‘Law & Order’ Recap: ‘Truth and Consequences’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

LAW & ORDER -- "Truth And Consequences" Episode 24007 -- Pictured: (l-r) Tony Goldwyn as DA Nicholas Baxter, Bruce Altman as Mayor Payne, Maura Tierney as Lt. Jessica Brady -- (Photo by: Virginia Sherwood/NBC)

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 2407 of ‘Law & Order’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
​
One would think that a long-running crime drama, would not tackle larger concerns about our world and our society. Simply because we view crime and its impact as something local and intimate. Where only the people involved really can speak to the issue at hand, and most crime shows stick with that edict. But some are so iconic and so grand in nature that they are willing to go beyond that and ponder upon so much more, such as greater topics involving our world and it just so happens that Law & Order on NBC is a show in that vein, and for proof… well then look no further than its most recent episode, since ‘Truth and Consequences’ spoke to a great deal of our worries and problems in the United States of America.

For this particular tale revolved around the death of a journalism professor, under odd circumstances. In that, he was a well-liked man, respected by his students and genuinely kept his nose clean and just lived a good life. So, it was shocking that he died by way of murder, and it was so heinous a crime that it brought the mayor and others to bear upon the NYPD and the DA’s office. Largely because, the deceased was married to one of the city’s most famous judges, and that meant swift justice had to take place, but the team struggled with that. Because of how good a man he was. Because any traditional lead was a waste of time because of the good nature of his soul. Which prompted Lieutenant Brady to look at his wife, and well, that’s when they started getting somewhere.

Because she had some suspicious ties to individuals on campus, and she was also keeping secrets regarding her alibi and it eventually became clear, that her choices brought about the end of her husband. She didn’t do it, mind you, but her political views and a conflict with someone that was hoping to work with her regarding that, led to a missed opportunity and fury, the kind that led to the violence in question and led to a harrowing case. Where the DA’s office was stymied at every turn and was unable to get the end result they wanted. Mainly because the mayor stepped in to close this case as quickly as possible, without the much-needed testimony of the judge. Who had some substance abuse secrets in her closet and didn’t want that exposed, regardless of the justice it would impart.

So, a plea was reached, and the commentary was palpable. In that, this episode clearly was designed to reflect two key elements of our world. The fact that we are supremely polarized as a society right now over political and societal issues. To the point where people are indeed choosing to cut ties over political conflict and those removed, are willing to fight back over that. Not to mention, that power play from the mayor of the city, to quell this and keep reputation intact, speaks volumes to the corrupt nature of our system and our politicians. Since so many are willing to do what must be done to scratch one another’s backs over the right thing taking place and that made… for a frustrating episode to say the least, and that is indeed most certainly, a compliment.

Because we need to be reminded of the flaws of our imperfect system and imperfect society, not to think poorly of it, but to improve it. Because that’s what it needs, our attention and our care and real reforms so we can find common ground again and so real justice and accountability can be served, without concern about optics and how the good ol’ boys play ball. But it was indeed shocking to see this series be the one to speak to that, since this isn’t the usual place to do that. But when you’re a show this big and this important, why not? Why not stand up and say something worthwhile? And truly, it will be interesting to see what other important lessons about the world await us as this new season continues along. Until next time.

---

Watch ‘Law & Order’

Powered by JustWatch