LAW & ORDER:

THE SECOND YEAR

REVIEWED BY CHARITY BISHOP

Our rating: 3 out of 5

Because of: cases dealing with sexual crimes, language, violence

Rated:

Things changed in the precinct on Law & Order's second season, starting with the brutal and unapologetic murder of a main character. With the series picking up speed and setting new records in the annuals of television history through tight-nit plots and controversial episodes, the popular show made its mark on audiences in an unforgettable second year.

The night before partners Nick Logan (Chris Noth) and Max Greevey (George Dzundza) are due to testify in a high profile grand jury summons concerning corrupt city politicians and purloined building supplies, Greevey is murdered. With the precinct reeling from his death, it becomes an all-out manhunt to find the cop-killer responsible. Leaks in the department and grand jury lead Logan to use aggressive tactics to apprehend the murderer, while brushing off the advice of court psychologist Dr. Elizabeth Olivet (Carolyn McCormick). Captain Cragen (Dann Florek) knows how close to snapping Logan is and assigns him a new partner in the form of mild-mannered Phil Cerreta (Paul Sorvino). But even the new partner cannot prevent the inevitable, an action that lands Logan a possible suspension and damages the case Assistant Distract Attorney Ben Stone (Michael Moriarty) must take before a trial judge.

While Logan and Cerreta overcome personal demons in order to be successful partners, Stone goes head to head with his boss Adam Schiff (Steven Hill) on numerous cases as they prosecute racists, rapists, religious fanatics, and arsonists. The second season fell into a formula that continued in the 16 years that followed of tight writing, fast-moving plot lines, and intense courtroom drama. We see evidence suppressed and thrown out on technicalities, cops slapped on the wrist for badgering confessions from witnesses, and more than one attorney shout it out over a plea bargain meeting. It's top acting all around and utter brilliance as the "ripped from the headlines" cases bring to the surface a slew of controversial opinions. No matter where you stand politically, L&O has your number.

I really liked the second season because I had gotten into the groove of the characters and the show found its purpose. Some of the rough edges of the first season were polished over and it granted us the opportunity to move into the physiological aspect of many of its cases. The entrance of Olivet as one of the show's strongest long-lasting supporting players lends a much-needed female presence. Her interaction with the detectives and attorneys, as well as glimpses into her criminal interrogations, branch out in directions the show shied away from in the past. It also introduces us to Danielle Melnick, one of the show's more infamous defense attorneys (she makes Jack McCoy's life miserable in later seasons) and has guest appearances by Ron Rifkin, Phillip Seymour-Hoffman, and other well known television personalities. There is some good stuff here, along with fantastic episodes. The pathological killer in the form of a fifteen year old boy. The homicidal landowner forcing her tenants out. The obsessive fan that brutalizes the object of his fantasies in the park. It's no picnic and the show wades through a heavy share of dead bodies, bloodstained rooms, and gruesome evidence.

There is your common street profanity and innuendo. Most of the crimes happen off camera but we see the results: a charred body still smoking in an alley after being set on fire, a room spattered with blood, shady photographs in a serial killer's lockbox. Victims turn up with bullet and stab wounds. Several cases revolve around rape charges ("Out of Control" is the most brutal) with discussion of the crimes. "Aria" uncovers disgusting details involving the pornographic industry. "In Memory Of" has a mention of gay couples and pedophiles; transvestites turn up as witnesses in "Asylum" and "Star Struck." "Vengeance" has a serial killer who leaves his victims' bodies nude (brief photographs of the victims are seen). "Sisters of Mercy" is a somewhat brutal investigation of allegations against a nun for sexual abuse. "Silence" revolves around the murder of a homosexual. There are numerous instances of adultery between suspects and several cases where an adult is involved in a relationship with a minor.

The show enjoys digging up interesting cases and putting a political spin on them, but doesn't have an agenda. It allows the audience to discern where their feelings lie. There were times when I respected the opinion of the prosecutors but did not always agree with them, and that's the good thing about Law & Order ... you have the freedom to disagree without having an opposing view shoved down your throat. It's well worth it for new fans or those wishing to discover the record-setting show's roots.