When it comes to talking about the early seasons of 'Law and Order', 'Special Victims Unit' and 'Criminal Intent', those for 'Law and Order' were to me the most consistent in quality. Seasons 1-10 had some disappointments but were overall of a solid standard, whereas 'Special Victims Unit' was already inconsistent by its Season 7 and 'Criminal Intent' for half its run (both with outstanding episodes, but when 'Special Victims Unit' in particular missed it misfired big time.
Found myself very impressed by 'Law and Order's' penultimate season Season 19, and wasn't expecting to after finding this particular partnership less than promising to begin with (Lupo and Bernard fortunately have come on a long way since). Only two episodes didn't do much for me and another episode disappointed, but all the others were good to brilliant. One of the best and most powerful is "Promote This", made by the twist and one supporting performance.
It is at its weakest in the slightly too ordinary first quarter and the very ending felt slightly abrupt.
"Promote This" otherwise is truly excellent. The production values are solid and the intimacy of the photography doesn't get static or too filmed play-like. The music when used is not too over-emphatic and has a melancholic edge that is quite haunting. The direction is sympathetic enough without being leaden. The script is tight and thoughtful, especially in the cross examination.
The story is always compelling and is both disturbing and heart wrenching, the twist really took me by surprise and is very affecting. It's intricate but easy to follow still, the verdict is also interesting while the climax sears in tention. The acting is very good from all, with some of the best support acting of the season. Teresa Yenque in particular hits hard, particularly when on the stand.
In conclusion, great and one of the best episodes of the second half of the season. 9/10.