*
By Hank74
Lennie-10/10
Ed-10/10
Van Buren-8/10
Jack-10/10
Serena-10/10
Arthur-8/10
Supporting Cast-8/10
Plot-8/10
Performance-8/10
Value-7/10
Total Grade-87/100
Notes:
Obviously when the promos came out, I was convinced TPTB
decided to write a story based on the Jayson Williams case. For those who don't
know, he was the former NJ Nets basketball star who is facing trial for the
murder of his limo driver. After the NBA, Williams did some TV work for NBC.
I presumed this was going to be a boring ep that looked
like a Xerox copy from the Williams case. I've always had this rule which says
the more profile the real life case receives, the more tweaking Mr. Wolf and
co. must do to keep the audience interested. In this instance, they did this
very well with more kudos going to the "Order" side.
Not only did they use the Williams case, but they also
mixed in the recent allegations of Mike Piazza of the Mets being gay and the controversy
about rampant steroid use in baseball. What they got from the finished product
was a good plot including an interesting theory of steroids making someone
insane. I also liked the judicial arguments made, plus the little sniping going
on about Jack's ethics being questioned.
Clearly, this ep is not at the same level as last week.
The question was would it at least be interesting and appealing enough. I say
this passed the test and is worthy of your time and consideration.