Burden

Apparently not many L & O fans are also hockey fans, but the writers of this episode must be. Almost the entire cast of characters (apart from the regulars) are named after well-known NHL players: Semenko, Sutter, Cashman, Lindros, Nicholls, Gilbert, Hodge, McSorley, Goring, Howe and Anderson.

Still remember very vividly how much "Burden" struck a chord with me on first watch. Just the devastating subject matter alone is enough to move one to tears, even those that don't have children (like me). Not that this surprised me though because 'Law and Order', as a show and as a franchise, often is a harrowing watch, because of its unyielding approach to tough topics. Which has always been one of its, and the franchise's, most admirable traits.

On re-watches, "Burden" is not one of the best episodes of Season 8 or of 'Law and Order'. It is still great and actually appreciate it in a way even more so now, with more of an understanding on this tough and controversial subject matter. One that has strong opinions on both sides and evokes a lot of emotions. Anybody about to sit down for the first time watching the episode should be warned about not expecting it to be an easy watch, though actually considering the subject and the show itself that can be expected.

As always, "Burden" a slickly made episode, the editing especially having come on quite a bit from when the show first started (never was it a problem but it got more fluid with each episode up to this stage). The music is sparingly used and never seemed melodramatic, the theme tune easy to remember as usual. The direction is sympathetic enough without being too low key on the whole.

Furthermore, the script is thoughtful and flows well. Especially later on. The story is truly heart-wrenching and the most emotional parts devastating, was actually welling up even in the first scenes which just shows how much and how quickly the subject connected with me.

Have no issues with the acting from any of the regulars. Even better is John Hodiak, who really gets under the skin. John Procaccino is very moving in the very hard-hitting interrogation scene.

Maybe the ending is on the slightly rushed side.

But otherwise, great. 9/10.

The paraplegic adolescent son of John Procaccino and Maryann Plunkett is found dead. But the ME's examination makes this a homicide.

Of course it's the family where the attention first goes. But some inadvertent comments by a hospital orderly make Jerry Orbach and Benjamin Bratt focus on Dr. John Hickok who has a nasty record of patients getting dead around him.

J.K. Simmons offers an interesting insight into this doctor's mindset. Sam Waterston uses it in his cross examination, but Hickok is a slippery witness who thinks fast on his feet.

There's an interesting coda after the verdict comes in regard to the parents.

Nicely done story with a good performance from Hickok.

Eerily similar story to Dr Michael Swango a prolific physician serial killer. Check out the book Blind Eye by James Stewart. As always, they do such a great job on law and order