This was a subject that resonated a lot with me, being somebody who has a sister in a (happy) same sex marriage but saw her being upset (me as well) by some of the friction that occurred when she came out. Have said a lot about appreciating 'Law and Order' when it addresses and explores challenging and controversial topics, and the one for "Girl Most Likely" is one of Season 12's most controversial. Not just back then but still is now, perhaps more so now.
"Girl Most Likely" struck me as a very good episode. Much better and more consistent than the uneven previous episode "Born Again", and in the better end in my view when it comes to ranking the inconsistent (not as much as Season 11 though) but generally solid if not outstanding Season 12. Did appreciate a lot how it addresses a difficult topic and the uncompromising but not heavy handed way it does so, which made me easy to connect with.
By all means "Girl Most Likely" isn't perfect. A bit ordinary to begin with and the ending was on the rushed side.
Southerlyn continues to be a deadweight, likewise with Elisabeth Rohm's acting. Have neglected to say in previous reviews that she and McCoy's chemistry was never really here when she was on the show, don't remember any spark or many instances where there was strong disagreements on both sides of the argument where both sides can be seen.
However, a lot is good. The production values are as professional as usual, and this aspect did come on a lot overtime with a sharper and slicker look growing with each season. The music is haunting while not intrusive or overused. The direction is sympathetic without being too low key. The script is intelligently written and taut, with a take no prisoners approach to the material. Briscoe's one-liners are always fun and the exchanges in the legal scenes are very thought-provoking.
The story is not predictable thanks to some sharp unexpected twists and turns, the truth was a surprise and not what one would think would be from the beginning with it being different to what it initially seemed. That prevents what sounds a little basic from being too ordinary, as does the tension in the legal scenes (i.e. How McCoy gets to the truth). The characters are interesting in both the policing and legal scenes, while the defendant is one that one doesn't completely feel sympathy for but doesn't hate due to a relatable plight. The acting on the whole is very good, particularly Sam Waterston and Caroline Dhavernas.
In conclusion, very well done. 8/10.
