' or wanting to see all the episodes there is no reason really to avoid "Wannabe". Although it was an uneven season, much of it quite liked Season 5 still.
There are far better episodes of Season 5 however than "Wannabe". It is worth watching and engages enough, but part of me found it on the very ordinary and at times slightly bland side. While not the worst episode of the season, of the previous episode that distinction goes to "Scoundrels" (an episode that was quite good in its first half but fell apart in the unrealistic legal section), "Wannabe" is towards being one of the lesser episodes. Far from terrible, yet not great.
A lot of good things can be seen here. The lead performances are all fine, cannot get enough of Jerry Orbach and his wisecracks and Chris Noth matches him beautifully in a more hard-nosed approach. They have a very nice chemistry together, that is both gritty and humorous, that helps make the investigative elements of the plot interesting. Sam Waterston has settled very well as McCoy, who has started to grow on me after a shaky start when he was first introduced. Love his chemistry with Jill Hennessy and Steven Hill. The supporting cast are fine too, particularly Boyd Gaines and Bruce Kirkpatrick. Had no problem with Graham Sack actually.
Production values as solid as ever. 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 without being leaden, while never being particularly inspired. The writing has enough moments where it provokes thought and is intriguing, McCoy has some great lines in his angry moments as does Briscoe.
Despite having enough interesting parts, especially towards the end of the first half, the story is agreed pretty standard and with not enough distinction or surprises. It was actually not a shock finding out who was responsible and the reason.
More urgency in the pace was needed as it was on the routine side to begin with. Do agree too that Colin's behaviour and actions at the end borders on pure idiocy.
Concluding, worth watching but not classic 'Law and Order'. 7/10