Have loved the original 'Law and Order' for a long time, particularly the earlier seasons, and consider it my personal favourite of the 'Law and Order' franchise. "Acid" on paper immediately intrigued, to some (not me) it may seem too basic and ordinary. 'Law and Order' does have a good track record at making something great and more complex than expected out of stories that don't sound out of the ordinary on paper and understandably one expects similar from "Acid".
"Acid" delivers and wonderfully. It is one of the best episodes of a very good Season 16 and a great showcase for Anita Van Buren, a great character that did deserve more episodes to shine even more or at least more where she is a big focus. Like here in "Acid". From a character writing front, this is one of the more interesting episodes of the season and is one of Van Buren's most interesting and most emotionally impactful appearances.
Like other Season 16 episodes, and this was true for a number of latter seasons 'Law and Order' episodes, it is rather standard to begin with.
At the 15 or so minute mark, it becomes more complex from a writing and emotional standpoint and becomes a more special episode. ". On a visual level, the episode is solid and 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 having enough momentum to make the drama sing in its atmosphere.
The script is tight and lean, no extraneous fat here despite a lot of information to digest, as well as incredibly thought provoking and tense. The story is a complex one with many relevant and quite scary issues raised and handled uncompromisingly yet tactfully. But it never becomes incoherent or rushed. Lots of intensity and intrigue here and the character writing in the second half is riveting.
Especially for Van Buren. The acting is all round very, very good, with S Epatha Merkerson (in one of her best performances of the show) being superb throughout, an authoritative and poignant performance.
In conclusion, great episode. 9/10.