'Law and Order' was a brilliant show in its prime and overall is actually my favourite of the 'Law and Order' franchise and out of it, 'Special Victims Unit' (the longest running) and 'Criminal Intent'. Despite not feeling the same post-Briscoe. Season 10 was a solid season on the whole and the newly introduced character of Green made a strong impression. It started off great with "Gunshow" and "Killerz" even better. Remembered "DNR" to be a very good episode, especially the emotional impact of the second half, the motive and Lindsay Crouse's performance.
While a bit of a let down after the previous episodes, "DNR" still stands out as a very good episode indeed, if more the second half than the first (not uncommon actually in previous episodes of 'Law and Order' and since). And for the same reasons as before in particular. It is not one of the best episodes of Season 10 or of 'Law and Order', but it is still highly recommended and handles a tough subject matter very well (again one of the show's biggest appeals).
Perhaps the first portion is slightly formulaic and not much unique content wise, with everything that stands out about the episode happening more in the second half.
Some of the truth, apart from the motive, was also not much of a surprise, having suspected the responsible due to it being a familiar trope.
But really there is not an awful lot wrong with "DNR". It does look good, with the usual slickness and subtle grit. Really liked too that the photography was simple and close up but doing so without being claustrophobic. The music has presence when used, and luckily it isn't constant, and when it is used it doesn't feel over-scored. The direction allows the drama to breathe while still giving it momentum as well.
Furthermore, the script is typically tight and intelligent with an uncompromising grit and lump to the throat emotion. McCoy gives another one of his spot on perpetrator summing ups. Much of the story is thoroughly absorbing and the second half is tense and poignant. The motive fascinates and really makes the perpetrator even more hateful than they already are. The subject is a tough one, it was explored very tactfully and powerfully here. The regulars are all great and Crouse's performance is still powerful especially once the truth is out. John Heard shows a different side to him expertly.
Overall, very good if not quite great. 8/10.