‘Law & Order: Organized Crime’ 3×12 Review: “Partners In Crime”

Law & Order: Organized Crime 3×12 “Partners In Crime” is a strong start to the season’s next chunk of episodes — for the most part. There are still a few places where either absurdity — Elliot, undercover…really?! — and/or the feeling of “wait, what’s going on…what’d I miss? There’s too much” starts to creep in. Given all the positives, though, we’re willing to let it go. For now.

There was some discussion at the beginning of the series’ third season about using the first big arc’s key players as a way “in” to more organized crime investigations. Although it wasn’t always certain if this was still in the works, given some creative changes, it’s pretty clear now with the somewhat brilliant, if possibly a little convenient, return of Teddy Silas in “Parters In Crime.” With that being said, the character is far from the focus here, which is something that works out very well. If that reads as a negative take on Silas, it’s not entirely intentional. It’s just that this episode gives us a ton of fantastic content for the task force’s two female leads, and we’re basically always here for women. Especially these two.

Then, of course, there’s whatever Detective Stabler’s side gig is. At this point, we’re reserving judgment on that one, other than to say two quick things: First of all, why is every woman on the planet just popping up at his front door this season? How does everyone know where to find this man? And second…lady, the only reason you’re not the biggest red flag to red flag is because you spoke the magic word (Benson, obviously).

Back to not really caring about men in general, though. Let’s take a deeper look at what our girls are up to in Law & Order: Organized Crime 3×12 “Partners In Crime.”

The truth doesn’t always set you free.

Sometimes, you’ve just got to go with your gut and do what you feel is right — even if it means reopening old wounds. That’s exactly what we see happen with Sergeant Bell in Organized Crime 3×12, and it’s impossible to feel anything but gutted for her in the process. It’s bad enough that she has to deal with her first partner’s death all over again due to Octavio Montanero’s hearing, but then things get even more difficult when Montanero says his confession was a lie and even points her in the direction of Eamonn Murphy, who he says is the real killer. Now, there’s all the weight she’s been carrying with her over losing her partner and fresh guilt over the wrong person sitting in jail all this time.

…and, of course, Murphy makes sure to take care of the Octavio problem. So, let’s go ahead and add to the struggle with that.

Putting the actual casework aside for a moment, Ayanna’s journey here is powerful in its own right. She investigates not because she believes this new version of events right away but because she has that feeling in her gut — which she confesses to Elliot immediately after Montanero’s hearing — and just wants the truth. Wants to settle things, put them behind her and make them right. Of course, there really isn’t a way to move past this sort of loss…not really. It’s more about putting it somewhere where it doesn’t overwhelm you anymore.

That leads us to the confrontation with Darryl’s widow Marjorie, where she claims that she has made her peace with it and doesn’t want Ayanna to take that away from her. It is an absolutely heartbreaking scene, as it’s obvious Bell was struggling enough with reopening this case, sick at the thought of delivering this new information…and then, kind of attacked as Marjorie lashed out in her own grief. Because, again, the grief is still there — never actually leaves us when we lose someone we love — whether she can admit it or not. And at the risk of not displaying a large enough vocabulary here, it’s just plain gutting to witness. For both women, honestly, but mostly for Bell. Because we know and love Bell…and Danielle Moné Truitt is utterly stellar in the way she portrays how much the entire conversation hurts her character.

Honestly, Truitt is amazing throughout the episode. But what else is new?

The other great aspect of Sergeant Bell’s story is the way she’s not at all afraid to stand up to authority. Old white dude cop who botched the initial investigation? She’s not taking shit from him when she starts going back over the evidence. Deputy Inspector Thurman (who, incidentally, I just keep calling “new dude” in my notes)? Not only does she make sure he knows she knows about some of his, uh, questionable traits, but she also manages to turn the whole thing into a “hey, this will look good for you. So, try me” sort of situation. It’s like she has something on Thurman no matter how you slice it, and it’s the definition of badass.

Even though Law & Order: Organized Crime 3×12 doesn’t center Detective Stabler, which we’re fine with despite loving our unbuttoned bald man, it is also worth pointing out that he continues to be a fantastic partner for Bell. The trust these two have built, and the way Ayanna is not at all afraid to share her vulnerabilities surrounding her old partner’s murder with Elliot, is just amazing. And, of course, he’s with her until the wheels come off — even if she’s not asking him to be. It’s what partners do. More importantly, it’s what family does. In short, Bell and Stabler’s partnership really does continue to be the best active one in this universe, and because it doesn’t have all the “it’s complicated” attached, it might just be the best one, period.

She—.

We need to take a moment to talk about Ainsley Seiger. Specifically, we need to spend that entire moment just being like, “omg wow.” Because, hi. Omg. Wow.

All season, we’ve needed more Jet. And Law & Order: Organized Crime 3×12 is a pretty obvious indication that the TV gods have heard our prayers on that front. It’s such a delight getting to see her go undercover and completely lose herself in this “Juliet” persona, and the added bonus of finding out that she put herself through school running tables is a pretty neat little background nugget, if you will. The series keeps dropping these interesting little tidbits about who she is and where she’s come from, and every new layer just makes her that much more fascinating. Castle fans will get this reference: It’s like peeling the Beckett onion but — dare I say? — even more fun.

So, of course Eamonn Murphy’s goon Seamus falls for her. Who wouldn’t? Or is it that he’s playing her just like she’s playing him? If we had to guess, we’d say it’s probably a little bit of both. And while we’re going to have very strong words for somebody, somewhere, if anything happens to Jet, we’re really excited to see what comes next. Basically, we can’t wait to see her prove, yet again, that she’s not to be underestimated. Ever.

Seiger really delivers a fun performance here, as Jet uses all those charms on Seamus. She’s just coy enough, just enticing enough…and then knows exactly when and how to pull it back a notch. And those eyes are everything. But much like Christopher Meloni has always kept just a little hint of Elliot around even when Detective Stabler has been deep undercover, Seiger still gives viewers this insanely subtle indication that Jet’s focus and drive are still present. There’s also the briefest of moments in that end scene where you can tell she’s assessing the situation and possibly even a little bit worried. She handles it all very well, though — which is, of course, a surprise to no one.

So, yeah. This is an absolute win that we can’t wait to see play out in its entirety. But it bears repeating: If y’all hurt her, watch out.

More on Law & Order: Organized Crime 3×12

• “How long were you and Benson together” immediately after that aired is what we call a lot.
• “I’m sure you get it.” Something like that!
• Girl, when Ian Doyle from Criminal Minds is your Big Bad, you know bad things are going to happen.
• Not a fan of using a dog like this, by the way!
• The way this title could’ve been a very shipper-friendly followup to the end of SVU — if only there was ever, you know, followup of which to speak.
• “You should’ve taken your own shot… ” I’m about to take a shot right through my TV if you don’t leave Ayanna Bell the hell alone.
• “Guilt is not something I struggle with.” As a Jew, I can not relate.
• I know this man isn’t worried about some unreturned texts, given his history. Then again, since he escaped to a totally different continent in his ghosting era, maybe he should be worried.
• “About what? Going after the truth or exposing you?” A QUEEN.
• “We’d appreciate your cooperation.” The way he delivers this as a demand…It’s hot.
• “That’s the thing about loyalty. It’s supposed to be unconditional.” …and not coerced. Just saying.
• Lack of buttons in the club? Check. Bonus: The arms at home!
• That is Elliot Stabler’s “in love with Olivia and too emotionally immature to know what to do with it” face. Even without showing that contact list, we would’ve known El was contemplating calling his Liv because Meloni told us, right there, with that expression.
• It bears repeating: He was about ready to call Liv. My heart. Is this…continuity?!
• “Captain Benson speaks very highly of you.” She loves him. She wants him. And she is the one who deserves unconditional loyalty.
• The way this man’s entire demeanor changes whenever Liv’s name is mentioned…Mr. Meloni, you will always be a fave for that.
• Tell me more about the banana bread.
• …and…what’s the deal with Reyes’ wife is whose whatnow? Interesting. Can’t wait to see where this goes.
• The scene with Silas, Reyes, and Jet before going to the club was pure comedy, and I’m here for those kinds of breaks. Particularly loved the “you moron” bit.
• If this entire arc is just an excuse to let everyone dress up and be hot, I’m not mad.
• “Those eyes, I feel like I’ll believe anything you say.” (Me at Meloni and his brown-eyed gurlfren.)
• That grin and that look in Jet’s eyes when she gives Seamus his win, though!
• “When we’re traumatized, we don’t alwayas think as clearly as we’d like…” Is this…is this Elliot finally giving us an explanation? Confirmation, please. Someone. Anyone. I’m not above begging.
• “Nobody hip says hip.” “I can dig it.” “Oh, my God.” I love them.
• “You guys should get a room.” Literally everyone at the two olds.
• Ominous ending for El, too, huh? Ok, ok.

Thoughts on Law & Order: Organized Crime 3×12 “Partners In Crime”? Leave us a comment!

Law & Order: Organized Crime airs Thursdays at 10/9c on NBC.