Law & Order (TV Series) Discord (1993) User Reviews

Discordant jeopardy

[TheLittleSongbird · 7/10 · 3 September 2020]

That 'Law and Order', and the franchise in general, even dared to tackle such heavy and bold topical subjects that are still relevant now and not hold back on the execution is something that always should be applauded. The previous two episodes of Season 4 (as did the previous seasons, and many episodes since Season 4) did that, especially "Volunteers" which also fared better in the execution. "Discord" is also no exception, with the subject being more controversial.

"Discord" mostly handles the subject and conflict of whether it was forcible rape or not very well. Though there are episodes of the season, the show and the show that are a lot better, bolder, have more emotional impact and fare better at bringing something new to very familiar territory for the franchise and the genre. "Discord" is a very well done episode don't get me wrong, most components being done to good to great standard. Just not a great one or one that had me jumping out of my chair.

It is a touch routine at times, not much surprises here from it being familiar ground in concept and content. Actually like Kincaid on the whole and it is a shame that she didn't last more seasons, but her unprofessionalism here is sackable offense-worthy.

What also would have made "Discord" better would if the victim was more likeable and rootable, rather than being one where doubts are raised in the head not far in.

However, there is a lot done well. The acting is very good, Michael Moriarty is full of authority, Jill Hennessy is elegant and Jerry Orbach and Chris Noth have such great chemistry, Orbach's delivery of the wisecracks and his hard boiled edge never got old. Absolutely agree with one reviewer regarding S. Epatha Merkeson, with her mix of authoritative firmless and sensitivity there is good reason as to why she was one of the franchise's longest serving cast members (the longest for this show?). Lucy Deakins was good and Sebastian Roche's character does have a creepy quality about him which he portrays very well. It's assuredly directed throughout, especially in the second half.

The production values are slick as always and the music is haunting and doesn't overbear. The script is very thought-provoking and has a tautness, the tension between Stone and Kincaid is particularly well written. One is totally on Stone's side in this case. The story doesn't bring much new to the table and is slightly bland on occasion, but it handles the subject with intelligence and without laying it on too thick and it is always appreciated when a show/film etc. makes the point of some cases and situations having accusations that are difficult to prove against somebody famous. It is hardly out of date now and is very, and always has been, true to life.

All in all, well done but not great. 7/10

Life's a Funny Old Dog

[kdspringer-72759 · 8/10 · 1 March 2022]

This is an entertaining episode, though perhaps with an unconvincing conclusion. But I just want to write about one element.

About three quarters of the way into the episode, EADA Stone (Moriarty) effectively dismisses ADA Kincaid (Hennesy) for a mistake she made that seriously jeopardized their case. Later, he rethinks this and gives her a second chance.

So she remained on as Stone's assistant through the end of season 4, and then becomes EADA Jack McCoy's (Waterston) assistant (and lover) in seasons 5 and 6 when he replaces Stone. But in this position and with this relationship, at the end of season 6 she dies prematurely and tragically.

But what if Stone really had dismissed her? The whole trajectory of her career and life would have changed. She probably never becomes McCoy's asst when he replaces Stone. And she might very well be alive today.

As Jack McCoy said ruefully to former ADA Jamie Ross in a later episode in season 10 ("Justice") . . . "Life's a funny old dog."

Mr Big

[safenoe · 7/10 · 19 October 2023]

Discord deals with power and rock and roll and the notions of groupies being drawn in by rock stars and the allure of it all. This episode, which debuted on 6 October 1993, so just over 30 years ago, is likely to be unsettling for some so it ain't for everyone really. Anyway, who is to be believed, the rock star or the accuser, who is young enough to be a a young daughter. I like the early seasons of Law and Order with the Serpico atmosphere.

I'm enjoying catching up on the early seasons of Law and Order, along with Father Brown, Magnum, P. I. (the original one) and also Superstore and Barry.

Entitled

[bkoganbing · 5/10 · 12 June 2018]

This episode involves a woman who claims maybe a bit late that the sex she had with rock star Sebastian Roche was not consensual. Lucy Deakins who is not sure whether she wants to be a groupie or not and maybe if the sex was too rough she can still come out ahead.

This episode which in the next decade would have been on the sister program SVU shows how truly difficult rape of a celebrity is to prove. Not to say that Roche doesn't feel his status as rock star gives makes him entitled.

Deakins is not the greatest of victims either and she even perjures herself at one point. The case also causes discord between Michael Moriarty and Jill Hennessy at one point.

You won't know how this one will go right up to the end.

Rape?

[rmax304823 · 3 September 2011]

It's an above-average series that occasionally touches on some important social issue, in this case rape -- or, rather, the accusation of rape. It's based on an actual incident involving a celebrity whose name I forget. A young girl is invited to a rock star's hotel room for an autograph or something and the rock star takes what he wants regardless of her protests.

Forcible rape is always of interest. In the first place, sexual and aggressive behavior are assumed by some psychologists to be antagonistic responses. If a man has just had a fierce argument with his wife, does he really want to make love to her? Do people really "make up" that way or is it pluralistic ignorance, in which people think other people do it? Of course, since it does happen, the rapists are unusual people whose mental composition should be studied.

Second, it's easy to make an accusation of rape after willing sexual congress, especially when the person accused is wealthy and prominent and likely to buy the victim off. Even in the absence of a monetary reward, there is the payoff associated with victimhood, what Freud called secondary gain.

The principals here are Moriarty and Hill, joined by Jill Hennessy, who looks elegantly gorgeous the way some models do. The detectives are Noth and Orbach. But someone should point out that S. Epatha Merkeson is a splendid actress, at least in this role. Her predecessor, Dann Florek, was fine too, but his masculinity masked his anima. Merkeson can be stern, efficient, and simmer with anger, but she's never for a moment bullying, and her sense of humor is ironic. It's a tough combination of traits to pull off but she does it, and never better than in this episode.