Law & Order (TV Series) Shotgun (2009) User Reviews

The Return of Bernhard Goetz

[bkoganbing · 7/10 · 26 July 2016]

How well I remember the story of the subway vigilante Bernhard Goetz who shot four urban youths who were harassing him on the subway. That is the basis for this Law And Order story which guest starred Elliott Gould as the 21st Century Goetz.

Only here Gould is an accountant who has operated in Harlem close to half a century and had a good reputation in the area. Three urban youths decided to hold up his place and were met with a surprise, Gould had a shotgun which was very deadly for two of them.

It wouldn't be Law And Order if there wasn't more involved. There is quite a bit more involved. But look for good performances from Gould as a most reluctant hero and from Jack Carpenter as a most privileged and spoiled trust fund baby type.

Explosive

[TheLittleSongbird · 9/10 · 7 March 2023]

One of the biggest appeals of 'Law and Order' has been the topics it addresses and issues that come with the topics addressed. Also with how they are explored, the execution more often than not was hardly sugar coated or trivialised and was often pull no punches in quality. There is also a ripped from the headlines element to the story, with the story seeming to be loosely based on the hard hitting and very controversial case of Bernhard Goetz, namely the nature of the crime and the perception of the perpetrator as either a cold blooded killer or a vigilante (the source of the conflict).

"Shotgun" struck me as a great episode, though that is a view that some may not share depending on one's feelings on the Goetz case and what one's perception is of the perpetrator in the episode. Both being controversial issues that will be and has been divisive. On the whole, "Shotgun" does very well with a very tough topic, though the execution isn't flawless, with plenty of hard hitting edge and intrigue. As far as Season 20 episodes go, although most likely one of the most controversial ones it's for me one of the better ones.

It does lose subtlety towards the end, where there is a little too much of a deciding what side is taken and making it very clear. Some of Bernard's character writing for example is on the heavy handed side, something that was never an issue before.

Everything else is great. It looks professional and the camerawork is neither overblown or static. The music has a haunting and not too melodramatic presence. The direction keeps things tight while allowing time to breathe. The script is intelligent, layered, lean and provokes a lot of thought, especially in most of the second half and the character writing of Elliot Gould's character.

The story is compelling and is intricate without being convoluted. The murderer or vigilante debate is mostly handled thoughtfully and in not too simplistic a manner. The perpetrator is fascinating, with part of the suspense and complexity stemming from whether you feel for/admire him or hate him. There was a good deal of flip flopping on my part, hating what they did but seeing their point of view when taking into account the circumstances and the why aspect of the crimes.

Acting all round is nothing short of excellent, with Gould dominating in a powerful and layered performance where it is easy to see both points of view.

Overall, great. 9/10.