Law & Order: Organized Crime 3×16 “Chinatown” sets up some story points that feel familiar, just in a new setting and with a new community—for better or worse. How much it winds up leaning toward the “better” side of that will depend on things like how the arc resolves itself and whether or not the potential little personal nuggets actually go anywhere. And, as always, personal considerations are particularly important. In the first place, we’re really only here for the characters anyway. And on top of that, some of those plot threads have been left dangling, picked up, twisted into something new, and left dangling so many times, it’s almost impressive at this point. Or, well. It would be impressive if it weren’t so frustrating.
If there’s one definite piece of this episode that feels lacking no matter what comes next, it’s definitely an overall lessened focus on the Bell/Stabler partnership. That’s not to say it’s not there, or that Danielle Moné Truitt and Christopher Meloni don’t give us a ton of really great little silent conversations that can only be described as “shit-talking everyone around us,” but let’s just say we’re greedy out here. When in doubt, always make sure to give us more of that friendship. That’s the law.
That’s not to say that giving them a chance to take a temporary backseat in order to highlight some other character interactions is a complete loss, though. And, really, those other relationships, or potential ones (or whatever), are the heart and soul of this episode. So, let’s take a look.
Congratulations, cut short
It’s amazing how the smallest things can, in reality, be huge ones. And for Law & Order: Organized Crime 3×16, Jet’s surprise party is the perfect example. Especially coming back from our “dry March,” it’s just really nice seeing this team be, well, a true team. They’re there for each other, and that opening scene shows it. Everyone’s so incredibly supportive of Jet—especially Jamie. Hm—and this is what families do. We celebrate each other whatever chance we get, for however brief that chance is, in whatever way we can. Or, at least, that’s what families should do. Many are, of course, way better than others…but that’s just another reason why a scene like this one is so valuable. Because (broken record here) found family is vitally important for getting through life—especially when life includes all the difficulties the task force faces.
And there are so many details. Like, of course Jamie’s super nervous about making sure everything’s just right. And of course Jet is completely taken aback by all of it. While we’re at it, Ainsley Seiger’s portrayal of the character’s initial delight, followed by the pure shock, is—just like the scene itself—a true highlight. Then, there’s the way the cake fits a theme, the handshake with Bobby Reyes, Elliot hovering around like the proud (yet socially awkward) dad he truly is, and so much more.
So, when the moment gets interrupted by gunshots—and not, for once, in a situation where Stabler’s doing the shooting—it’s a great reminder of just how precious some of these moments of happiness are. We need to appreciate those little moments of joy, the ones that are sometimes really so big, whenever we can. It’s also worth pointing out that the decorations stayed up, even long after the party was cut short. That’s important, too. We don’t forget the better days—or, in this case, the better minutes. Sometimes, even, we desperately need to hold onto their memories to get through the darkness.
Plus, it’s also just kind of a hilarious juxtaposition…in a dark humor sort of way. Not to mention, beginning an episode with Jamie being so obsessed with planning the party, only to have him paired with Jet later as married tourists…kinda makes you feel a certain way. Just saying.
Chinatown
First and foremost, let’s just say all the guest actors were, in true Law & Order tradition, incredible. Even, and maybe especially, the ones that had nothing to say when our detectives were trying to investigate but getting iced out.
The case itself has a fairly predictable outcome. If the way Michael Quan seemed to always just be there didn’t give it away, then Detective Stabler’s many, many reactions to his presence certainly did. And, eh. That’s fine, especially given the completely absurd nature of some of the twists during the previous hour. It’s also nice that, after a random standalone 15th episode, the series seems to be back to extending stories into arcs as originally intended. If the new formula for these arcs happens to be “we lose, but Stabler shows up to make threats and look hot while he’s at it,” that’s also fine. (More than, honestly.)
Now, whether or not we needed an organized crime story set in Chinatown during a time when anti-Asian hate is on a steep rise…is really not my question to answer. I will, however, say it’s very much appreciated that, even with all the corruption behind the scenes and the obvious criminality in the community—as there is in just about any place where you find people—the story doesn’t feel like it leans into a “they’re all bad” mindset. That would be unforgivable. Instead, we have the Lees, the people at Jennifer’s shelter, and even the “rival” detective (so to speak), who really want to give back to their community and make it a better place for the next generation. And they are the obvious people who we are meant to care about here.
While our team is investigating, Elliot manages to make a personal, tragic, connection with Stephen Lee. Yes, Stephen may initially refuse to open up to the white cop who has no idea what he’s going through. (Or so he thinks.) But that’s not the whole story, not even close. His initial reticence makes perfect sense, as white people, cops, and especially white cops are not exactly kind to communities like his. Instead, those white cops are frequently awful. Not to mention, going through a scary and painful experience like seeing your wife nearly killed isn’t the type of pain someone expects every random stranger they meet to have gone through. And even if they have, that pain is never exactly the same.
But, later, Stabler and Mr. Lee come to some sort of mutual understanding. And when Stephen says he actually looked up what happened to Elliot’s wife, we even gain some good insight into how El’s still handling that. (Not well, though maybe slightly better than before…which also makes plenty of sense. Grief is not a one way, linear sort of journey.) But it also provides a reminder that, often, we do have far more in common than we’d ever expect.
And in case those last words didn’t quite come out right: No, that’s not an attempt to give “I don’t see color” erasure to our many different lived experiences either.
On a much brighter note, there’s yet another chance for some characters to find common ground in “Chinatown.” Detective Chang and Sergeant Bell have a great sort of tension right from the start, and it’s fun to watch—even from a purely professional angle. But then, there’s the conversation about the basketball clinic Chang started with her (ex) wife. Yes, we’re here for Bell’s reaction to the “just married to my job” comment. Confirmed. And yes, the chemistry is something. So, rather than go into the whole, “omg. Turf wars between precincts are tired” aspect of things, let’s just hope this goes somewhere or, at the very least, starts Bell thinking about what comes after Denise.
Because Ayanna Bell deserves something good, and if it happens to come from someone who understands her job, so be it. With that being said…Dear Dick Wolf universe: We get it. These jobs are hard, and they require a lot of risk and sacrifice that can affect their home lives. But no, not every wife has to become an ex over it. Women can be something other than Strong™, the wife who doesn’t get it and eventually leaves, or a vapid side character. Promise.
More on Law & Order: Organized Crime 3×16
- “Got two beers and a meatball hero and went to my father’s gravesite.” Elliot, Sir, this is depressing AF. On the other hand, you were off in Europe being a butthead during your girl Liv’s three promotions, so eh.
- I mean, we’re inviting Thurman to parties now? Ok then. It almost would’ve made more sense to help him with the Lees’ case, then include him in Jet’s Mazel Tov Mania. But ok.
- Elliot raising his eyebrow when Chang walks away after her initial little spat with Bell…Hm. He’s into it. Good boy.
- “I never thought anything of it. That’s just to be expected…right?” This, right here, is the experience of far too many people. As someone who is in a different community where we constantly have to gauge “just the usual assholes” versus “is this a real threat,” this line is both exciting to hear—because it’s real—and terrible to hear…because it’s real.
- “Well, frankly, I don’t care what you’re feeling right now, Detective. And you have no idea what I’m going through.” Once again asking when Olivia Benson gets to say shit like this to this man.
- He’s leaning again. Blessed.
- Google Translate…I—.
- That interrogation scene is everything you need to know about why it’s Sergeant Bell. My notes literally just say “GOD SHE’S GOOD AT THIS,” and even without more detail, I know they apply to both Bell and Truitt. (Next promotion and a—hopefully not interrupted—celebration when.)
- Also, it’s completely wild to see that scene after knowing it was coming and that the line got tweaked. This definitely lands better than what it (sounds like) it was supposed to have been.
- When Yuze is threatening without being threatening, that’s more terrifying than when he’s actually being threatening. That makes sense…right?
- On a complete loser note: I heard “Yuzu” like, as in, Japanese figure skating legend Yuzuru Hanyu when they said “Yuze.” Which makes zero sense on about a billion levels, not the least of which is that this is Chinatown. Not Japan.
- You know who they could talk to about the sex trafficking element of this case? GUESS.
- “It’s a new dawn; it’s a new day” Everything about the delivery here. Iconic.
- Meloni’s “Stabler is hurting but trying not to show it and failing” face really is wonderful.
- Thurman and Lin both suck. Got it.
- No but back to Yuze. That comment about thinking the shooter missed…absolutely terrifying. Even if it did basically give away who the real target was.
- “He’s doing a bad job at flirting.” The biggest twist in this episode is a line like this not being about Elliot Stabler.
- “Hey. You’re still here.” “Just trying to make sense of things but…running around in circles.” I love them. Also: Same, Elliot. Definitely same.
- Again with threats being “normal” but this time, when they’re at the shelter. Yup.
- Ayanna and Jet, tossing theories around. More, please.
- The shot from the top of that staircase is art.
- Pretty sure neither Bell nor Stabler is here for just “the win” or the glory of taking credit, asshole.
- “I’m here to make a promise. And uh, have a heart to heart with you.” Ok but when is he going to say that to Olivia (with a much different tone)?
- I, too, would be about to piss myself if Stabler showed up and made me that kind of promise.
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Law & Order: Organized Crime airs Thursdays at 10/9c on NBC.
