'Law and Order' in its prime had so many great things. Very seldom less than solid acting. Suitably hard-boiled writing. Compelling stories frequently inspired by real life cases (what is meant by "ripped from the headlines"). Its bravery in tackling different themes and issues and not showing any signs of trivialising. The nice mix of law and order, generally well balanced. Season 1 may not be prime 'Law and Order' but it started it off more than solidly.
This solidity is apparent in "The Serpent's Tooth", inspired by the Menendez brothers case. We're now towards the end of the first season and the standard was remarkably consistently high with not a bad episode, the weakest still being good ("Everybody's Favourite Bagman" in my view, "Prisoner of Love" also underwhelmed a little but again still pretty good). "The Serpent's Tooth" is not one of the high-points while also not being one of the lesser ones, would put it somewhere in the solid middle.
While all the supporting cast do fine, nobody properly stands out with guest supporting turns in other episodes making more of an impression.
But there is not really anything that "The Serpent's Tooth" does wrong. It just misses the extra something of the best episodes that had more tension and emotional impact, particularly the ones that tackled difficult issues and fearlessly.
Having said that, "The Serpent's Tooth" looks typically great for a 'Law and Order' episode. Have always loved the show's, and that is true for the whole franchise actually, slick style and that is not lost here. The music avoids being over-dramatic or obvious, even when things are revealed. The theme tune never ceases to stick in the head while not being annoying. The writing is as ever tightly structured and thought-provoking and the story is neatly handled and pacey enough, with things not being what they seem.
It, meaning the episode and its story, started off with what seemed like a (very well done) standard quite open and shut case, especially if you are familiar with the case it's inspired by. Then later on, one is caught by surprise and the case is one that is seen in a completely different light. The procedural/investigation element is intriguing and the trial aspect makes one think hard about what their stance is on the case. The regulars are good, the chemistry between George Dzundza and Chris Noth, the latter having the marginally better material though, is settling all the time. Michael Moriarty is full of authority and the juiciness of his acting and Stone's character makes him fun to watch.
Summarising, a lot to like here but something is missing a little. 8/10
This solidity is apparent in "The Serpent's Tooth", inspired by the Menendez brothers case. We're now towards the end of the first season and the standard was remarkably consistently high with not a bad episode, the weakest still being good ("Everybody's Favourite Bagman" in my view, "Prisoner of Love" also underwhelmed a little but again still pretty good). "The Serpent's Tooth" is not one of the high-points while also not being one of the lesser ones, would put it somewhere in the solid middle.
While all the supporting cast do fine, nobody properly stands out with guest supporting turns in other episodes making more of an impression.
But there is not really anything that "The Serpent's Tooth" does wrong. It just misses the extra something of the best episodes that had more tension and emotional impact, particularly the ones that tackled difficult issues and fearlessly.
Having said that, "The Serpent's Tooth" looks typically great for a 'Law and Order' episode. Have always loved the show's, and that is true for the whole franchise actually, slick style and that is not lost here. The music avoids being over-dramatic or obvious, even when things are revealed. The theme tune never ceases to stick in the head while not being annoying. The writing is as ever tightly structured and thought-provoking and the story is neatly handled and pacey enough, with things not being what they seem.
It, meaning the episode and its story, started off with what seemed like a (very well done) standard quite open and shut case, especially if you are familiar with the case it's inspired by. Then later on, one is caught by surprise and the case is one that is seen in a completely different light. The procedural/investigation element is intriguing and the trial aspect makes one think hard about what their stance is on the case. The regulars are good, the chemistry between George Dzundza and Chris Noth, the latter having the marginally better material though, is settling all the time. Michael Moriarty is full of authority and the juiciness of his acting and Stone's character makes him fun to watch.
Summarising, a lot to like here but something is missing a little. 8/10
