Of all the post-Season 10 seasons (when 'Law and Order' became less consistent), Season 14 is perhaps the best. Due to having the highest number of great and more episodes in its season and having no average or less ones. Even the weakest, for me that was "Blaze", is decent. Its season finale "C. O. D" is also notable for being the final episode of Lennie Briscoe, one of the franchise's deservedly best loved characters, before Jerry Orbach's death not long after.
"C. O. D" is a wonderful episode, one of the best of Season 14 and when it comes to the season finale on 'Law and Order' it is one of my favourites and the best in quite some time. It is also a perfect send off to Briscoe, this is how to say farewell to a character where it is clear that the character was loved and not treat them indifferently or get rid of them in a cheap way. Have seen examples of those throughout the franchise, but this was how to do it right. As an episode of 'Law and Order', it's wonderful in every way.
Where to begin with the praise? The acting is excellent, Orbach really moved me here and his chemistry with Jesse L Martin (also proving himself to be a fine co-star) was beautifully acted and written, where Green showed clear respect for Briscoe and showed great sadness. Briscoe and Green, as has been said quite a few times, were my favourite lead police pairing, and it is episodes like "C. O. D" that show why. Sam Waterston does authoritative and cunning spot on and Elisabeth Rohm gives one of her too few non-problematic Southerlyn performances in an episode where Southerlyn wasn't too inept a character.
Furthermore, the photography and such as usual are fully professional, the slickness still remaining. The music is used sparingly and is haunting and non-overwrought when it is used, and it's mainly used when a crucial revelation or plot development is revealed. The direction has a lot of nice tension while keeping things steady, without going too far the other way. The writing is intelligent and although, like the show in general, there is a lot of talk it doesn't feel long-winded.
Both the investigating and legal subplots are brilliantly done and it doesn't feel to me too much like two stories in one, instead two different subplots that connect together. The legal scenes however have the slight edge as that's when the case becomes more complex and shocking. Which is an incredibly clever and intricate one, and that there is much more to the truth than what it initially seems. Loved the Hitchcockian vibe some of the episode had. If there was a favourite scene here, it would be the truly poignant final scene between Briscoe and Green.
Overall, outstanding way to end one of the best latter seasons. 10/10.
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