"True Crime" left a generally positive impression on me on first watch, while not blowing me away. Benefitting primarily from the main guest turn and the climax, but hurt a little by that there is too much familiar ground and not enough surprises which made the story feel too predictable and ordinary. My general opinion of Season 13 was generally positive while not being blown away which is not too bad a position to be in, beginning exceptionally strongly.
On recent re-watch, my feelings are pretty much the same, well almost. There is a lot to like about "True Crime", with the standout things on first watch being the main reasons to view it (as well as 'Law and Order' completest sake). At the same time, it did feel like something was missing and that more could have been done with the premise perhaps. Also think that it is a bit of a let down after two such outstanding previous episodes. There is also an aspect that was consistently a problem even when first getting into the show that fared even worse re-watching all the episodes over-time.
As said, a lot is great. The photography and such as usual are fully professional, the slickness still remaining. The music is used sparingly and is haunting and non-overwrought when it is used, and it's mainly used when a crucial revelation or plot development is revealed. The direction has some nice tension while keeping things steady, without going too far the other way. The script is thought-provoking and doesn't ramble. Briscoe always delights with his one liners, as does the gritty exchanges between him and Green. McCoy's ways of getting to the truth are intriguing and have tension.
Enough of the story compels, especially later on. It's not overly simple while being easy enough to follow. The legal portion does intrigue. Most of the regulars are excellent, Sam Waterston is full of ruthless authority and his tactics in getting to the truth continue to be ingenius. Tony Lo Bianco is a strong presence and the argument between Briscoe and McCoy is well staged and written, can see both Briscoe's and McCoy's points of views.
However, it isn't perfect. It doesn't have enough surprises and could have done with more tension as well as attacked its subject with more edge and grit perhaps. Did think that it does try to cram too much in towards the end, not uncommon with 'Law and Order'.
Southerlyn still leaves me completely cold and adds very little here, Elisabeth Rohm is still robotic.
Overall, solid episode if not mind-blowing. 7/10.