Teenage Wasteland
By Hank74
Lennie-10/10
Ed-10/10
Van Buren-9/10
Jack-10/10
Abby-10/10
Nora-10/10
Guests-10/10
Semis-10/10
Plot-9/10
Performance-10/10
Total Grade: 98/100 or a solid A+.
Notes:
The best way to describe this show would be the first half looked like
"Thrill" the season 8 opener while the second half was like the
classic season 6 ep "Savages." I loved how this show took on the
issue of the death penalty and how young a person can be to receive it. Now I
would like to see an ep on the flipside of whether the elderly can receive it
also.
This ep will be best known not for the twists and turns or suprises, but rather
for the emotion and intensity of the issue. The ending was too powerful. But I
think some sting was taken off when "Savages" came on the air four
years ago. Had it not been for "Savages" though, or if no one has
seen before, this ep tonight would have captivated your attention and at least
give you some pause whether you support the death penalty or not.
It was interesting to see a lawyer from Texas representing the teenager in
court. I thought we would have Mr. Burton from Texas in "The Secret
Sharers" representing him. But I was very impressed with Murphy Guyer's
portrayal of him. He is very versatile and has been a great guest actor over
the years on L&O. I would really be interested if they had a scene with him
and Abby talking about the DP, teenagers and Texas.
The scene of Nora and the other EADA's was terrific! They need to do more of
this in controversial cases like this. Could you imagine if Michael Moriarty
had not gone off the deep end. Let's suppose that instead of resigning, he took
a sabbatical but Jack comes in anyway. I would have loved the scene between Ben
and Jack over the death penalty issue.
Abby with glasses. Wow! It seems she and Nora are compatitable and get along
well. Nora is definitely more restrained compared to Jack and Abby. But she was
great in this ep and we need to see more of her passion and compassion.
Great to see one of our favorites, Judge Schrieber back to the bench. Bring
back more of our favorites please.
Finally, this would have been a great time to bring back Adam in a guest role
to see what he thinks about the teenagers and the DP. Also, I could imagine the
reaction Claire would have given is she were alive.
This was a old topic, but also broke new ground. The ep was simple but
effective. I don't think any particular group will ask for this ep to be
yanked. This is the way L&O should be.
How do you look at this ep and do you think teenagers should receive the death
penalty? A must taper next time around.
What do you think? Email me!