Written by John Edward Betancourt LAW & ORDER -- "Folk Hero" Episode 24016 -- Pictured: Maura Tierney as Lieutenant Jessica Brady -- (Photo by: Virginia Sherwood/NBC)
Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 2416 of ‘Law & Order’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
It is definitely safe to say that the broadcast segment of the wildly popular Law & Order franchise on NBC, is accomplishing some serious storytelling wonders this year. Simply because both primary shows are working hard to tell stories that defy the standard glossy tropes often found in this genre of storytelling, to provide us with stories that are down in the dirt so to speak, and really explore the world as it stands and all its flaws and grey areas that have us stuck in endless debates, regarding justice, and how best to serve it in our modern world. In fact, last night’s episode of the flagship series took those examinations to a whole new level, by offering up a case that was outright ripped from the headlines. For ‘Folk Hero’ took place on another fine day in Manhattan, wherein the CEO of a major pharmaceutical company, was gunned down outside of his building’s headquarters. Which of course, led to a massive manhunt that went nowhere at first. Since Riley and a uniformed officer were unable to track the shooter down. But a quick understanding of what he was up to, led to a successful arrest of one Ethan Weller. Who lost his mother to cancer because that very CEO denied her a chance at a drug trial that could have saved her life. So, he deemed it best to go this route and well, that’s all we will discuss regarding his actions going forward. Because the show did not resolve a verdict on screen, and we know outright know this case. For this is the Luigi Mangione case, reimagined for television. Which means it’s more important to really break down the stuff that happens around the case, because it allowed for this episode to really explore the divide that currently exists over it. Because you, dear reader, stand upon one side of this case. You either think Luigi is a hero for what he did, or you think he’s a villain for breaking the law… which yes… he did do. But that aside, by looking at those two sides, the story was able to properly explore why one side thinks he should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, and how that relates to the belief that the law is the law, and there is no way that we the people can see it as anything else but that. For to do otherwise would introduce anarchy to a nation that was founded upon the rule of law and stands by it at every turn. Yet this episode also correctly points out, how the other side sees that as… outright bullshit. Because there are people out there now who break the law on a regular basis in the name of profits and shareholders and face no consequences for the crimes they commit. Not to mention, there’s a convicted felon in the White House, and truly… it is a little weird that a human life can be tied to the cost of a medical procedure. Which is why people cheer Luigi on and offer joy regarding the death of a CEO. Because profits over people doesn’t resonate with everyday folks, and they’re tired of seeing criminals be successful in a country where the ‘rule of law’ applies to some and not all. All of which gave rise to incredible discourse in this story, and much for us to ponder upon. In that, this episode also makes it clear, the time has come for real discussion in the world about systemic reform from a justice standpoint, and real talk about the roles and responsibilities of corporations when human lives are in the balance. Otherwise, this divide and this fire will continue to exist and continue to grow, and that can lead to some real disaster for certain. The kind that is harder to come back from in so many ways. That makes this, a poignant and powerful tale, really. One that truly explores a topic that is top of mind and of concern, and needs resolution, and hopefully it does spark discussion. For that’s the only way to start to figure out how to move forward in a manner that brings back the notion of justice for all. Until next time. Watch ‘Law & Order’
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Archives
April 2025
|
RSS Feed