I'm a little cynical about where public opinion is at and how it's trickling down into our tv shows and movies. As they do a dance to not be labelled offensive or act politically correct. I say this because 'Navy Blues' is an L&O episode telling a tale that I'm not sure you could get away with anymore. In 1997 no one batted a suspicious eye at this piece. Nowadays I'm not so sure this would be the case, but it doesn't change this is a fun trip that has some legitimate things to say.
Robert Stroud of the US Navy in NYC on leave is found shot in the head and at first it's thought to be the work of a violent mugger at large. However when the suspects gun doesn't match, Det. Briscoe (Jerry Orbach) & Curtis (Benjamin Bratt) turn their attention to an affair with his superior officer Lt. Blair (Kate Walsh). From there it's lie after lie and McCoy (Sam Waterston) finds himself battling the JAG office who's not going to help him tear down their poster girl for females in the military.
This episode is one of those rare joys for me with everything it has going on. A "ripped from the headlines" tale that retains many of the factual pieces in play minus actual murder. Suspect who can't tell the truth to save their life. Government forces getting it the way for their own selfish needs. A difference in viewpoints between McCoy & ADA Ross (Carey Lowell) for a female figure who's meant to be looked up to and a source of pride. One of those beautiful moments when the prosecution whips out evidence that leaves the testifying murderer with egg on their face in the courtroom.
'Navy Blues' settles down with a suspect early which means juicy details as the story unravels. Killers always make excuses in real life as in L&O. Here's it's the tried and true act of playing the victim, being a woman. It might not be anything new, but the mountain of lies, military element makes things a lot more fun. Plus you get one of those highly satisfying conclusions leaving you with a small piece to think about as the guilty parties keep to their story or try to save face.
Robert Stroud of the US Navy in NYC on leave is found shot in the head and at first it's thought to be the work of a violent mugger at large. However when the suspects gun doesn't match, Det. Briscoe (Jerry Orbach) & Curtis (Benjamin Bratt) turn their attention to an affair with his superior officer Lt. Blair (Kate Walsh). From there it's lie after lie and McCoy (Sam Waterston) finds himself battling the JAG office who's not going to help him tear down their poster girl for females in the military.
This episode is one of those rare joys for me with everything it has going on. A "ripped from the headlines" tale that retains many of the factual pieces in play minus actual murder. Suspect who can't tell the truth to save their life. Government forces getting it the way for their own selfish needs. A difference in viewpoints between McCoy & ADA Ross (Carey Lowell) for a female figure who's meant to be looked up to and a source of pride. One of those beautiful moments when the prosecution whips out evidence that leaves the testifying murderer with egg on their face in the courtroom.
'Navy Blues' settles down with a suspect early which means juicy details as the story unravels. Killers always make excuses in real life as in L&O. Here's it's the tried and true act of playing the victim, being a woman. It might not be anything new, but the mountain of lies, military element makes things a lot more fun. Plus you get one of those highly satisfying conclusions leaving you with a small piece to think about as the guilty parties keep to their story or try to save face.