Vengeance

Prosecutors would cooperate by deciding which murder is the stronger case to try that one first. Then ein or lose try the next. Also detectives are very sensitive to not blow a case with excessive interrogation.

Unbelievable, unwatchable.

'Law and Order' may not have been in its absolute prime yet, understandable though as it was still early days at this point. The pre-Briscoe seasons and episodes were still good though, with some fine episodes and not really any that one would call a misfire. It is a shame that the early seasons and episodes are not aired more often, as the show was a lot better in its early years in my opinion but neglected in favour of late and post-Briscoe.

Along with "Confession", "Asylum", "God Bless the Child" and "Heaven" (as far as the previous second season episodes go that is), "Vengeance" for me was one of the standout episodes of Season 2. Which was as an overall whole nearly as good as the first season with a couple of improvements, with even the weakest episodes still being quite good, yet not with as many brilliant episodes and not being as settled oddly enough (with having to adjust to a good deal of change). "Vengeance" is one of the season's brilliant outings, with interesting characters, memorable exchanges, some of the season's best writing and acting and a case that leaves one riveted and shocked.

The acting for one thing is terrific, with Michael Moriarty and Richard Brooks giving some of their finest acting of the show with their chemistry being scintillating and adding so much to the impact of their exchanges. Paul Sorvino and Chris Noth also give taut performances and their interaction has come on a lot since the beginning of the season. Commanding Allen Garfield and affecting Barbara Berrie are strong in support, but along with Moriarty the standout performance comes from James Rebhorn. One doesn't expect the type of character he plays to be acted with so much understatement and it is understated acting that evokes both chills and pathos.

"Vengeance" is remarkable for its depiction of interrogation, one of agreed the few 'Law and Order' episodes to properly with full impact show what interrogations are like without going too far. Stone and Robinette's exchanges are powerfully written, standing out in an episode full of some of the season's most emotionally impactful and tightest writing, and raises many intriguing questions about such a difficult subject handled with tension and sensitivity. It's difficult to not root for the parents and Cheney is an interesting character that is more complex than one expects for a suspected serial killer. The story always compels, is never obvious and never feels confused.

Have no qualms with the production values, as slick as ever. Or with the music, not intrusive or overscored even in revelation moments. Or the sympathetic direction.

In conclusion, brilliant and a Season 2 high point. 10/10

Rutanya Alda's performance as James Rebhorn's wife haunted me. She conveyed the process of coming to terms with the facts of the case very well.

I feel like this episode was really drawn out a lot like there was just a lot more shots and scenes that were placed in to drag it out but essentially it wasn't as much a mystery to most of the episodes that this one had it was pretty clear cut from the beginning just a lot of hiccups here and there for the DA's office but for the most part I like the episodes where it's difficult to see how it's going to end and you watch the two sides work their hardest to get it done but in this episode I felt like it was pretty clear cut but they wanted to drag it out.

I love the earliest seasons of Law and Order because I feel that there is a lot more genuineality And Humanity that's there The acting Way better than the later Shows in my opinion Svu gets the most claim but I think I enjoy watching the earlier Seasons Of just Law and Order Not every episode has to do with sex just crime.

When a couple of parents think they've found a way to get the jurisdiction of their daughter's homicide transferred to Connecticut which is their home and has the death penalty this becomes a source of contention for the District Attorney. Connecticut has the death penalty and New York didn't at the time this episode was filmed. The ethics of it gets tossed around by Steven Hill, Michael Moriarty, and Richard Brooks. Besides Moriarty is convinced that these grieving parents aren't above a little perjury in their claims.

This particular killer is played by James Rebhorn and he's in the normally non-violent producing occupation of accountant. He doesn't get much in the way of lines, but throughout the episode he carries a look of unredeemable sadness, like he was wishing it would all end. Something his very good attorney Allen Garfield is not about to see happen.

I'd check this one, the episodes before Jerry Orbach are not generally broadcast. As much as I loved Orbach as Lenny Briscoe, I always thought Paul Sorvino had a lot to recommend him as the lead cop in the series.