Top 10 Best Law and Order Episodes
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Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the most memorable episodes of this crime show. Plot points will be discussed, this is your spoiler warning! Which episode is your favorite? Let us know in the comments down below!
The plot of this episode is a bit unusual. Usually the show centers on one culprit. The 300th episode decided to implement a new format. Multiple criminals are at large and the team has to investigate several cases simultaneously. What made fans love “Couples” is the interconnectedness of the different storylines. While some of the offenses are directly linked, the uniting thread is that they all involve fights within households. Seeing how each home dealt with the experiences they face is quite sombering. Despite the seriousness, the mood is lifted with some comedic moments. Whether it’s Briscoe getting frustrated on the phone or Rafael talking about his prom date bailing on him, we appreciate the more casual moments.
When watching shows about law enforcement, we remember that we’re lucky to have people to protect us from danger. The court puts away the bad guys and the good guys get justice. Unfortunately, everything isn’t so black and white. After remains are found, an old case is reopened. The man convicted of the crime appeals the case now that the bones serve as new evidence to defend him. This particular episode is an important reminder of the many flaws in the judicial system. Viewers are captivated yet horrified as Phillip’s story from 14 years ago unravels, making it a watch to remember. The concept was so impactful that “Law & Order: UK” made their own episode inspired by it.
We love how “Law & Order” tackles tough legal issues. This episode is no exception. After her boyfriend is accused of several heinous acts against her sister and another girl, a woman takes a plea bargain. As the truth comes to light, the detectives suspect the girlfriend may have been more involved with the case than she’s letting on. On one hand they discover the woman severely injured by her boyfriend, but on the other hand her story isn’t adding up. How do you decide if someone was forced into a crime or if they were a willing participant? It’s interesting to explore the difficulties surrounding coercion cases.
The explosive season 9 finale left its mark on us. Picking up where from part one, the stakes continue to climb in this case against a deadly Russian mob. As the precinct rushes to protect the final witnesses from an assassin, they’re pulled in a million directions. A major twist occurs when the crooks end up targeting the law team by attempting to set off an explosion. With so much going on, audience members didn’t know how everything would end. That’s exactly why this episode is a favorite. Viewers couldn’t look away. Plus the departure of Detective Rey Curtis left fans sad as he said goodbye to the force.
In the season 14 premiere, the ethics of confidentiality between a suspect and their legal team are explored. The force investigates a criminal who has more victims than they anticipated. The biggest shock of the episode is when it’s revealed that his attorney, Tim Schwimmer, knows where the remaining bodies are located. Instead of providing the grieving families with closure by revealing the information, he withholds it due to attorney-client privilege. The moral dilemma leaves fans wondering how the court will handle the situation. Should Schwimmer be praised for sticking to his duty or should he be punished for withholding crucial details? It really gets viewers thinking about what they would do in this scenario.
The detectives are investigating anonymous cyber threats to a school district. Soon the detectives uncover that it’s actually an educator behind the malicious posts. The episode combines the potential dangers students in the US face with problematic elements of the NYC Department of Education. Although the show is fictitious, it depicts the difficulties that can be encountered in a school system. Besides feeling authentic, fans love this episode because it was originally supposed to be the series finale. The ending to this season beautifully wraps things up for the team. We loved getting some closure on Lieutenant Van Buren’s health struggles. Unlike more dramatic endings of some series, this laid-back one is entirely fitting for the show.
How far are you willing to go for what you believe in? Jack McCoy enlists the help of a dishonorable DEA agent to help him out with a legal matter. His personal investment in the events eventually leads to him being dismissed from the case. This is a great episode for McCoy fans as we get a lot more insight into who he is. On the flip side, this is a tragic one for Borgia supporters. Her involvement in the case leads to her graphic downfall. Viewers were completely shocked by her death. It’s a gut wrenching reminder of how risky working in the precinct is. The good guys don’t always prevail in the end.
When a lawyer is the prime suspect in a case involving multiple victims, he decides to represent himself. Mental health comes into play as the lawyer has schizophrenia and is unmedicated. While the MCS goes up against him in trial, the relationship between mental disorders and incrimination is explored. The viewers see the importance of being accountable for one's mental state of being. It also showcases the consequences that can ensue if you are negligent in helping yourself. This is a universal idea that audience members can reflect on and apply to their own lives. Fans appreciate being able to take away lessons from shows like this.
Sometimes authority figures fail us when we need them the most.The detectives investigating the fatal shooting of a teacher suspect a trio of students with a grudge against her. It turns out that the culprits were firing at a girl named Sally who fired first on them. After the trio committed a horrible act against her mentally disabled sister, Sally tried getting revenge by shooting them. “Damaged” is a jarring account of the lack of help many victims face when coming forward. When the system continually fails people, whose responsibility is it to get justice? The episode is a thought provoking warning of the consequences that can occur when someone decides to take on matters themselves.
Out of the almost 500 episodes in the series, this is the only one that doesn’t center on a case. Four of the main characters see the life of an inmate they incriminated come to an end. Each person has a different and extreme response to the event. “Aftershock” humanizes the force as we see the toll experiences like this take on them. Briscoe breaks his sobriety inadvertently leading to Kincaid’s demise, Curtis cheats on his wife, and McCoy reveals his sad past. In a strange way it’s nice to see their internal struggles. It is a great look into the behind-the-scenes of working in this really tough industry.
#10: "Couples"
The plot of this episode is a bit unusual. Usually the show centers on one culprit. The 300th episode decided to implement a new format. Multiple criminals are at large and the team has to investigate several cases simultaneously. What made fans love “Couples” is the interconnectedness of the different storylines. While some of the offenses are directly linked, the uniting thread is that they all involve fights within households. Seeing how each home dealt with the experiences they face is quite sombering. Despite the seriousness, the mood is lifted with some comedic moments. Whether it’s Briscoe getting frustrated on the phone or Rafael talking about his prom date bailing on him, we appreciate the more casual moments.
#9: “American Dream”
When watching shows about law enforcement, we remember that we’re lucky to have people to protect us from danger. The court puts away the bad guys and the good guys get justice. Unfortunately, everything isn’t so black and white. After remains are found, an old case is reopened. The man convicted of the crime appeals the case now that the bones serve as new evidence to defend him. This particular episode is an important reminder of the many flaws in the judicial system. Viewers are captivated yet horrified as Phillip’s story from 14 years ago unravels, making it a watch to remember. The concept was so impactful that “Law & Order: UK” made their own episode inspired by it.
#8: “Fools for Love”
We love how “Law & Order” tackles tough legal issues. This episode is no exception. After her boyfriend is accused of several heinous acts against her sister and another girl, a woman takes a plea bargain. As the truth comes to light, the detectives suspect the girlfriend may have been more involved with the case than she’s letting on. On one hand they discover the woman severely injured by her boyfriend, but on the other hand her story isn’t adding up. How do you decide if someone was forced into a crime or if they were a willing participant? It’s interesting to explore the difficulties surrounding coercion cases.
#7: “Refuge (Part II)”
The explosive season 9 finale left its mark on us. Picking up where from part one, the stakes continue to climb in this case against a deadly Russian mob. As the precinct rushes to protect the final witnesses from an assassin, they’re pulled in a million directions. A major twist occurs when the crooks end up targeting the law team by attempting to set off an explosion. With so much going on, audience members didn’t know how everything would end. That’s exactly why this episode is a favorite. Viewers couldn’t look away. Plus the departure of Detective Rey Curtis left fans sad as he said goodbye to the force.
#6: “Bodies”
In the season 14 premiere, the ethics of confidentiality between a suspect and their legal team are explored. The force investigates a criminal who has more victims than they anticipated. The biggest shock of the episode is when it’s revealed that his attorney, Tim Schwimmer, knows where the remaining bodies are located. Instead of providing the grieving families with closure by revealing the information, he withholds it due to attorney-client privilege. The moral dilemma leaves fans wondering how the court will handle the situation. Should Schwimmer be praised for sticking to his duty or should he be punished for withholding crucial details? It really gets viewers thinking about what they would do in this scenario.
#5: “Rubber Room”
The detectives are investigating anonymous cyber threats to a school district. Soon the detectives uncover that it’s actually an educator behind the malicious posts. The episode combines the potential dangers students in the US face with problematic elements of the NYC Department of Education. Although the show is fictitious, it depicts the difficulties that can be encountered in a school system. Besides feeling authentic, fans love this episode because it was originally supposed to be the series finale. The ending to this season beautifully wraps things up for the team. We loved getting some closure on Lieutenant Van Buren’s health struggles. Unlike more dramatic endings of some series, this laid-back one is entirely fitting for the show.
#4: “Invaders"
How far are you willing to go for what you believe in? Jack McCoy enlists the help of a dishonorable DEA agent to help him out with a legal matter. His personal investment in the events eventually leads to him being dismissed from the case. This is a great episode for McCoy fans as we get a lot more insight into who he is. On the flip side, this is a tragic one for Borgia supporters. Her involvement in the case leads to her graphic downfall. Viewers were completely shocked by her death. It’s a gut wrenching reminder of how risky working in the precinct is. The good guys don’t always prevail in the end.
#3: “Pro Se”
When a lawyer is the prime suspect in a case involving multiple victims, he decides to represent himself. Mental health comes into play as the lawyer has schizophrenia and is unmedicated. While the MCS goes up against him in trial, the relationship between mental disorders and incrimination is explored. The viewers see the importance of being accountable for one's mental state of being. It also showcases the consequences that can ensue if you are negligent in helping yourself. This is a universal idea that audience members can reflect on and apply to their own lives. Fans appreciate being able to take away lessons from shows like this.
#2: “Damaged”
Sometimes authority figures fail us when we need them the most.The detectives investigating the fatal shooting of a teacher suspect a trio of students with a grudge against her. It turns out that the culprits were firing at a girl named Sally who fired first on them. After the trio committed a horrible act against her mentally disabled sister, Sally tried getting revenge by shooting them. “Damaged” is a jarring account of the lack of help many victims face when coming forward. When the system continually fails people, whose responsibility is it to get justice? The episode is a thought provoking warning of the consequences that can occur when someone decides to take on matters themselves.
#1: "Aftershock"
Out of the almost 500 episodes in the series, this is the only one that doesn’t center on a case. Four of the main characters see the life of an inmate they incriminated come to an end. Each person has a different and extreme response to the event. “Aftershock” humanizes the force as we see the toll experiences like this take on them. Briscoe breaks his sobriety inadvertently leading to Kincaid’s demise, Curtis cheats on his wife, and McCoy reveals his sad past. In a strange way it’s nice to see their internal struggles. It is a great look into the behind-the-scenes of working in this really tough industry.
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