For Love or Money (Season 12, Episode 3)
By Hank74
Opener: 3/5
1st Section: 18/20
2nd Section: 22/25
3rd Section: 24/25
4th Section: 25/25
Total Grade: 92/100 or an A-
Notes:
This ep started slow in the beginning, but it certainly picked up as the hour
went on. By the time the hour ended, it was on fire.
I loved the very ending after the verdict. This was a rare time where we don't
see the main players until when Lennie, Jack, and Ed arrest the woman for
murdering her husband. Do you think that judge had a hunch about how this would
be played out by not having two trials?
I loved the twists and turns of where this was going. First the mob, then a
federal witness (played by the man who shot Cerretta), then allegations of
sexual abuse, then sleazy lawyers, then a defense attorney impeaching his own
witness. This began with elements of "Purple Heart" from season 5,
then ended with "Girlfriends" in reverse as the mother accuses the
daughter of murder. I got a sense that Jack grilled the daughter some more after
the acquittal and after facing his pressure, decided to cooperate. This even
had a little bit of "Matrimony" in it with the final scene. I think
L&O is trying any little trick or something that we haven't seen and aren't
expected to see. Bravo though for keeping me in suspense until the very end.
The credits had the widow as Cathy Moriarty-Gentile. I guess she got married
not too long ago. Fine performance by her. But she has to be one of the most
depised criminals ever on L&O, in the same ballpark with Dr. Lowenstein and
Dr. Merritt. I would trust Melanie Cullen from "Wages of Love" before
I trust this woman. Maybe an Emmy nod for Ms. Moriarty-Gentile. I wonder what
MM has to say about this.
They went back to the regular "In the criminal justice system"
beginner with this ep. But never should we forget those who lost their lives
and those who tried to save them on that awful day one month from tomorrow.
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