One of the biggest appeals of 'Law and Order' has been the topics it addresses and issues that come with the topics addressed. Also with how they are explored, the execution more often than not was hardly sugar coated or trivialised and was often pull no punches in quality. "DWB", with shades of the Rodney King and James Byrd Jr cases, explores two difficult issues, racism and plea deals (the latter being the primary crux of the episode's conflict).
"DWB" is a wonderful second episode to Season 9 and explores these two issues incredibly well (especially the whole argument with the plea deals), not holding back while not being heavy-handed. Absolutely loved the previous episode and loved this just as much, with both being among the season's best. As to be expected from any 'Law and Order' episode that tackles particularly difficult issues, this is brave, well balanced and brilliantly executed in every way.
The production values as ever have slickness and grit, with an intimacy without being claustrophobic. The music has presence when it's used but does so without being intrusive, some of it is quite haunting too. The direction is also understated but the tension never slips, the second half being full of it.
As expected, the script is lean, even with a lot of talk, and incredibly thought provoking and gritty. The tensions when talking about the plea deals and how to prosecute crackle, and it was insightful to see it explored from more than just one side without it being too obvious which side the writers were on (which did become a problem from time to time in Season 7 onwards of 'Special Victims Unit'). The story is always compelling, with a suspenseful quality in the legal portions, with the many turns being unpredictable and not confusing. It also doesn't get preachy or overwrought.
Expectedly too, the acting is excellent, Sam Waterston is typically ruthless and authoritative (do love how McCoy takes the matter into his own hands and the tensions that come with it) and Angie Harmon already has settled very, very well and is already a strong and interesting presence. Russell G. Jones, John Ventimiglia and David Valchin are strong support, and one does root for conviction and for the punishment to not be a trivial one.
Concluding, wonderful. 10/10.
"DWB" is a wonderful second episode to Season 9 and explores these two issues incredibly well (especially the whole argument with the plea deals), not holding back while not being heavy-handed. Absolutely loved the previous episode and loved this just as much, with both being among the season's best. As to be expected from any 'Law and Order' episode that tackles particularly difficult issues, this is brave, well balanced and brilliantly executed in every way.
The production values as ever have slickness and grit, with an intimacy without being claustrophobic. The music has presence when it's used but does so without being intrusive, some of it is quite haunting too. The direction is also understated but the tension never slips, the second half being full of it.
As expected, the script is lean, even with a lot of talk, and incredibly thought provoking and gritty. The tensions when talking about the plea deals and how to prosecute crackle, and it was insightful to see it explored from more than just one side without it being too obvious which side the writers were on (which did become a problem from time to time in Season 7 onwards of 'Special Victims Unit'). The story is always compelling, with a suspenseful quality in the legal portions, with the many turns being unpredictable and not confusing. It also doesn't get preachy or overwrought.
Expectedly too, the acting is excellent, Sam Waterston is typically ruthless and authoritative (do love how McCoy takes the matter into his own hands and the tensions that come with it) and Angie Harmon already has settled very, very well and is already a strong and interesting presence. Russell G. Jones, John Ventimiglia and David Valchin are strong support, and one does root for conviction and for the punishment to not be a trivial one.
Concluding, wonderful. 10/10.