It's hard to believe the original Law and Order run ended on such a high note -- and that it was barely a dozen years before the awful reboot. Everything about this episodes shines compared to the limp, dull-witted reboot. The production values are high, the writing is taut, the acting is realistic, and the directing in on point. It makes a point without being an issues episode. The pitiful reboot looks and feels anemic compared to this.
A numbskull teen sexts a pic of herself topless, which her parents discover. Of course, the pic gets spread around the Internet, causing the parents to go to the police. During that investigation, the squad discovers someone is stockpiling weapons and materials to attack a school.
The rest of the episode becomes one of the few that is all about the investigation -- the only courtroom moment involves a grand jury that is more concerned about the privacy of teenagers -- what exactly do they think they are they hiding? -- than their safety. Meanwhile, everyone involved gets a good look at why so many teachers are leaving the profession today -- the low pay, long hours, constant threats, bullying from parents and administrators, and, as one professional puts it, "all the responsibility and none of the authority."
No, the episode doesn't have any answers, but all of these assaults to teachers becomes germane to who ultimately is the attacker. And there are some flaws, such as Sam Waterston bullying a teachers union lawyer (which is ironic given how much the episode shows educators being pushed around) and, of course, Anthony Anderson.
At the same time, the episode concludes the arc for Lt. Van Buren, the last great leader on the show. Compared to the awful Manhands in the reboot, Van Buren is smart, decisive, independent, and colorful. She's a true leader and not just someone with a title.
It's a shame the series was cancelled at that point. With the momentum, it could have continued for years in excellence. But the reboot is like a child's dress up game by comparison, a coloring book with nothing crayoned in. Hard to believe the series was so good once.
A numbskull teen sexts a pic of herself topless, which her parents discover. Of course, the pic gets spread around the Internet, causing the parents to go to the police. During that investigation, the squad discovers someone is stockpiling weapons and materials to attack a school.
The rest of the episode becomes one of the few that is all about the investigation -- the only courtroom moment involves a grand jury that is more concerned about the privacy of teenagers -- what exactly do they think they are they hiding? -- than their safety. Meanwhile, everyone involved gets a good look at why so many teachers are leaving the profession today -- the low pay, long hours, constant threats, bullying from parents and administrators, and, as one professional puts it, "all the responsibility and none of the authority."
No, the episode doesn't have any answers, but all of these assaults to teachers becomes germane to who ultimately is the attacker. And there are some flaws, such as Sam Waterston bullying a teachers union lawyer (which is ironic given how much the episode shows educators being pushed around) and, of course, Anthony Anderson.
At the same time, the episode concludes the arc for Lt. Van Buren, the last great leader on the show. Compared to the awful Manhands in the reboot, Van Buren is smart, decisive, independent, and colorful. She's a true leader and not just someone with a title.
It's a shame the series was cancelled at that point. With the momentum, it could have continued for years in excellence. But the reboot is like a child's dress up game by comparison, a coloring book with nothing crayoned in. Hard to believe the series was so good once.