‘Law & Order’ Recap: ‘Big Brother’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

LAW & ORDER -- ""Big Brother"" Episode 24003 -- Pictured: (l-r) Reid Scott as Det. Vincent Riley, Ryan Eggold as Matt Riley -- (Photo by: Ralph Bavaro/NBC)

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 24003 of ‘Law & Order’. To revisit the previous episode, clickhere.
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The vast majority of us out there, have little to say from a negativity standpoint, regarding our family. Sure, we have some complaints and concerns, but that’s really about it. Because so many of us grow up in a healthy family environment, one where respect exists and good lessons come into play, and that is why we are always so shocked when we hear horror stories from the folks that are the exception to the rule. Who speak to how their family life was and/or is a disaster and where they have incompetent parents and siblings that drive them mad and cause them trouble. In fact, rough and tumble siblings are of note, because there are plenty of stories out there about how they step in and cause problems and ruin lives and that just seems shocking to us. Because how could our own blood decide to wound us?

Well, it just so happens that the next episode of Law & Order ponders upon that very question. For ‘Big Brother’ saw Detective Vincent Riley be reintroduced to his little brother, Matt, once again under awful circumstances. Since Matt was screwing around with arms dealers and in an effort to prop his family up, Vincent pulled some strings to keep Matt out of trouble. A move that appeared to keep their little game intact, until a famous basketball coach turned up dead one day. For that made the back and forth from this duo far more complex in nature. For Matt was seen talking to the coach the day he died and initially Matt denied everything regarding involvement. He simply spoke to how he was a fan and wanted to say hello, and that was that. But soon, it became clear that Matt knew so much more than he was leading on. 

Because the death of that coach, and Matt’s whereabouts all tied back to one man. A bar owner named Jack Costa. Who had a lot of sway in the neighborhood and pretty much told people how to act and when to act and the more the police looked into his affairs, the more it became clear that Costa was somehow involved and well, Matt’s relationship with him was the key to cracking the case wide open. But of course, Matt refused to help. Didn’t want to be a snitch, as he so eloquently put it. Forcing Vincent and the team to work with what they had to bring the case to trial, and they did have a lot. They just wanted that red letter evidence that would end the trial quickly, and well… since the momentum in the case bounced back and forth, Vincent and the team turned to Matt once again to press him hard on giving up evidence that Costa was involved.

Which he initially agreed to do, until he took the stand. For in that moment. He opted to be defiant again and said anything to help Costa, walk free. But some fine maneuvering from ADA Price, and a fine case against the accused, led to a win for the prosecution and the end of Jack Costa’s freedom. But the damage was done. For Vincent looked the fool in this case through and through, and likely kept his job because of the conviction that came forth and well, that prompted him to really think upon his brother’s actions and his own and how best he should handle this. Wherein Vincent decided, that enough was enough and that his little brother had worked the system enough and pulled in enough favors and needed to be held accountable. So, all deals with the city and the state were rescinded and Matt, faced charges and accountability for his actions.

All of which made it clear, that it isn’t hard for family to turn upon one another. It just takes the right path and the right lifestyle. For instance, here, being in the thick of the streets, learning its code and learning its ways both good and bad, allowed for Matt to choose that over law and order. Because that life was easier, and that life required no fight, and that doesn’t mean other family failed, it just means… people make some awful choices sometimes and hold to their agency and that will motivate them to betray blood. Especially when they feel they don’t matter to their family or have done it before. Which made for a fascinating episode, one that also featured some amazing guest star power. Because Chris Bauer was simply incredible as Jack Costa, and Katee Sackhoff was equally as impressive as his scuzzy lawyer and now that we’ve reached the end of this fascinating tale, it will be interesting to see what lie ahead for the Riley family. Until next time.

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LAW & ORDER -- "Big Brother" Episode 24003 -- Pictured: (l-r) Katie Sackhoff as Attorney Gallo, Chris Bauer as Jack Costa -- (Photo by: Scott Gries/NBC)

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