While preparing a murder case, the DA's office stumbles on a potential scandal involving a prostitution business and the governor of New York, and it could have serious implications on Jack ... Read allWhile preparing a murder case, the DA's office stumbles on a potential scandal involving a prostitution business and the governor of New York, and it could have serious implications on Jack McCoy's future as District Attorney.While preparing a murder case, the DA's office stumbles on a potential scandal involving a prostitution business and the governor of New York, and it could have serious implications on Jack McCoy's future as District Attorney.
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- (as Andre Blake)
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Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaThird and final appearance of Len Cariou in a Law and Order episode.
- Quotes
Jack McCoy: That escort's client, Al, the one who was in the room when she got the phone call, I recognized the voice. I think it's Shalvoy.
Michael Cutter: All right. Go on.
Jack McCoy: I went to see Shalvoy. I gave him a copy of a non-target letter I sent his lawyer. I told him about the tapes, that he might be called as a witness.
Michael Cutter: And when were you gonna tell me?
Jack McCoy: I'm telling you now. I told Shalvoy the feds want those tapes. That they're targeting him for a corrupt officials investigation. Now he's warning me if I don't protect him, I can forget about running for D.A. next year.
Michael Cutter: So you've decided to run?
Jack McCoy: I haven't decided not to run.
Michael Cutter: Well, maybe you shouldn't. I'm prosecuting a murderer, and you practically commit witness tampering.
Jack McCoy: He wasn't a witness when I talked to him.
Michael Cutter: Well, I'm not even sure I can use him now thanks to you. I mean, when this comes out, it's gonna make us all look bad.
Jack McCoy: Mike, get mad at me tomorrow. I can't fight you and the governor at the same time.
Michael Cutter: Well, you can win that fight! Just give the feds what they want. He's the one who hired a prostitute.
Jack McCoy: True. But the feds cut a deal with a violent mob punk to catch Shalvoy with his pants down. They have a history of bad blood with Shalvoy. It's payback time, and I refuse to do their dirty work.
Michael Cutter: And jeopardize your job.
Jack McCoy: Mike... give me a little credit.
Michael Cutter: Glad I'm not the one getting his nuts squeezed.
"Excalibur" is an excellent final episode and among the better ones of Season 18's second half, which, with the exception of two still decent episodes ("Bogeyman" and "Personae Non Grata"), was very high quality and far superior to the first half. Not a 'Law and Order' high point or one of the show's best season finales, but as an episode to round off a season there is a huge amount to admire and it was fitting, not needing a potentially over dramatic major event.
Do still find that Lupo and Bernard's chemistry has not gelled yet or has much spark, it is early days sure but see how quickly Briscoe settled and gelled with pretty much all his partners so gelling quickly with a new partner is not unheard of on the show.
However, the good things are numerous and the best of them great. It looks professional and the camerawork is neither overblown or static. The music has a haunting and not too melodramatic presence. The direction keeps things tight while allowing time to breathe. The script is intelligent, layered, lean and provokes a lot of thought. The story is compelling and is intricate without being convoluted, the moral dilemmas of the case are intensely and thoughtfully handled.
Conflict has tension and the kind where a result, and the right kind, is rooted for, while the approach to the subject is uncompromising and suspenseful while not being preachy. It was fantastic to see more of McCoy after being underused for too much of the season. The character interaction is spot on, especially in the twisty and tense second half, and the acting is fine, Linus Roache has a lot of authority.
Overall, great finale. 9/10.
- TheLittleSongbird
- Oct 18, 2022