The idea for the case was an interesting one and 'Law and Order' was more often than not very good at addressing subjects in need of addressing, subjects that always did need addressing and ones that still need addressing. It was always welcome to see the re-curring character of Shambala Green, really liked her as a character and Lorraine Toussaint played her brilliantly (a contender for her best appearance being in "Skin Deep") and it was sad she didn't make more appearances.
Something that is very clear in "Jurisdiction". It is a great episode in its own way that does very nearly everything right, towards the better end of the quality spectrum as far as the overall solid Season 3 goes. Albeit "Jurisdiction" also is a slight let down after two outstanding previous episodes and slightly lacks the extra something of the best and particularly powerful episodes. The two previous episodes, especially "Mother Love", being two of the biggest examples of the third season.
"Jurisdiction" doesn't really have very much wrong, nothing major really. In comparison, it slightly lacks the intensity and emotion of the previous two episodes. Just ever so slightly bland but that was not unexpected in a way considering it did have to follow on from a heart-breaker of a previous episode in "Mother Love".
Cannot fault the production values, which have the right amount of gritty yet non-flashy atmosphere. The direction is both alert and accomodating and the music fits the tone without over-emphasising. The performances from all the regulars are very good, authoritative yet amusing Jerry Orbach and equally authoritative in a more purposeful way Michael Moriarty standing out.
Dan Hedaya gives the best performance of the supporting cast, bone-chilling as an amoral character. The other standout is Toussaint in another one of her welcome nuanced turns as Shambala Green. Her opposition is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Words that can sum up the whole script too. The case is very intriguing, it may not be one of the season's most intense or emotionally investable but it is diverting and twisty enough without being muddled or trying to do too much.
In conclusion, extremely good. 9/10
Something that is very clear in "Jurisdiction". It is a great episode in its own way that does very nearly everything right, towards the better end of the quality spectrum as far as the overall solid Season 3 goes. Albeit "Jurisdiction" also is a slight let down after two outstanding previous episodes and slightly lacks the extra something of the best and particularly powerful episodes. The two previous episodes, especially "Mother Love", being two of the biggest examples of the third season.
"Jurisdiction" doesn't really have very much wrong, nothing major really. In comparison, it slightly lacks the intensity and emotion of the previous two episodes. Just ever so slightly bland but that was not unexpected in a way considering it did have to follow on from a heart-breaker of a previous episode in "Mother Love".
Cannot fault the production values, which have the right amount of gritty yet non-flashy atmosphere. The direction is both alert and accomodating and the music fits the tone without over-emphasising. The performances from all the regulars are very good, authoritative yet amusing Jerry Orbach and equally authoritative in a more purposeful way Michael Moriarty standing out.
Dan Hedaya gives the best performance of the supporting cast, bone-chilling as an amoral character. The other standout is Toussaint in another one of her welcome nuanced turns as Shambala Green. Her opposition is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Words that can sum up the whole script too. The case is very intriguing, it may not be one of the season's most intense or emotionally investable but it is diverting and twisty enough without being muddled or trying to do too much.
In conclusion, extremely good. 9/10
