User Reviews

It takes a very sad look over in the justice system and in the not being fair as the rich and white gets away with it and has the best lawyers. But the poor and usually people of color there are in the being looked down upon there.

As the man that was released from prison and now is found dead there. As the young white teen that is wealthy and privileged there. While both Frank and Shaw are in the looking for a motive and why the man that was murdered and reason he was released over from prison there.

Samantha finds her feeling sorry over for one of the people in the case cloud her judgement there. Must put aside her feelings and differences there. And Jack and Nolan decide to really let her try it.

We also see her mom there in the end showing a bit of character development. Sadly that is justice as needs to be fair and square regardless of race, gender, class, religion, etc. Justice sadly is not like that.

I feel like a lot of the cases this season and even int eh frist year of the reboot have been very predcitable and not really that exciting, but one new element they seem to have focused on is some argument and some disagreement between the District Attorney and the Assistant DA. Sure, we may have had Jack McCoy clashing with Fred Thompson on some things back in the day, but not really about nuance here, and aobut cultural issues. This feels new to the rebooted Law and Order and is definitely a welcome addition at this point because people expect more than just the simple procedural formula in 2023.

Sure, I can give you an example of a good review. Here is one that I found on : Second Chance is a gripping and emotional episode of Law & Order that explores the themes of redemption, justice and loyalty. The episode features a stellar performance by Hugh Dancy as Danny, a lawyer who is accused of killing his childhood friend Eddie, who had just been released from prison after serving 15 years for murdering their abusive father. The episode also showcases the conflict between Maroun and Price, two prosecutors who have different views on how to handle the case. Maroun is played by Camryn Manheim, who portrays her character's inner turmoil and moral dilemma with nuance and sensitivity. Price is played by Mehcad Brooks, who delivers a convincing and assertive performance as a prosecutor who believes in the evidence and the law.

The episode keeps the viewers engaged with its twists and turns, as new clues and witnesses emerge that complicate the case. The flashback scenes add depth and context to the story, showing how Eddie and Danny's friendship was forged and broken by their traumatic past. The episode also raises some interesting questions about the nature of guilt, forgiveness and responsibility. How far would you go to help a friend in need? How do you cope with the consequences of your actions? How do you balance your personal feelings with your professional obligations?

Second Chance is an excellent example of Law & Order's ability to tackle complex and relevant social issues in a compelling and realistic way. The episode offers no easy answers or clear-cut villains, but rather challenges the viewers to think critically and empathize with the characters. The episode also pays tribute to the legacy of Law & Order by featuring Jeffrey Donovan as Cosgrove, a detective who is related to Lennie Briscoe, one of the most iconic characters in the franchise's history.

Second Chance is a must-watch for fans of Law & Order and anyone who enjoys a well-written and well-acted legal drama.

I'm not an lawyer, but they never investigated the defendant's background or psychosis. They never interviewed his friends, neighbors, teachers, etc., maybe to find find if he had anger or rage. They didn't require a psych evaluation.

So we get an empty episode where a rich kid vandalizes a man's business, bludgeons him to death and claims not guilty by reason of a "marijuana psychotic episode." - "The weed made me do it."

Ironic how Price, usually the emotionally obsessed lawyer hell-bent on conviction, just gives up on this case. He shows no empathy, turns against Samantha, has no desire to inquire into why the defendant committed murder.

But hey, it's just a TV show.

Slightly better, in part because the writing is marginally tighter.

Derp and Lurch still derp and lurch, but the episode gives them more to do than just play Mutt and Jeff with each other. Now, the investigation portion is still just cursory. Watch any random Law and Order episode from the first 10 years and you'll see just how hollow this portion of the new episodes seem. They barely go through the motions, there are no interesting or memorable minor characters, and the pacing is "hurry up, we gotta get to the commercials!" These scenes could take place in any large U. S. city.

Now, I get that the latest batch of writers and directors grew up on cheesy reality television devoid of any real artistry. It shows in the underwhelming writing and direction. But even they must understand something about drama -- or else, why are they working in television? Nepo babies?

"Second Chance" concerns the murder of an ex-con who went to prison for weed and is trying to make amends. There's a quick reference to the hypocrisy of a legal weed business across the street to remind us of how absurd our laws are. This episode challenges the unequal way justice is addressed, too, including how the Garden Gnome keeps trying to dismiss a crime took place against the murdered man.

His ADA of Color pushes back, especially since the accused is a rich kid of the same race as Gnomy. Once again, we get the same racial dynamics, as though no other races exist or face discrimination. (Each time I bring this sort of thing up, my reviews are rejected, but I'll try once again because it's a legitimate issue.) So, this episode navigates a lot of the same territory we've seen a lot on L&O.

There's the standard insanity plea defense -- this time blaming marijuana, which the Garden Gnome wrinkles his tiny face over in shock because, you know, it's not like marijuana is a Schedule 1 psychedelic or anything.

Once more, the actors just read their lines melodramatically, as though doing a table read. None of them really sounds like they believe anything they're saying, like a community theater production of Hello, Dolly! Again, if you don't see or hear it, just pick a few episodes in that 10-year range (or 20-year range, for that matter) and compare the leaden, disingenuous approach here.

Also, why so much deference to the Garden Gnome. So far, he hasn't shown anything remotely like the sharp legal prowess of his predecessors, including Sam Waterston. Yet everyone reacts as though he's the best ADA they've ever had, allowing him to make choices that would have had others called on the carpet immediately. Just bizarre.