Law & Order “Tango”: Rubirosa Learns the Dance, The Hard Way

Law & Order’s “Tango” seemed more like a Special Victims Unit episode, as the detectives and the DA’s office worked on a case dealing with rape and murder. It seemed like there were hard lessons to be learned about how things work for detectives and prosecutors, with all parties using deception and whatever edge they can find to work and win a case. It seems although Connie Rubirosa (Alana De La Garza) has worked in the DA’s office for a while, she’s just now learning how things work. Let’s just say it may have not only left her disappointed in the inner workings of criminal prosecution, but the viewers as well.

The case begins with two drunken high-school girls whose car is impounded. One girl walks off and goes missing, and is later found raped and dead in a dumpster. Upon finding the body, Lupo (Jeremy Sisto) deadpans, “See? We find ‘em,” a reference to a dialog earlier in the show where Green (Jesse L, Martin) indicate to the girl’s parents they will find her, and of course doesn’t indicate they often find them dead. Lupo and Green work to track down the suspects, a drug-addicted prostitute (who came from a rich family), known as “Sugar”/Melinda (Maria Dizzia) and her partner Tito (Pedro Pascal). Lupo uses a fake note to trap Sugar into bringing Tito out, and both are arrested. Later, Lupo’s note would be used to sideline the trial. This was predictable. Even though Cutter (Linus Roache) indicates that the police can use deception, Lupo’s note made it sound more like a threat on Sugar’s life, causing her information on Tito to be considered worthless.

During this whole process, though, I found myself wondering why, since the girl was found raped, that it wasn’t an SVU case. I was even wondering why the detectives were looking for the girl in the first place, seeing that she wasn’t missing all that long. Sometimes how detectives get assigned cases, and which group gets them, seems muddy in the Law & Order universe.

While investigating the case, a potential witness, “Timmy,” surfaces. Timmy, by the way, was played by Scott William Winters, the brother of Dean Winters, who did a stunt on SVU as Detective Brian Cassidy. While questioning Timmy in lockup (he was there for another crime), Rubirosa picks up on a signal from Timmy that he wants Cutter to get lost. Connie tells Cutter to leave, and then when Timmy plays coy, she says, “this isn’t a date, Timmy.” After he asks for special consideration for another crime in order to get him to talk, McCoy (Sam Waterston) gets involved.

As McCoy is talking to the Bronx DA Juan Delgado (Nestor Serrano) in order to get his support, Delgado says “You know Jack, I’m a little surprised you were even able to find your way up here, on that white horse of yours.” Despite the sarcasm, Jack seemingly agrees to fix some parking tickets as a favor to Delgado, in order to get some charges dropped to get information from Timmy. I suppose even Jack has learned he has to do some favors to get his way.

As the case goes to trial, during jury selection, both Connie and Cutter (independent of each other) notice a juror paying close attention to Connie. Neither says anything to the other about it. But later, Cutter asks Connie to do the cross examination of Tito, and while Connie agrees, she really doesn’t seem to have a clue as to the real reason Cutter is having her do it.

Connie later seems weirdly happy about an anonymous email she received, which says, “Amazing performance today. Great legs and smart. You’re the total package.” Connie is smiling and seems almost tickled by the letter, I found it immediately creepy and thought it should have been suspect. But, she’s even happier when Cutter’s response to the letter is a sheepish “I completely agree” and he then adds “Are you ready to cross Melinda?” She responds, “No. You know, uh, Mike, you’ve got great legs too.” It seemed to me like it was a throwback to the Jack McCoy EADA years where he reportedly had relationships with a few of his ADAs. Personally, I think I’d rather keep a relationship with Mike and Connie under wraps. I don’t want the show to become a soap opera.

Still, there doesn’t seem to be a chance for Cutter and Rubirosa in the future, as Connie learns the hard way that everybody can be used to get an edge in a case. When the stalker-juror confronts Connie on the street, and she tells him it’s inappropriate, she confesses the encounter to Cutter. A bit of an argument ensues, under the watchful, somewhat eavesdropping eyes of McCoy. Connie is stunned to learn that Cutter was well aware of the juror’s eye for Connie. When she becomes indignant that Cutter would use her in this way, he calls her on it, saying that she used her sexuality to get Timmy’s cooperation in the jail. Connie clearly didn’t get that she was holding Cutter to a double standard, but Jack settles it all and figuratively slaps Coonie back to reality by saying, “We use what we have.” I guess Connie learned the hard way that not everything seems on the up and up in the DA’s office.

Personally, I believe that what Connie did with Timmy and what Cutter did with the juror were in fact two totally different situations. Yes, Connie may have used herself to get what she needed from Timmy. After all, they too are allowed to use things like deception to get information or to get people to confess. It was her own decision to use herself in that way. But, she did not agree to be used to sway a juror, which to me is a totally different ball game. It would have been OK had the juror not approached her or emailed her, because there would never have been any indication or proof that the juror’s had definite feelings for Connie. But once he approached her – again, I still think the email should have been suspect even before this – all bets should have been off. They should have reported it immediately. So, I’m disappointed in McCoy, Cutter, and even Connie for going along with it.

Seeing Connie look so conflicted during the verdict, I think it’s unlikely that she and Cutter will be doing a Tango – or any dancing - in the near future.


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Also, see my companion Law & Order site,These Are Their Stories.

Law & Order: Meet Forensics Expert "Beck"

OK, admit it. You enjoy Law & Order’s resident techno-geek, Julian Beck. You’ve seen him in many episodes and laughed at his quirkiness and his down-to-earth portrayal of criminal forensics. He’s nothing like the overly pompous forensics people of the CSI franchise, who are always perfectly groomed and dressed just so, with sets and lighting almost cartoon-like. Beck is a real geek and one man forensics lab.

But who is the guy that plays Beck? His name is John Cariani, and according to imdb.com, he’s appeared on Law & Order 26 times, and, as other characters, on Criminal Intent 2 times. He’s also a Tony-nominated actor and playright!

The website for The Colony Theatre in Burbank, California posted
an interview with John about his play “Almost, Maine” that I thought I would share with you. You'll find John Cariani even more interesting than Beck.

"THE COLONY CHATS WITH JOHN CARIANI

The Almost, Maine playwright and Tony-nominated
actor explains the appeal of Maine, the inspiration to write, and the recognition from Law & Order.

Q: What was the inspiration for Almost, Maine?

A: When I moved to New York, there were no plays about rural areas, like Maine. There were no plays about places other than cities, and I grew up in a very rural, very dramatic place.

Q: Dramatic?

A: New York is all about people and the things people make. But growing up in a place like Maine, you’re aware of all of the things that people don’t make – like the sky and the woods and wide open space. The weather is so harsh, it’s wild, the sky is enormous, you can see for miles.

Q: Are the characters in the play based on real people?

A: They’re mythical composites of real people. There’s a humility to the people in northern Maine, an openness. I think that other people think New Englanders are cold and closed off, but they’re really not. Northern Mainers are aware of how small they are in the world, but most people in cities -- and I'm one of them now! -- just aren’t.

Q: Is it true that one of these stories is based on a real incident?

A: Loosely based. But I can’t tell you which one.

Q: You’re primarily known as an actor. What inspired you to start writing?

A: I couldn’t find good monologues to perform as an actor, so I started writing monologues for myself which became stories, which then became this play. I have to make a living, so once I get money together from acting gigs, that’s when I start writing again. But -- I just got commissioned to write my next play.

Q: Congratulations.

A: Thank you. Also, I think there’s a lot of drama in joy, and people don’t dramatize joy right now. There’s a lot of sturm und drang in plays right now.

Q: Why do you think that is?

A: I feel like we’re going through a period where cynical and sad and dark is considered classier than joy right now. Writing about sadness is pretty easy – we’re all sad – so I think it’s more interesting to write about the flip side. I think hope and joy are very dramatic.

Q: What do you think Los Angeles audiences will take away from seeing this play about people in Maine?

A: I think it’ll make people think about how most of life is either loving or leaving, living or dying. And I think we forget to let ourselves feel deeply. Most people protect themselves by covering themselves so much. Theatre is a place where you can uncover a bit.

Q: Do you get recognized much from your role on Law & Order?

A: Yeah, it’s funny. I get recognized on the subway a lot and in airports! A few weeks ago, while I was visiting by brother, a guy at a restaurant in North Carolina said to me, “You look just like that guy from Law & Order.” "



Also, here’s an interesting piece about him from the LA Times:

"John Cariani's shocking crusade
The actor from TV's "Law & Order" is on a mission as a playwright: "I am interested in making people across the country gasp."

By Cara Joy David, Special to The Times

John Cariani takes his work seriously. Sure, he's familiar to television viewers as the dedicated forensic expert Julian Beck in "Law & Order." And he's also known as that exuberant New York stage actor who earned a Tony nod for his role in "Fiddler on the Roof." But Los Angeles audiences who catch his first play, "Almost, Maine," opening Wednesday at Burbank's Colony Theatre, will probably be surprised by the actor-turned-playwright's passion for preserving the integrity of theater.

"Every time I see Shakespeare, I notice people sit up for the love story and the fantastical elements," says Cariani, 38. "The politics, the big ideas, have some impact, but they're not what matters most. Contemporary plays have too many big ideas and not enough happening. We need to make theater less boring. I am interested in making people across the country gasp."

Those are lofty aspirations for someone who often projects an "Aw, shucks" modesty. But Cariani does believe his words can have that effect. Perhaps his confidence in the ability of tiny things -- such as the romantic vignettes that make up "Almost, Maine" -- to have a substantial impact comes from his background. Born in Brockton, Mass., Cariani was 8 when his family moved to Presque Isle, Maine, a remote town of under 10,000. He planned to be a teacher until three lines in a high school production of "Annie Get Your Gun" changed his life. "I made the audience laugh really hard," recalled Cariani. "I thought: 'My gosh, this is cool.' "

After graduating from Amherst College and interning at Massachusetts' now-defunct Stage West, he moved to New York to pursue acting. He made a living through commercials and regional stage stints. Then, a little over a decade ago, Cariani ran out of audition material -- he simply couldn't find a contemporary comedic monologue that wasn't tired.

And just like that, a writing career was born.

"I wrote a monologue for an audition, and they said: 'What's that from again?' I said, 'It's from a new play,' " Cariani recalls. "I called it 'Joe's Shoes.' I used my brother's best friend's name as the name of the guy who wrote it. I started always using my own monologues, and pretty soon the monologues became stories and the stories became plays."

In the late 1990s, he began performing his short compositions at NBC's New York comedy venue, Performance Space NBC. Director Gabriel Barre caught one of Cariani's shows and approached the performer about creating a play from these tales. The result of their labor is "Almost, Maine."

The play's stories focus on the romantic lives of residents of a small, northern town. Among the colorful characters is a man who cannot feel pain and a woman who carries her heart in a bag.

While refining the script, Cariani continued acting. In 2002, he got his big break, landing a recurring role on "Law & Order." Two years later, he made his Broadway debut in "Fiddler on the Roof" as the tailor Motel.

"John Cariani is an open, authentic performer," Harvey Fierstein said of his "Fiddler" costar. "He's a wonderful writer because he is so authentic and interested in people and how they feel."

While Cariani was still singing "Miracle of Miracles" eight times a week, "Almost, Maine" had its world premiere in 2004 at Maine's Portland Stage Company. Because of his Broadway gig, Cariani could not spend many hours working in the Pine Tree State. By the time the show transferred to New York in December 2005, many choices had been made without input from the scribe.

"The production in New York wasn't what I had hoped," Cariani admits. "I hated it." Reviews were mixed (some good, some flat-out dismissive) and the show lasted only 37 regular performances. "The reviews read like it was fluff," he says. "I hate fluff. I can't stand romantic comedies. There is a lot of ache in this play -- but none of it played off-Broadway."

Despite its short NYC run, the Dramatist's Play Service still published "Almost, Maine." Now, productions are springing up all over the world. "They told me it would only be done in the North, and the only places that are doing it are in the South," he says. "Then they are doing it in Korea. I don't understand -- I thought a lot of the phrases were specifically English. I have no idea why it's happening."

The Colony was ahead of the game. A Time Out New York review of "Almost, Maine" caught the attention of Artistic Director Barbara Beckley with its reference to the "magic-realist" elements and description of the play as the "dramatic equivalent of a hot cup of cocoa, with plenty of little marshmallows." Beckley sought out "Almost, Maine" while it was running in Gotham and developed an e-mail friendship with Cariani. "He's so friendly and so completely guileless," she said.

A hands-on approach

Once the Colony was set to present the work, Beckley asked the Manhattan-based author to sit in on rehearsals. Cariani spent a week in Los Angeles in mid-January watching the newest production of "Almost, Maine" take shape while also slipping in some auditions for commercials and films.

The extent of Cariani's input included ensuring the set's doors were swinging in the correct direction. Despite the flood of questions about how certain things should be played, he offered little criticism of the staging or performances.

"I've seen people make the choice that is obvious -- and that is too bad; they should have thought a little deeper," Cariani says of various other productions. "Here they are making a lot of the right choices."

Making the right choices is important to the playwright. He not only regrets the off-Broadway "Almost, Maine" but also believes he erred in giving the green light to a production of his second work, "cul-de-sac," which premiered in New York in spring 2006, before he was finished with it. So now he's spending a lot of time trying to remedy mistakes made on these projects. This summer, he may direct a regional staging of "Almost, Maine" and is revising "cul-de-sac" to make it "a real play."

Like other actors, he is auditioning. And like some writers, he is working on a commission -- currently one from the Cape Cod Playhouse that will result in a play incorporating baseball's Boston Red Sox.

Cariani wants to remain in both worlds -- making people laugh and gasp through his performances as well as his scripts. Undoubtedly, he'll have issues with whatever he creates. After all, he's a stickler for quality entertainment.

"I think it is important that playwrights think about writing plays that people can do," he said. "There are plenty of smart people who aren't theater savvy. These people should be able to appreciate, understand and enjoy plays. There are so many forms of media for storytelling now, the story has to be so damn good to ask people to pay for it. I never write my story until I know the end. Life doesn't end, but plays should. We owe that, and so much more, to the audience." “


Check out my blog home page for the latest Law & Order information,
here.

Also, see my companion Law & Order site,These Are Their Stories.

Law & Order Episode Summaries for the Week of February 24

Law & Order is running a new episode this week, with Criminal Intent rerunning episodes previously aired this season. In addition to the Wednesday night Criminal Intent episode, NBC is showing four episodes on Sunday Night, starting at 7:00 PM ET. There will be no episode of SVU airing this week. All are on NBC.

Law & Order Criminal Intent, Sunday, February 24, 2008

Amends
When her late husband's partner is killed on the job, Det. Eames (Kathryn Erbe) is forced to re-examine her husband's murder, and the life she thought she'd left behind.

Seeds
A fertility doctor is murdered, and his body is staged to appear as if the crime was a political statement. Logan (Chris Noth) and Falacci (Alicia Witt) follow clues that show the case has a more personal motive, and family of the victim may be involved.. Guest Star Michael O’Keefe

Self Made
A writer is found tortured and murdered, and clues lead Goren (Vincent D’Onofrio) and Eames to suspects in her lavish literary circle and the gritty urban society she called her roots.

Senseless
The investigation into an execution-style shooting of three college freshmen takes an emotional toll on Logan and Falacci.


Wednesday
Law & Order Criminal Intent “Lonelyville” re-air Date February 27, 2008
A woman is found strangled in Japanese bondage ropes, and the only clue to her identity is a pair of emerald earrings she was wearing.

Law & Order “Tango” Episode 18-10 Airdate February 27, 2008
A HIGH SCHOOL GIRL IS KILLED AND THE TWO UNLIKELY SUSPECTS INCLUDE A PROSTITUTE AND PIMP Two inebriated high-school girls, Kelly Daugherty (guest star Lisa Joyce) and Anne-Marie Liscomb (guest star Molly Ephraim), are agitated after their car is towed at a party. Liscomb walks off to make a phone call in an attempt to call a ride, and is found dead in a dumpster days later. After tracking down the cab driver that picked up Liscomb, new information leads the detectives to a drug-addicted prostitute with an affluent past, known as “Sugar” (guest star Maria Dizzia) and her partner Tito Cabassa (guest star Pedro Pascal). A war of words unfold as the detectives pit the prostitute and pimp against each other to see who will talk first. When the case goes up for trial, ADA Connie Rubirosa (Alana De La Garza) appears to have an unrelenting admirer in the jury pool. Also Starring: Sam Waterston, S. Epatha Merkerson, and Linus Roache.


Check out my blog home page for the latest Law & Order information,here.
Also, see my companion Law & Order site,These Are Their Stories.

Law & Order March Episode Summaries

The information on the Law & Order episode listing for March has been released by NBC. It looks like we’re in for some “March madness.” According to TVGuide.com, Law & Order is scheduled to produce five more episodes to begin airing on April 23.

“Betrayal” Air Date March 5, 2008
WHEN A PSYCHIATRIST WHO TREATS DISTURBED TEENS IS FOUND MURDERED HIS TROUBLED PATIENTS AND JEALOUS WIFE ARE THE PRIME SUSPECTS - A psychiatrist is found shot to death in his office, and Detectives Ed Green (Jesse L. Martin) and Cyrus Lupo (Jeremy Sisto) initially suspect one of his young patients. Clues lead the detectives to the doctor’s jealous and much younger wife, Catherine (guest star Moira Kelly). The pressures of the case drive Catherine to admit her troubled past leading to his murder. The prosecuting team, Michael Cutter (Linus Roache) and Connie Rubirosa (Alana De La Garza) are then faced with the daunting task of convincing the jury that Catherine’s troubled youth is no excuse for murder. Also starring: Sam Waterston, S. Epatha Merkerson, Linus Roache, and Alana De La Garza.

“Submission” Air Date March 12, 2008
DOG FIGHTING; A WINE DEALERSHIP AND AN OVERZEALOUS REPORTER:LARA FLYNN BOYLE GUEST STARS - The police break up a dog-fighting ring, and discover a woman’s finger inside one of the dead animals. The finger is identified as belonging to Lauren Vance, soon-to-be ex-wife of Marty Vance (guest star Adam Rothenberg), after her body turns up near a dog breeder. Since Lauren and her husband were in the process of divorce proceedings, Detectives Ed Green (Jesse L. Martin) and Cyrus Lupo (Jeremy Sisto) initially suspect Marty as the brutal murderer. Marty was involved in the dog-fighting ring with friend and business partner Jay Carlin (guest star David Harbour), an extremely wealthy wine dealer. As the investigation unfolds, the detectives plot to trick an ambitious reporter, Dawn Talley (guest star Lara Flynn Boyle), who uses her sexuality to try to break the case. Turns out Jay’s business is a scam, which leads prosecutors Michael Cutter (Linus Roache) and Connie Rubirosa (Alana De La Garza) to a new suspect. Also starring: Sam Waterston and S. Epatha Merkerson.

“Angelgrove” Air Date March 19, 2008
THE BRUTAL MURDER OF AN ART DEALER LEADS TO A DEBATE BETWEEN RELIGION AND FANATICISM - When art dealer Audrey Lortell (guest star Lisa Peluso) is found stoned to death, Detectives Cyrus Lupo (Jeremy Sisto) and Ed Green (Jesse L. Martin) suspect her killing may have been linked to some of the cultural and religious artwork showcased in her gallery. After Lupo listens to an intimate taped conversation between Lortell and an artist, the detectives look further into her personal life; uncovering infidelity and her son’s, Jason (guest star Will Denton), troubled past and current involvement in a fanatic religious group. Initially, the murder appeared to have a terrorist link, but Jason’s new behavior suggests the killer is closer to home. Also starring: Sam Waterson, S. Epatha Merkerson, Linus Roache, and Alana De La Garza.

Check out my blog home page for the latest Law & Order information,
here.

Also, see my companion Law & Order site,These Are Their Stories.

Law & Order “Executioner” Fails to Execute

If it weren’t for the great chemistry of the players in the second half of the show, I’d say this episode would have remained plodding and devoid of drama and interest. But, even the second half teetered on a snooze-fest.

The case involved Dr. Mark Burns (Alan Zweibel) being murdered while attending a conference. While investigating the crime, Detectives Lupe (Jeremy Sisto) and Green (Jesse L. Martin) originally believe the doctor was murdered as part of a con. Instead they find that the intended target was Dr. Garrison (James Rebhorn), who we later discover participated in a botched lethal injection. And it seems that Dr. Garrison was being targeted for revenge.

It seems that the introduction to the show had more of a Law & Order Criminal Intent feel, which made it a little dull to start. What is noticeably absent is the witty line – which I call the “Lennie Line” - that used to take viewers to the opening credits. It seems since Jerry Orbach left the show, this intro segment has continued to be weak, but in this episode it was as if they completely abandoned any “hook” whatsoever. I think the writers need to work harder to grab the viewers into the show. It doesn’t have to be a Lennie Line, but there should be something to spark interest.

For the most part, the first half of the show was bland and frankly there is not much to even write about. But, as the pattern has been for this new season, the second half has been giving us some great interactions with the people in the DA’s office.

For example, when Cutter (Linus Roache) seems to be uncomfortable with proceeding with the murder case, he says to McCoy (Sam Waterston):

Cutter: I’m sorry. I…I don’t know that I can defend this against a motion to dismiss.
McCoy: Then I’ll defend it.

That’s Jack, still showing he has the desire to be in the thick of things and pick up on something that may be controversial. Later, while standing up for his principles with the judge, Jack says, “They imported a doctor because they couldn’t find one in their own state. Like the mob, bringing in an out of town hit man.” That’s Jack again, going for the jugular with an analogy that is hard to refute. Of course, he makes his point and gets his way. When Jack tells Cutter to make his efforts worth his while, we get a little humorous sarcasm from Cutter:

Cutter: Putting lethal injection on trial, an appeal to the jury’s political views.
McCoy: That shouldn’t be a problem.
Cutter: Because Lord knows something like that will never work!

Later, while McCoy, Cutter, and Rubirosa (Alana De La Garza) debate the case and Cutter’s wanting to proceed despite the influence of the witness who was incapacitated by the lethal injection, we get this exchange:

McCoy: No shades of gray in this for you, Mike.
Cutter: Nope.
McCoy: Good.

Rubirosa looked a little defeated, while McCoy looked at Cutter like a Jedi Master looks at a Padawan Learner who just learned an important lesson.

Still, the case really wasn’t that interesting and never really grabbed me or drew me in to the story. If it was supposed to elicit some kind of emotional response from viewers about the death penalty and lethal injection, it really didn’t do it for me.

I did enjoy the “light” parts of the show, like when Lupo picks dog hair off the woman at the shop and shares a dog story to get her to give him information, and when the warden at the prison facility called Connie “Ruby-Rosa” as a bit of a dig. The bad part is that when they say the case is taking them someplace, as in this episode Hilton Head or Charleston, at least pick a setting that looks a little like the location. You know, sunny and with some green trees? I bet they just filmed that in New York or New Jersey or something. I also find it interesting that this season, they are giving Connie more backbone. I enjoyed when she nudged Cutter to “make a choice, Mike.” While she didn’t get Jack’s approval on her views on the case, at least she’s not being intimidated in her job.

Still, this story failed on quite a few levels. The first half needs some adrenaline, or at least not start the show with that “Criminal Intent” feel. But, at least they are building up an interesting team in the DA’s office that makes it worth watching. And there are no shades of gray in that.

Check out my blog home page for the latest Law & Order information,
HERE!

Also, see my companion Law & Order site, These Are Their Stories.

Jesse Martin Leaving Law & Order, Replaced by Anthony Anderson

Variety reports today that Jesse L. Martin will be leaving Law & Order, and is being replaced by Anthony Anderson, formerly of “K-ville.”

Here’s the news from Variety:

“Martin leaving 'Law & Order'
'K-Ville' star Anthony Anderson joining show
By JOSEF ADALIAN

After nine seasons, Jesse L. Martin is leaving "Law & Order" and will be replaced by "K-Ville" star Anthony Anderson.

Martin's departure has been buzzed about for months. He's expected to lens one more episode of Dick Wolf's NBC drama, with Anderson joining later this season.

For Anderson, the "L&O" role reps his latest gig on a cop show. He played a New Orleans detective on Fox's "K-Ville" and made the jump from comedy to serious drama on FX's "The Shield."

Fox has never officially admitted that it and "K-Ville" are splitsville, but Anderson's casting would seem to be the final nail in the coffin for the highly touted 2007 drama.

On the feature side, Anderson's credits include "Transformers," "Hustle & Flow" and "Kangaroo Jack." He toplined his own WB laffer, "All About the Andersons," in 2003.

As for Martin, thesp has played Det. Ed Green since 1999. He shot to fame in the original Broadway production of "Rent," reprising his role for the movie version.”

Law & Order fans knew that Jesse wasn’t going the full season, still, it’s sad news to hear that now it’s official.

Check out my blog home page for the latest Law & Order information,
here.

Also, see my companion Law & Order site,
These Are Their Stories.

Law & Order SVU “Svengali”: Awful

I forgot how truly horrible this episode was. It was filled with poor detective work and dumb mistakes, not to mention a weak story line with equally weak acting. How bad was it? Let me count the ways:

1. How dumb must they be to require their TARU group to identify the image of Venus De Milo? Anyone with a grade school education should be able to identify the image drawn in blood on the floor. And if the symbol recognition program was such a great tool, why didn’t they use it to make the connection with the elevator murder to the images in the graphic novel? Another mystery – how did the detectives rationalize that the woman in the bar had just been abducted, yet by the time the police got to the bar there was an elaborate drawing – in blood – on the floor? Apparently that didn’t seem to raise any eyebrows. Also, when the girl first went missing from the bar, why didn’t the detectives search her apartment then for clues to her abduction? They would have found the graphic novels at that time and it would have put them that much closer to solving the crime.

2. Olivia (Mariska Hargitay) gets a phone call threatening her, yet doesn’t give a second thought to a pizza delivery made to her that she didn’t order? And Fin (Ice-T) just knew there was a pizza in it because it FELT like there was one in the box? Wouldn’t the first instinct be to open it up? No…because they had to find a way to get it to explode without killing anyone. Of course, Chester Lake (Adam Beach) uses the recycling excuse to first get his hands on the pizza box, but still doesn’t open it up to check out the pizza. Are these detectives not normal?

3. Again, Olivia’s life has been threatened, yet she doesn’t give a second thought as to why a light bulb in a fixture right outside her apartment was loose, maybe to cover someone making an illegal entry. Of course, there’s someone in her apartment.

4. How did this slight little girl bury someone’s body parts so deep at an existing gravesite? Did no one notice her there? Did no one notice what looked like an established gravesite had been disturbed?

5. Early on in the show, the forensics guy identified schist on the body at the first crime scene, but no pollen. Of course, the ever-wise Chester says that it was probably from a tunnel. First, wouldn’t a person logically get pollen on them from being outside the tunnel before they got in the tunnel? Does it mean that anyone in a tunnel will never have any pollen on them? It makes no sense.

6. Along that line, why is it that the detectives always yell “Police!” and announce their presence before they get close to the action? I can understand if they are behind a closed door, but when they are out in the open, get in close first before you shout out you are there and tip off a suspect.

7. I also suppose that this serial killer was dumb enough to strike a sweethart deal with Casey (Diane Neal) without getting a lawyer involved? After all, why would he trust her, or any prosecutor for that matter, to make sure he'd end up in the type of prison he wanted? Also, it was too risky for Casey to put him on the stand when she clearly couldn't prep him or guarantee what he would say. This whole move on her part ruined her case.

The bottom line is one shouldn’t be taken in by this “Svengali.” It was a low point for SVU and the worst example of television detective work ever.


Check out my blog home page for the latest Law & Order information, HERE!

Also, see my companion Law & Order site, These Are Their Stories.

Law & Order Franchise Schedule for New Episodes

According to TV Guide, the following is a schedule for the Law & Order franchise, showing the latest status of each show now that the writer’s strike is over:

Law & Order
Expected to shoot 5 additional episodes to begin airing on April 23.

Law & Order: CI
Expected to shoot an indeterminate number of episodes to air in spring.

Law & Order: SVU
Expected to shoot 5 new episodes to begin airing on April 15.


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Law & Order Episode Summaries for the Week of February 17

Law & Order is running a new episode this week, with SVU and Criminal Intent rerunning episodes previously aired this season. All are on NBC.

Law & Order SVU “Svengali” Episode 09-06, Re-Air Date February 19, 2008
CAN COMIC BOOKS BE DANGEROUS? FOR DETECTIVE OLIVIA BENSON (MARISKA HARGITAY) THEY COULD BE DEADLY– When a college student is found murdered in her formal wear, Detectives Benson and Elliot Stabler (Christopher Meloni) recognize the body’s mutilation as a “copycat” of serial killer Robert Morton (guest star Jared Harris). Cecilia (guest star Shannon Woodward), the last person to see the victim alive, suddenly goes missing herself. In a race to find Cecilia alive, the detectives seek out Morton and discover his loyal following of people, including one twisted man and his comic book series that glorifies Morton’s murders. The comic books are the key to finding Cecilia, but the investigation angers Morton’s followers and Detective Benson find herself in serious danger. Also starring: Adam Beach, Dann Florek, Ice-T, Diane Neal, Tamara Tunie, Richard Belzer, and BD Wong.

Law & Order Criminal Intent “Smile ” Episode 07-03, Re-Air Date February 20, 2008
When a dentist is murdered by the mother of one of his patients, Goren (Vincent D’Onofrio) and Eames (Kathryn Erbe) follow the trail of evidence to a company that appears to have been the victim of a criminal conspiracy involving contaminated mouthwash. Also starring Eric Bogosian.


Law & Order “Executioner” Episode 18-09 Airdate February 20, 2008
BEING AT THE WRONG PLACE AT THE WRONG TIME PROVES TO BE DEADLY FOR ONE SURGEON -Dr. Mark Burns (guest star Alan Zweibel) is found murdered in his hotel room while attending a out-of-town convention. Detectives Lupo (Jeremy Sisto) and Green (Jesse L. Martin) learn that Dr. Burns’ made a large withdrawal from his bank account moments before he was murdered. Evidence rules out the con artists who scammed Burns as suspects, but a hotel surveillance tape shows a man with a southern accent vehemently knocking on the door looking for a different physician, Dr. Garrison (guest star James Rebhorn). This finding leads the detectives to believe Dr. Garrison may have been the intended target and his life is still at risk. Also Starring: Sam Waterston, S. Epatha Merkerson, Linus Roache, and Alana De La Garza.


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The Law & Order Sound: The Doink Doink

You know you’re watching Law & Order when you hear that unmistakable sound. Dann Florek said in a commercial for the show that they call it “the doink doink.” I like that name much better than “chung chung” or some of the other names it’s been given, so doink doink it is.

The sound is usually heard when the show makes major scene change, and it’s accompanied by a black title card with white text describing the new scene. It could be my imagination, but I think in recent years they aren’t using the doink doink as much.

According to multiple sources, the sound was originally made to sound like a jail cell door slamming shut. According to IMDb.com, it "was created by combining close to a dozen sounds, including that of a group of monks stamping on a floor."

However they did it, it’s probably become one of the most recognizable sounds in TV history.

Enjoy the sound of the doink doink in this very short video below.


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Law & Order “Illegal”: Jack’s in the Soup Now

This fantastic episode clearly places Jack “in the soup” of the DA’s office, and defines how he’s going to work it.

The episode begins with an immigration protest getting out of control, protesters being shot, and a woman’s body found in a dumpster. During the investigation, Detectives Lupo (Jeremy Sisto) and Green (Jesse L. Martin) discover an auxiliary cop’s involvement, and his use of deadly force. We also learn that, while a patrolman, Lupo’s partner got shot while he was getting coffee for Lupo, who fell asleep, hung over, in the car. And later, while working with Cutter (Linus Roache), we find out that Lupo is going to law night school, as Cutter described as having a root canal with a dull drill.

DA Jack McCoy (Sam Waterston) assigns the case to ADA Josh Lethem (guest star John Pankow), whose first involvement is to investigate the riot, but later is assigned to prosecute the case against the auxiliary cop. It doesn’t take long for the political pressure on McCoy to mount, with top police officials putting on the squeeze. During the discussion with the police officials, one of them says to McCoy, “Mr. McCoy, for someone who is a placeholder, you’re not living up to expectations.” To which, McCoy shoots back, “A placeholder. Let me be clear. If anyone gets in the way of this investigation, I’ll have every cop who was in the park before a grand jury, without immunity. Anybody who pleads the fifth, I’ll indict them for obstruction.” Clearly, Jack has no problem with staking out the ground rules.

But it becomes quickly evident that ADA Lethem has already formed an opinion that is not in tandem with Jack’s. In addition, Lethem also lets his negative opinion of Anita Van Buren (S. Epatha Merkerson) show through. After Jack chides Lethem for staking out his position to quickly and gives him direction on how to proceed, Lethem says, “Six weeks on the job, Jack, bet you’re sorry now” and chuckles.

Later, much to Rubirosa’s (Alana De La Garza) dismay, Lethem clearly throws the grand jury case. She is clearly angry, when she sarcastically comments while they wait for the ruling,

Rubirosa: “You were right. You were in an out in an hour.” (the ruling come out)
Lethem: “ Ahhhh, they no billed it.”
Rubirosa: “ No, really?”

Of course, it doesn’t take long for McCoy to bring the hammer down on Lethem, calling him out for his behavior with the case. Lethem tells Jack “So there it is. Some of us were wondering how long it would take for the real Jack McCoy to rear his shaggy, hippy, liberal head.” (Bitter much?) Jack, of course, gives Lethem his walking papers. In my opinion, I think McCoy gave Lethem this case on purpose, knowing Lethem’s previous lack of involvement in prosecuting cop-related cases. Maybe Jack was hoping Lethem would rise to the occasion, but also thought if Lethem didn’t, he’d have a chance to get rid of someone who was clearly not on his team.

Jack brings in Cutter to fix the mess. Cutter steps up to the challenge, and gets evidence to get the grand jury re-opened and the case moves forward. Lethem, however, still bitter, decides to help out the defense. Jack tells Cutter, “Now I know what Adam Schiff was so grumpy.” Cutter later tells Jack, “You’re in the soup now, my friend.”

Cutter hits the defendant hard, making it obvious that he went to that protest with the desire to use his gun at any excuse. But to seal the deal, Jack rises to the occasion with his testimony for the prosecution:

“The bottom line Miss Sanders – where there’s a law, I’ll enforce it. Where there’s a crime, I’ll prosecute it. Where there’s a victim, I’ll speak for that victim. That’s my bottom line.”

Of course, the auxiliary cop is convicted. What else did you expect after Jack took the stand?

What I found particularly charming was in the last segment, when Cutter leaves a gift of an RFK tie pin from RFK's 1968 campaign on Jack’s desk. It was a little bit like leaving an apple on the teacher’s desk, plus an affirmation of Cutter’s respect for Jack. Jack seemed stunned at being “pinned.”

This episode had everything right – a fantastic story that was told with powerful dialog, great chemistry between characters, little personal tidbits about them that weren’t shoved down our throats, conflict in the DA’s office, and the cementing of Jack McCoy as district attorney. It was perfect.

Oh yeah – McCoy and Cutter, BFF.


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S. Epatha Merkerson Scheduled for the Today Show

According to Broadwayworld.com, Law & Order’s S. Epatha Merkerson is scheduled to be on The Today Show on Friday, February 15, 2008.

Broadwayworld.com says:
“S. Epatha Merkerson, currently appearing in Manhattan Theatre Club's critically acclaimed production of Come Back, Little Sheba, will be a guest on NBC's "The Today Show" this Friday, February 15 in the 9 AM hour. "The Today Show" airs in the tri-state area on WNBC, check local listings for additional information.

Merkerson will sit down with "The Today Show" host Al Roker to talk about her acclaimed performance as 'Lola' in Come Back, Little Sheba as well as her role in the long-running series "Law & Order."

Emmy and Golden Globe Award winner and Tony Award nominee Merkerson ("Lackawanna Blues,") and Drama Desk Award winner and Tony nominee Kevin Anderson (Death of a Salesman, Orphans) head the cast of this new production which also includes Joseph Adams ("Dirty Sexy Money"), Chad Hoeppner (Butley), Daniel Damon Joyce (Broadway debut), Lyle Kanouse (Big River), Zoe Kazan (The Prime of Miss Jean Brody), Brian J. Smith (The Fabulous Life of a Size Zero), Keith Randolph Smith (Jitney), Brenda Wehle (Talking Heads) and Matthew J. Williamson ("Will & Grace"). The production is directed by two-time Emmy Awardâ winner Michael Pressman ("Law & Order," To Gillian on Her 37th Birthday).

"Lola (Merkerson) is a faded beauty queen trapped in a lonely marriage to Doc (Anderson), a recovering alcoholic on the brink of relapse. When a pretty young woman becomes a boarder in their cluttered Midwest home, their lives are unsettled as unspoken passions rise to the surface. As the emptiness of their marriage is laid bare, can they find their way back to each other or will they be undone? This new look at William Inge's great American story is an absorbing tale of lost hopes and unfulfilled promise, told with unflinching honesty and heartbreaking power," describe press notes.”

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Sam Waterston: The Killing Fields on MOJO HD This Month

If you have the MOJO HD channel, and you're a Sam Waterston fan, please be aware that they are showing the movie "The Killing Fields" this month. This is Sam's Oscar nominated performance. The movie is gripping, horrifying, and very moving. It is one of those films that once you see it, you will not forget it.

MOJO HD's Synopisis says:

"The Killing Fields is a romanticized adaptation of an eyewitness magazine story by New York Times correspondent Sidney Schanberg. Covering the U.S. pullout from Vietnam in 1975, Schanberg relies on his Cambodian friend and translator Dith Pran for inside information. Schanberg has an opportunity to rescue Dith Pran when the U.S. army evacuates all Cambodian citizens; instead, the reporter coerces his friend to remain behind to continue sending him news flashes."


Show times are as follows:

Wednesday February 13, 4:00AM ET
Saturday February 16, 8:00PM ET
Sunday February 17, 1:00AM ET
Monday February 18, 10:00PM ET
Friday February 29, 4:00AM ET

Here’s a story I wrote on my other blog, There Are Their Stories, about The Killing Fields, here.



Check out my blog home page for the latest Law & Order information,
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Also, see my companion Law & Order site,
These Are Their Stories.

Law & Order Criminal Intent Valentine

Here’s a little Law & Order Criminal Intent E-Valentine, starring the “faces” of Vincent D’Onofrio and Kathryn Erbe. Thanks to a friend of mine who made this from the Jib-Jab web site and emailed it to me. I thought you would all get a chuckle out of it, too. (Apologies to Vincent and Kathryn.)

Law & Order Episode Summaries for the Week of February 10

The "Mothership" Law & Order is running a new episode this week, with SVU and Criminal Intent rerunning episodes previously aired this season. The previews of Law & Order's "Illegal" looked really interesting, so I hope we'll get another great episode this week!

Law & Order SVU “Savant” Episode 09-04, Re-Air Date February 12, 2008
A mentally challenged girl (Paulina Gerzon) is the only witness to the attack that left her mother in a coma. The detectives suspect the uncooperative husband (Aidan Quinn), but he has some powerful legal support to keep him from testifying, so the department reluctantly resorts to questioning the child in order to piece together the events of the crime. Starring Markisa Hargitay and Chris Meloni. Guest stars Vincent Spano, Jayne Atkinson, Peter Riegert

Law & Order Criminal Intent “Offense ” Episode 07-08, Re-Air Date February 13, 2008
A witness in a well-publicized rape trial is found dead. Evidence points to the college football-team members being prosecuted for the rape, but further investigation reveals a connection to an attorney with an agenda. Starring Chris Noth, Alicia Witt. Guest stars Peri Gilpin, Andrew McCarthy.


Law & Order “Illegal” Episode 18-08 Air Date February 13, 2008
A CASE WHERE A COP KILLS A WOMAN RAISES TENSION IN THE D.A.’S OFFICE – A murdered woman is found in an alleyway dumpster after a riot at an immigration rally. Detectives Cyrus Lupo (Jeremy Sisto) and Ed Green’s (Jesse L. Martin) investigation leads to an auxiliary cop’s over zealous attempt to stop the riot. The political nature of case elevates tension in the DA’s office as DA Jack McCoy (Sam Waterston) assigns ADA Josh Lethem (guest star John Pankow) to prosecute the case. But Lethem has his own biased agenda, bringing McCoy’s liberal background into question. Also starring: S. Epatha Merkerson, Linus Roache, and Alana De La Garza.


Check out my blog home page for the latest Law & Order information,
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Also, see my companion Law & Order site,
These Are Their Stories.

Law & Order “Quit Claim” Never Quits

This was another excellent episode for the clearly improved Law & Order. They’ve gotten back to basics (meaning less personal information about the characters being shoved at us), which has allowed them to concentrate on the story.

In this episode, an apparent con artist, Kim Brody (January Jones), seemingly pulls the wool over everybody’s eyes, all the while leaving a trail of bodies and a real estate scam in her wake. She even seems to con the Feds into getting her busted out of custody from the DA’s office by using a terrorism angle with the real estate scam. She cons her attorney and just about anyone else all the way through the case. She does it so well that she almost causes Cutter to compromise his ethics to indict her. Of course, at the end, we’re left to wonder who she really is and if there is a con, how complex is it?

There were a few things that didn’t seem quite right with the episode in the first half. For example, why wasn’t the real estate con brought to the forefront earlier? One would think the people who found themselves evicted when their property was sold underneath them, despite being told that the title was only being passed along temporarily, would have complained to someone. I believe the detectives said that it appeared this had gone on for two months, which seems long enough for complaints to surface. The other matter is that again, the detectives use odd methods when wiring or monitoring a sting. Last week, they had a politician wired; yet she was able to somehow stop the tape. This week, they manage to have proper surveillance in the room where the sting was taking place, yet they didn’t seem to find the need to wire THE PERSON who was the major player in the sting. This allowed her to easily separate with the suspect, and her apparent accomplice. I think the Law & Order people need to take a refresher course called “Proper Wiring and Surveillance for Maximum Impact” or something like that.

The dialog and relationships between characters are much more natural. Lupo/”Lupes” (Jeremy Sisto) and Green (Jesse Martin) seem comfortable enough with each other to have a dialog about whether it’s socks on or socks off during sex. When Lupes admits to being “socks on”, Green had the right answer, “I get it man, I just can’t believe you’re telling me that.”

Rubirosa (Alana De La Garza) was on top of everything. She comes up with an ingenuous way to show how someone’s appearance can change as they get older by showing her own picture when she was younger. Cutter (Linus Roache) responds to seeing the photo by saying, “Whoa, might have stood a chance with you then.” It was a bit of a mystery to me, though, as to why it seemed that he was just seeing the picture while they were in court. Wouldn’t she have shown it to him beforehand? She also catches the mismatched socks on the defense attorney.

Jack McCoy (Sam Waterston) seems to be very comfortable in his new DA skin. First, his comment that when talking to higher ups with the Feds, saying, “Every response from him consisted of a verb, a subject, and 9/11. The arrogance.” Jack later fights the Feds by “taking prisoners” and arresting some of them for kidnapping so he can use them later in a “prisoner exchange.” But Jack clearly knows when to draw the line and cut his losses, in this dialog:

McCoy: This is a far as I go.
Cutter: Are you telling me not to do it?
McCoy: You’re a grown up, you’re on your own. I’m getting off the train.
Cutter: (to Rubirosa) How about you?
Rubirosa: All aboard.

Later, however, Rubirosa attempts to smack some sense into Cutter when she tells him she’s getting off the train when Cutter seems ready to suborn perjury. Thankfully Cutter does the right thing and backs away at the last moment.

This episode had an interesting story, good dialog, and clearly shows a solidified cast that hopefully will keep the show around for much longer. And maybe it sets up another instance where Ms. Brody can get her comeuppance – if it’s due – in a later episode. Because we know that Law & Order never quits.


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Also, see my companion Law & Order site, These Are Their Stories.

Law & Order SVU: Ice-T in the News

Ice-T

(Sorry, no pics of CoCo were decent enough for this blog)

Probably one of the weirdest Super Bowl parties that I’ve ever heard of – and one that doesn’t seem to fit the man – was Ice-T’s “Tupper-bowl” party. It seems that Law & Order SVU’s Ice-T and his wife, Coco, partnered with Tupperware to host the first ever 'Tupper-bowl' party. According to a PR Newswire press release:

“The Tupperware Tailgate celebrated the culmination of an incredible football season for the New York Giants and the upcoming Super Bowl, as well as raised money for the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club of America.

The party was held in a private lounge at Jay-Z's 40/40 club in New York and was the place to see and be seen. Over 200 guests were in attendance and celebrity highlights included: Oscar-winner, Tatum O'Neal; Sex and the City star, Chris Noth; Law and Order SVU stars Adam Beach and B.D. Wong; Frank Whaley from The Wire, and NBA players Vince Carter of the New Jersey Nets and Jason Williams of the Miami Heat.

"Tupperware unites us all. Tupperware's going to save the world," proclaimed party host, Ice-T. "We're all here tonight to root on our home team, have some fun and raise money for our local Boys & Girls Club friends."

Guests enjoyed "Tuppertini" cocktails and "bowl-food" themed hors d'oeuvres served in Tupperware, and danced to music provided by celebrity DJ, D-Nice. The crowd was treated to impromptu performances by Ice-T and renowned hip-hop legends such as Positive K, Smoothe Da Hustler, Khrist, Grandmaster Caz, Kool Herc, and Melly Mel.”

Now really – is Tupperware going to unite us all and save the world? Hmmm, don’t think that’s the answer.

In a separate news story, the Arizona Republic reports that Ice-T and his wife CoCo bought a home in the southern area of Chandler, Arizona. The Arizona Republic says:

“Rapper-turned-actor Ice-T and his swimsuit-model wife have purchased a home in a cozy south Chandler neighborhood, a place where they plan to unwind away from the celebrity limelight by blending into a sea of HOA-regulated color schemes.

Nicole "CoCo" Marrow, who seven years ago married the former Cop Killer rapper who now plays a cop on TV, bought a home in Carino Estates in October.

The real-estate purchase, she said, will put an end to six years of renting property in Tempe.

CoCo is from the area. Ice-T has a son who lives in the Valley. So, every winter and summer, during breaks from filming Law and Order: Special Victims Unit in New Jersey, the pair sojourn to the Valley.

"It's an escape out of the celebrity zone of New York or LA," Ice-T said, adding that it's close enough to Los Angeles and Las Vegas to make quick business trips.

Marrow bought the four-bedroom, two-bath house, a regular 2,447-square-foot Shea tract home largely indistinguishable from others on the street, for $435,000.

But neighbors say the celebrity couple have been renovating over the past several weeks and appear to be having extensive work done to the interior.

News of the famous folks moving in already is spreading on the street, which is in an ungated, unremarkable south Chandler neighborhood.

"My husband and I, we think it's very cool that somebody that we grew up with has moved into our neighborhood," said Nicole Hawkins, who lives across the street and owned an Ice-T cassette tape back in the day. "I saw him having CoCo pull her car into the garage, and I was like, 'Oh, my gosh, are you kidding me?'

"We just think it's a cool thing around here."

Others on the block are less familiar with Ice-T's reputation as a founder of early-'90s gangsta rap but, instead, know him for his role as Detective Fin Tutuola from Law and Order.

"I do watch the show," said Judy Goddard, a real-estate agent who added that, when she first heard the news, she wasn't sure who Ice-T was.

Now, she said, she thinks it's neat to have a celebrity buy a house across the street, even if Ice-T and his wife won't be living there year-round.

Despite the couple's celebrity status, the quiet neighborhood northeast of Queen Creek and Alma School roads should fit the lifestyle the pair lead while in Arizona: mostly catching movies, eating out and going to the mall, CoCo said.

Ice-T, she said, plays a lot of Xbox while here.

"When we're at home in New York, it's more like we're always going, going, going," CoCo said. "When we're settled in Arizona, it's more like we're doing a lot of eating and chilling. It's a really kicked-back, laid-back place."

After discussing their new digs with a reporter, CoCo handed the phone to her husband. There was still one question that hadn't been answered: Why this neighborhood?

"Who said I bought a house in Chandler?" he shot back.

Maricopa County public records, he was reminded.

"That's all you're going to get from Ice." "

That's probably a good thing.

Check out my blog home page for the latest Law & Order information,
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Also, see my companion Law & Order site,
These Are Their Stories.

Law & Order Episode Summaries for the Week of February 3, 2008

The “original recipe” Law & Order is running a new episode on NBC this week, with Criminal Intent rerunning an episode previously aired this season on the USA Network. SVU is being pre-empted for “Super Tuesday” coverage.

The Criminal Intent episode is “Untethered” which contains probably the best performance by Vincent D’Onofrio in the Criminal Intent series. My review of “Untethered” can be found, here.

Law & Order “Quit Claim” Episode 18-07 Air Date February 6, 2008
DETECTIVES LUPO AND GREEN GO UNDERCOVER AFTER A DEADLY HIT-AND-RUN: ‘MAD MEN’S’ JANUARY JONES GUEST-STARS – After a mother and daughter are killed in a hit and run accident, Detectives Green (Jesse L. Martin) and Lupo (Jeremy Sisto) track down the vehicle and find only a stack of $100 bills left inside. A trace on the money leads the detectives to a young couple that is victims of a real estate scam. Green and Lupo decide the best way to crack this case is to go undercover with the help of Kim Brody (guest star January Jones, “Mad Men”), an employee at the title company that handled the closings on the illegal real estate deals. Brody proves not be who she claims, leaving her innocence and real identity in question. Also starring: Sam Waterson, S. Epatha Merkerson, Linus Roache, and Alana De La Garza.


Law & Order Criminal Intent “Untethered” Episode 07-09, Re-Air Date February 6, 2008
A young prison inmate is killed in an upstate New York facility's mental ward. When detective Goren's nephew Donny, an inmate in the same prison, tells Goren he thinks the prisoner was murdered, Goren (Vincent D’Onofrio) goes undercover. In order to determine if a crime was indeed committed, Goren manipulates his way into the same mental ward to either prove or refute his nephew's claims. Also starring:Kathryn Erbe, Eric Bogosian, Tony Goldwyn (as Frank Goren).


Check out my blog home page for the latest Law & Order information,
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Also, see my companion Law & Order site,
These Are Their Stories.

Law & Order Episode Summaries for February 2008

I know you all can’t wait to see what’s going to be on Law & Order this month. Here are summaries and the air dates for the episodes in February,

By the way, happy birthday to Linus Roache. I have a little feature about him on my companion Law & Order site, here.


“Quit Claim” Episode 18-07 Air date February 6, 2008
DETECTIVES LUPO AND GREEN GO UNDERCOVER AFTER A DEADLY HIT-AND-RUN: ‘MAD MEN’S’ JANUARY JONES GUEST-STARS – After a mother and daughter are killed in a hit and run accident, Detectives Green (Jesse L. Martin) and Lupo (Jeremy Sisto) track down the vehicle and find only a stack of $100 bills left inside. A trace on the money leads the detectives to a young couple that is victims of a real estate scam. Green and Lupo decide the best way to crack this case is to go undercover with the help of Kim Brody (guest star January Jones, “Mad Men”), an employee at the title company that handled the closings on the illegal real estate deals. Brody proves not be who she claims, leaving her innocence and real identity in question. Also starring: Sam Waterson, S. Epatha Merkerson, Linus Roache, and Alana De La Garza.

“Illegal” Episode 18-08 Air date February 13, 2008
A CASE WHERE A COP KILLS A WOMAN RAISES TENSION IN THE D.A.’S OFFICE – A murdered woman is found in an alleyway dumpster after a riot at an immigration rally. Detectives Cyrus Lupo (Jeremy Sisto) and Ed Green’s (Jesse L. Martin) investigation leads to an auxiliary cop’s over zealous attempt to stop the riot. The political nature of case elevates tension in the DA’s office as DA Jack McCoy (Sam Waterston) assigns ADA Josh Lethem (guest star John Pankow) to prosecute the case. But Lethem has his own biased agenda, bringing McCoy’s liberal background into question. Also starring: S. Epatha Merkerson, Linus Roache, and Alana De La Garza.

“Executioner” Episode 18-09 Air date February 20, 2008 (Episode 18-12)
BEING AT THE WRONG PLACE AT THE WRONG TIME PROVES TO BE DEADLY FOR ONE SURGEON -Dr. Mark Burns (guest star Alan Zweibel) is found murdered in his hotel room while attending a out-of-town convention. Detectives Lupo (Jeremy Sisto) and Green (Jesse L. Martin) learn that Dr. Burns’ made a large withdrawal from his bank account moments before he was murdered. Evidence rules out the con artists who scammed Burns as suspects, but a hotel surveillance tape shows a man with a southern accent vehemently knocking on the door looking for a different physician, Dr. Garrison (guest star James Rebhorn). This finding leads the detectives to believe Dr. Garrison may have been the intended target and his life is still at risk. Also Starring: Sam Waterston, S. Epatha Merkerson, Linus Roache, and Alana De La Garza.

“Tango” Episode 18-10 Air date February 27, 2008
A HIGH SCHOOL GIRL IS KILLED AND THE TWO UNLIKELY SUSPECTS INCLUDE A PROSTITUTE AND PIMP Two inebriated high-school girls, Kelly Daugherty (guest star Lisa Joyce) and Anne-Marie Liscomb (guest star Molly Ephraim), are agitated after their car is towed at a party. Liscomb walks off to make a phone call in an attempt to call a ride, and is found dead in a dumpster days later. After tracking down the cab driver that picked up Liscomb, new information leads the detectives to a drug-addicted prostitute with an affluent past, known as “Sugar” (guest star Maria Dizzia) and her partner Tito Cabassa (guest star Pedro Pascal). A war of words unfold as the detectives pit the prostitute and pimp against each other to see who will talk first. When the case goes up for trial, ADA Connie Rubirosa (Alana De La Garza) appears to have an unrelenting admirer in the jury pool. Also Starring: Sam Waterston, S. Epatha Merkerson, and Linus Roache

Check out my blog home page for the latest Law & Order information,
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Also, see my companion Law & Order site, These Are Their Stories.