Whether you think of Law & Order 21×01, “The Right Thing,” as a reboot, a revival, or even just the beginning of something new, it’s definitely worth watching. And this is coming from someone who was more excited about “omg, Will Graham back on my TV” than about Law & Order classic making a return to television. After all, bringing the mothership back for a 21st season means there’s a potential for it to reach, or even one day surpass, the records set by SVU. And, I mean…That’s not cool.
Rooting for justice for the queen of procedurals aside, though, I actually enjoyed Law & Order 21×01. It was definitely far from perfect, and some of the attempts at addressing current events were a little bit…clunky, I think would be the word. Or, maybe you could say they were forced. With that being said, this is only the first episode of the Law & Order classic revival (or reboot, or whatever), and I’ll take awkward attempts at addressing bigger issues over no attempt at all any day. Besides which, once “The Right Thing” really gets into the story, the episode flies by. I was afraid, given the extra runtime, that I’d be bored to death—quite the opposite.
Thoughts on Law & Order 21×01 “The Right Thing”
- Hello, yes. I came for Hugh Dancy, and I was not at all disappointed. I love, love, love him in this!
- Ok but Nolan Price and Jack McCoy have this great dynamic that, unlike our two detectives on kind of opposite ends of the “more just” justice spectrum, actually works very well.
- And when you see Sam Waterston back as Jack McCoy, you can’t help but get excited.
- We do not, and will not, stan Frank.
- Forget about the men, though. Odelya Halevi steals the show in one scene in particular. You’ll know it when you see it. If not, where’s your taste?
- There are some really interesting questions raised by the case of the week here. Perhaps the most compelling part is just how well Halevi, as ADA Maroun, makes her case. It’s one of these “I can see this point of view, even if my feelings on the matter are what they are” moments. Considering both what’s at stake and what the defendant’s motives were here, I can’t praise the dialogue and the performance in that one scene enough.
- There is a dynamic. The senses are tingling.
- Am I disappointed in Camryn Manheim’s character and hoping she grows? Um, yeah. Am I disappointed in Manheim’s performance, though? Nope.
Are you excited for the return of Law & Order classic? Drop us a comment!
And make sure to tune in to Law & Order 21×01 “The Right Thing” on Thursday, February 24 at 8/7c on NBC.