This was a difficult subject to tackle and is always worthy of much debate. It is also one that is going to hit home with anybody in oncology or/and anybody works for and with the terminally ill in particular. Will always admire any visual media that explores it and the dilemma the defendant was in, and it is an issue not talked about enough, and 'Law and Order', regardless of the execution, has always been admirable in tackling heavy and controversial topics.
"Compassion" has one of the more difficult and controversial topics of Season 14, and holds nothing back in its handling of it while also doing so tactfully. Not an easy balance to get right. It is a very good episode and nearly great, that is not one of the very best of Season 14 but in the better half generally. A long way from one of the worst in a season that didn't really have any real misfires. The very interesting character that is the defendant is what "Compassion" is worth seeing for.
Like quite a lot of 'Law and Order' episodes, the second half is better than the first. The investigative portion does intrigue and is well acted, but doesn't have the tension and complexity of the legal portion and not much is innovative.
With the exceptions of like four or five appearances or so, Southerlyn very rarely did anything for me as a character and Elisabeth Rohm is very flat and robotic in personality.
However, so much is good. It is shot with the right amount of intimacy without being claustrophobic and that the editing has become increasingly tighter over-time has been great too. Nice use of locations too. The music doesn't get over-scored or overwrought, even in the more dramatic revelation moments. The direction doesn't try to do too much and is understated but never flat or unsure.
As said, the subject matter is handled with uncompromising force but also tact without taking sides. It was hard to not feel for the defendant despite their actions due to their point of view being understandable. The victim is one of the most hateful ones in a long time. Nothing felt heavy handed or confused here. The story is compelling, with a good deal of emotion felt in the legal portion. The acting is very good on the whole, with the best performance coming from a quite affecting Ann Dowd.
Concluding, very good with many excellent things. 8/10.