I review a few police procedural dramas, so I feel confident giving this week's Law & Order episode, "The Greater Good," high marks for its moving and thought-provoking writing that explored the complex and painful intergenerational struggles between Det. Jalen Shaw (Mehcad Brooks) and Officer Vanessa Washburn (Karen Obilum). The showrunners did a great job of explicating the moral, legal, and social problems that these characters face every day. It's this level of depth that makes Law & Order stand out and has kept it going for decades. Let's review!
As per usual, this week’s crime was ripped from the headlines, as the victim, Wes Morgan, was found dead from a single gunshot to the chest. Morgan is an entertainment mogul who is being investigated for sex trafficking. Sound familiar? Detectives Shaw and Riley (Reid Scott) learn this when they interview Officer Washburn, who is undercover with the NYPD's Security Services Unit. In the end, Lyman (Mekhi Phifer), the father of trafficking victim Angela Ross (Arica Himmel), killed Morgan because he had targeted his 18-year-old daughter. The district attorney offered Lyman a plea deal, but he chose to go to trial, claiming he shot Morgan in self-defense.
"The Greater Good” -- LAW & ORDER, Pictured: (l-r) Mekhi Phifer as Lyman Ross, Michael Beach as Atty. Harris. Photo by: Will Hart/NBC @ 2024 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Video evidence shows Washburn was one of the last people to see Morgan alive. However, when Detectives Shaw and Riley interviewed her, she immediately gave them attitude. She lets them know that, despite also being a cop, she felt no obligation to help them investigate the murder of someone she knew was a sexual predator. The episodes’ narrative continued to revolve around Shaw and Washburn, showcasing how each embodied a different approach to policing and justice. The older officer, Det. Shaw, joined the force with the idealistic hope of instituting change from within. His unwavering adherence to the rules and his belief in the system paint him as a figure of integrity and tradition. Ms. Washburn, the younger officer, harbors a deep-seated cynicism toward the very systems she has sworn to uphold. For her, becoming a police officer was more about securing a pension than enforcing what she perceived as fundamentally unjust laws that historically have harmed her community—the Black community.
"The Greater Good” -- LAW & ORDER, Pictured: (l-r) Karen Chinasa Obilom as Vanessa Washburn, Mehcad Brooks as Detective Jalen Shaw, Reid Scott as Detective Vincent Riley. Photo by: Virginia Sherwood/NBC @ 2024 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
What makes this episode particularly compelling is its refusal to simplify these characters into mere archetypes. Instead, the writers intricately weave a narrative where every character is both flawed and sympathetic. Shaw’s steadfast loyalty to the system and empathy toward Officer Washburn’s ideological position is simultaneously noble and frustrating—especially to his partner Reid and to Executive ADA Nolan Price. At one point, Reid tells Shaw, “There’s no carve-out in the police handbook for Black or White cops. We don’t get to choose when to be a ‘real cop’ in the name of a higher calling. Call ADA Price. He’ll put her ass on the stand. If she chooses to perjure herself, it is her choice.”
In court, Lyman Ross testifies that Morgan threatened his life with a champagne bottle he was carrying. Boom! The defense attorney, Brian Harris (Michael Beach), just introduced reasonable doubt. This testimony forces ADA Price to put Washburn on the stand to repeat what she told Det. Shaw that Morgan was not carrying a champagne bottle. The editor's decision to capture a close-up of Washburn taking an oath to speak the truth was a nice touch. But Washburn’s disregard for the rules, while born out of a legitimate mistrust of the system, led her not to tell the truth. Cue the ominous music when ADA Price asks her directly if Morgan had been carrying a bottle, and she says yes. Price continues, pointing out that her statement contradicts what she told Detective Shaw. “Detective Shaw misunderstood me,” says Washburn as Shaw looks at her. How? With shame? Disappointment? What did you see?
"The Greater Good” -- LAW & ORDER, Pictured: (l-r) Mehcad Brooks as Detective Jalen Shaw, Hugh Dancy as A.D.A. Nolan Price. Photo by: Virginia Sherwood/NBC @ 2024 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Of course, ADA Price is miffed that Washburn gave the defense exactly what they needed for an acquittal. He demands that Shaw impeach officer Washburn’s testimony. He does, but he’s clearly not happy about doing it. He understands the viewpoint of a young, Black female officer who is unafraid to challenge conventional norms for the betterment of her community. He understands that the removal of a Black father from his family brings no justice to the Black community. He also understands that Officer Washburn just washed out as a police officer because she committed perjury.
"The Greater Good-- LAW & ORDER, Pictured: (l-r) Mehcad Brooks as Detective Jalen Shaw, Karen Chinasa Obilom as Vanessa Washington. Photo by: Virginia Sherwood/NBC @ 2024 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
At the end of the episode, Washburn congratulates Shaw on Lyman Ross' conviction. She accused him of 'blowing up' her career. He responded, "I tried to warn you." I found the episode’s exploration of racial and generational contexts unflinching. The consequences of being "a little wrong" are disproportionately severe for the Black police officers, highlighting a harsh reality that should resonate deeply with a lot of viewers. The episode exposes the persistent injustice that often results in justice for no one. It confronted systemic racism without resorting to sensationalism, making the audience painfully aware of the stakes involved for all sides. It’s an episode that may stay with you long after the credits roll, making it a must-watch for anyone interested in richly layered storytelling.
How did you like this episode? Did you think that there was any merit to Washburn’s position and actions? Let me know in the comments.
Overall Rating:
10/10