A 1981 murder case is reopened. An ambassador's son is charged, but key evidence has disappeared. Further investigation reveals that the evidence may not have disappeared by accident.A 1981 murder case is reopened. An ambassador's son is charged, but key evidence has disappeared. Further investigation reveals that the evidence may not have disappeared by accident.A 1981 murder case is reopened. An ambassador's son is charged, but key evidence has disappeared. Further investigation reveals that the evidence may not have disappeared by accident.
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Did you know
- TriviaThis episode appears to be based on the 1975 Martha Moxley/Michael Skakel case. This includes allusions to the name of the main protagonist Michael Sarno (based on suspect Michael Skakel) and the name of the murder victim Mary Beth Mosley (based on victim Martha Moxley). Other detail elements of the real-life murder are alluded to, including the popularity of the murder victim and the manner of her death, the failed initial investigation and subsequent opening of the cold case, and the prominence of the Sarno family (as the Skakel family was related by marriage to the Kennedy family).
- Quotes
Ambassador Peter Sarno: I'm going to call your boss; I'm going to get both of you busted down the ranks. You would be lucky if they let you work arraignment from the drunk tank on Saturday nights!
Jack McCoy: We don't have much of a social life as it is.
And it is done very well here in "Amends". It is not one of the best episodes of 'Law and Order', not by a long stretch. Though certainly a long way from being one of the worst. It is in my view one of the better and more interesting episodes of Season 11 (certainly one of the better ones of the uneven first half of it), with a great idea done enough justice by strong if not amazing execution. "Amends" is not an extraordinary episode but it is a very good one.
The pacing isn't perfect. It is a little routine and formulaic to begin with.
Furthermore, like some episodes from Season 11 and also before and since, the final quarter felt too cramped and was in need of more breathing space.
However, "Amends" does a lot right, and what was mentioned above was nit-picky and very subjective. Can find nothing to fault the production values for though, the slickness and grit still present and likewise with the more fluid editing. The music is used relatively sparingly and is not too intrusively orchestrated, fitting too with the mood. The direction is generally alert but also sympathetic, shining in the character interactions in the legal scenes. Liked the tautness, edge and thought-probing of the second half's writing.
While enough of the first half absorbs thanks to the teaming of Briscoe and Green, which has gelled and contrasted so well and both are interesting wonderfully portrayed characters, the more intricate and meatier second half is more riveting despite the rushed conclusion. The moral dilemmas are interesting and provokes a lot of thought. The acting is very good from all the regulars and the supporting players aren't too shabby either.
In conclusion, very good. 8/10.
- TheLittleSongbird
- May 2, 2022