Have always found a lot to like about all three of the three best known and popular 'Law and Order' shows (the original 'Law and Order', 'Special Victims Unit' and 'Criminal Intent', the others are more variable). Although 'Special Victims Unit', great in the earlier seasons but less consistent in the latter ones, has topped the original as the longest-running of the franchise in terms of seasons, my personal favourite is the original, if more the Briscoe years and before.
"Kingmaker" is a very good episode, if not quite great. Though it does have a lot of great things, most of which being the usual ones. It's not one of the best episodes of a remarkably very good Season 16, not a 'Law and Order' high point, but it contains a very memorable guest star and manages to make something complex out of a scenario that sounds predictable. A 'Law and Order' high point it might not be, but "Kingmaker" for a post-Briscoe episode where the show felt very different really doesn't come off too shabbily, not at all.
For my tastes, the first quarter was on the slightly bland and unoriginal side.
The conclusion was a little on the crammed side too, again personal opinion.
However, it is as ever shot with the right amount of intimacy without feeling too up close, even with a reliance of close up camerawork. That the editing has become increasingly tighter over-time is great too. The music isn't over-scored, manipulative or used too much. There is intimacy and tautness in the direction. The acting is very good all round, with a chilling turn from Garrett Dillahunt being particularly note worthy.
Writing is tight and thoughtful, with nothing being laid on too heavily. It is easy to make this subject heavy handed, but it managed to not be while managing also to be really quite scary and a painful reminder of what authority figures who think they're invincible are capable of. Evident in the tensions that arise with McCoy and Branch's jobs being jeopardised. The story is basic to start with, but is suitably intricate, very compelling and tense with the legal portions.
Summing up, very well done. 8/10.