Law & Order (TV Series) Monster (1998) User Reviews

Justice takes a back seat

[lastliberal · 7/10 · 12 September 2008]

The man From U.N.C.L.E., Oscar-nominated Robert Vaughn (The Young Philadelphians) appears in this episode as a man with a big grudge against Adam Schiff (Steven Hill), who is fighting for his political life.

His Executive A.D.A (Sam Waterston) is facing ethics charges, and Jaime Ross (Carey Lowell) is testifying as she leaves the department. What will she say? Lt. Van Buren (S. Epatha Merkerson) gets the news in no uncertain terms that the brass wants her resignation for filing a lawsuit, and Lenny (Jerry Orbach) is debating on whether or not to make a deal with a con to kill the man who killed his daughter.

Among all this, there is a 10-year-old girl that is barely alive after being raped and everyone wants this case closed pronto.

What makes a monster

[TheLittleSongbird · 8/10 · 4 August 2021]

Season 8 of 'Law and Order' mostly impressed, with a high number of very good and more episodes. The best episodes, such as "Burned", "Divorce", "Grief", "Bad Girl" and "Damaged", were outstanding even. The only disappointments were "Under the Influence" (though that was still pretty good) and especially "Blood" (which was spoiled by the premise being improbable before the episode even began). Was very interested in seeing Robert Vaughn and Cliff Gorman again, after both made big impressions earlier on in the season.

"Monster" was a very solid season finale to Season 8. It doesn't quite go out with a bang as much as it could have done considering that it was a finale, as there was real potential for it to be a great episode with an intriguing premise, a powerful subplot and two great guest stars returning. But there is one big thing that hinders things and stops a very good episode from being above great like it had the potential to be. So slightly disappointing but still impressive.

There are so many great things about "Monster". Production values are slick and have a subtle grit, with an intimacy to the photography without being too claustrophobic. The music isn't used too much and doesn't get too melodramatic. It is directed with tautness but also breathing space. Also can't praise the acting enough, Jerry Orbach (once again showing how good he was at conflicted anguish) stands out of the regulars and Gorman and Vaughn are powerfully intimidating.

Furthermore, Briscoe's subplot was gut-wrenching and was welling up by the outcome. There is also genuine suspense in the case where it is also easy to care about how it is all going to end. The script is thought-provoking and lean, despite there being a good deal of talk. The story always engrosses with twists and turns aplenty and a lot happening without being over-plotted. It doesn't confuse either.

Only one thing doesn't work, though sadly it is a big drawback. Do agree that everything regarding the judge is unrealistic to the point of improbability (not quite "Blood" improbable but still), which drags "Monster" down a bit.

In conclusion, very well done finale to an impressive season. 8/10.

Lenny and wife bury daughter Katherine, McCoy goes to disciplinary committee

[jwstephens · 10/10 · 29 September 2007]

This episode contains the McCoy character's trip to the Disciplinary committee at which Jamie may have testified against him. In a later episode, Jamie is referred for violating privilege and McCoy shows up to support her on her visit.

Near the end, is the funeral of Lennie's daughter.

Lennie's daughter had a long history of problems with drugs and is murdered for her part in a deal gone bad in which she participated to earn better treatment for her own problems.

The service is Jewish, though I believe in another episode it comes out that Lennie was raised Catholic. I'll leave it for someone with knowledge of such issues and of this character to add to that, as I don't wish to mess up my description of what is going on.

Resignation

[bkoganbing · 4/10 · 8 May 2012]

Cliff Gorman made his third and final appearance as a sleazy judge who is challenging Steven Hill for District Attorney. Gorman's candidacy was birthed by Robert Vaughn an old friend of Hill's whose office prosecuted his grandson for a murder. He wanted the kid to get a walk and Hill would not oblige for friendship's sake.

This episode has a very serious flaw in it. Gorman is a sitting judge and if he were running for District Attorney he would have had to resign. In the three episodes with Gorman as both judge and candidate his conflict of interest is apparent.

In this one because he's a candidate he's having a field day with the DA's office because they originally were prosecuting the wrong guy. That could never happen in real life. If not resign Gorman would have been handling civil cases at a minimum for the duration of the campaign.

Still Gorman is some piece of work as a power hungry judge on the make. But the premise of the show has a flaw that can't be overlooked.

Throw out the book--just get a confession. Never mind that you don't have the right man.

[susanhathaway · 1/10 · 30 April 2021]

The series should have changed its name after this episode, in which an executive ADA ordered the police to get a confession "by any means necessary" after they'd already sweated a witness to identify "positively" a suspect who turned out to be innocent. If coercion, threats, and physical mistreatment (specifically, withholding necessary medical care) don't bother these "law enforcement" thugs, doesn't it bother them in the slightest that they got the wrong man and were ready, willing, and eager to stop looking for the right one? "Law & Order." What a joke. At least I guess it's more true to life than shows about good, law-abiding, wholly fictitious cops and prosecutors.