A teenage boy is suspected of starting a fire that killed his younger sister. But his powerful and influential grandfather does everything in his power to make the case go away.A teenage boy is suspected of starting a fire that killed his younger sister. But his powerful and influential grandfather does everything in his power to make the case go away.A teenage boy is suspected of starting a fire that killed his younger sister. But his powerful and influential grandfather does everything in his power to make the case go away.
Photos
- Tony Callabro
- (as Tom McCarthy)
- Director
- Writers
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaAttorney Weaver states that the defendant, Terry Lawlor, isn't "Howling at the moon". Sam Huntington plays Terry in this episode. He also plays Josh on Being Human (2011), a werewolf.
- GoofsAll entries contain spoilers
- Quotes
Detective Lennie Briscoe: Ok, let me see if I got this straight: Stanley Somebody who's a fashion photographer someplace, lives in some appartment probably in a building at 114th and Riverside, and has a message about a murder of somebody who might be named Dee-dee.
Ellen Rattinger: That's right!
Detective Lennie Briscoe: Yeah, thanks for coming in.
- ConnectionsReferences Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous (1984)
"Burned" is a fantastic episode, one of Season 8's best and a 'Law and Order' high point. The way the topic is handled is hugely impressive, showing 'Law and Order's' knack of exploring difficult and controversial themes and exploring them in a way that doesn't hold back. It has always grabbed me from the get go, never stopping, and it is not like a case of, like some other Season 8, of one half faring better than the other. More a case of one half being even than the other.
Everything is done wonderfully. Production values are slick and have a subtle grit, with an intimacy to the photography without being too claustrophobic. The music isn't used too much and doesn't get too melodramatic. It is directed with tautness but also breathing space.
The dialogue is smart and always intriguing, with plenty of it moving, chilling and provoking thought. The story is completely unpredictable, that delivers the tension in bucket-loads in the legal portion. The case wrenches both the gut and the heart and the truth completely floored me on first watch. With it being so unthinkable.
Vaughn's character is interesting and suitably intimidating and there is genuine suspense and intrigue when the legalities kick in. While the policing always entertains and compels, with "Burned" having one of the better first halves of all the episodes of Season 8, it is the legal half that makes "Burned" special. It grabbed the attention, suitably challenged, made me think and it had emotional power and tension.
While the regulars are excellent as always, it is the powerful and truly unsettling performance of Vaughn that one most remembers.
In summary, fantastic and a perfect demonstration of what 'Law and Order' is all about. 10/10.
- TheLittleSongbird
- Jun 29, 2021