‘Law & Order’ Recap: ‘Report Card’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

LAW & ORDER -- "Report Card" Episode 24005 -- Pictured: (l-r) Colton Osorio as Anthony Turner, Mehcad Brooks as Det. Jalen Shaw -- (Photo by: Virginia Sherwood/NBC)

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 2405 of ‘Law & Order’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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One particular hope we all harbor when it comes to the children of the world, is that they won’t come to harm, and they will be given every chance to succeed in life. Because they are the future, the next generation. One that will hopefully be the one to rise above our mistakes and shortcomings to make the world a better place. So, we try and do our best to protect them, guide them, and give them what they need. Even when their circumstances are rough, hence the creation of foster programs and school programs to save them. But alas, despite our best efforts, our hope won’t always be fulfilled and some kids, just slip through the cracks. Sometimes because of the system… and other reasons.

All of which was put on display in the next episode of Law & Order on NBC. Courtesy of a complex murder case in ‘Report Card’. One that at first glance appeared to be nothing more than a flex from a rich musician. For a teacher, that also worked for a ride share company, was gunned down in front of his home, and the footage present in his camera made it seem like one of the world’s biggest artists did this. But his alibi checked out and nothing seemed to add up, until the team learned that this teacher, was vilified and despised by some of his students for being a hard teacher. In fact, one particular student wrote songs about blasting him and that brought forth the hunt for a thirteen-year-old teenager named Anthony.

Who once caught… admitted to the fact that he killed his teacher, but was unaware the gun was loaded. He just wanted his teacher to back off and let him live his life. But that went south, and well, Shaw had concerns with about what was to follow. Because there was a chance Anthony would be tried as an adult, and he hated that idea. After all, Shaw we learned, had his own experiences with the foster care system and just wanted this kid to have a fair chance at life, and others were concerned as well about how all of this came to fruition. Prompting the DA’s office to go soft on Anthony and instead prosecute the principal of the school for being neglectful in preventing this death, since he had knowledge that Anthony had a gun, and did nothing.

Which really made it seem as though, Anthony was finally looking at a fair shake. But alas, evidence doesn’t lie, and Shaw found out, Anthony loaded the gun and made this choice. Putting him in a rattled place. Because that meant, Anthony was looking at a truly hopeless future, and that broke his heart. Because the poor kid tried his best to fit in and clearly needed a home that cared for him differently and made him feel as though he belonged and as though he was more than the sum of a statistic. And all Shaw wanted to do was seem him go on the right track. But there was no hiding this truth, and that led to a very bleak ending. One where the principal cut a deal for his mistakes and where Anthony was put on trial and lost to the system. 

All of which gave rise… to a stunning episode for certain. One that truly reminded us… well… that we aren’t doing enough for children in this world. Sure, society talks a big talk and claims to have all the fixes in the world. But this has happened in life, and will happen again, because the system is deeply flawed and without proper funding and attention. So, this is what we get. Which really was a sobering message regarding the system and a reminder… that we collectively have to do more. For hope, and thoughts and prayers do nothing. Only action and activism move the needle forward and hopefully, this serves as a fine eye opener to what needs to happen next, to give kids in a similar position a fighting chance. Because it isn’t right to say, that not all of them make it, not in the richest and most resourceful country in the world. Until next time.

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