“Duty to Protect,” Law & Order’s most recent episode, tackles the complex issues of pedophilia and intimate partner violence with sensitivity and respect. The recurring cast members, including A.D.A. Samantha Maourn (Odelya Halevia), A.D.A. Nolan Price (Hugh Dancy), and DA Nicholas Baxter (Tony Goldwyn), deliver authentic and compelling performances that resonate with long-time fans. Let’s get into it.
“Duty to Protect” – LAW & ORDER, Pictured: (l-r) Tony Goldwyn as District Attorney Nicholas Baxter, Odelya Halevi as A.D.A. Samantha Maroun, Hugh Dancy as A.D.A. Nolan Price. Photo by: Virginia Sherwood/NBC @2024 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
The story begins with detectives Vincent Riley (Reid Scott) and Jalen Shaw (Mehcad Brooks) investigating the strangulation death of a young woman, Kaitlyn Lawson (Siobhan McGroarty). The murder weapon, a tie, does not contain DNA that shares a genetic profile with the victim, Kaitlyn. The mother, Michelle Burns (Abigal Spencer), and father, Ron Lawson (J. Anthony Crane), appear upset learning of their daughter’s death, when they establish the alibi that they were attending a movie premier at the time Kaitlyn was killed. However, a donut shop receipt, a discarded cigarette pack, and some CCTV footage place Ron Lawson in proximity of where his daughter died.
“Duty to Protect” – LAW & ORDER, Pictured: J. Anthony Crane as Ron Lawson. Photo by: Virginia Sherwood/NBC @2024 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Ron Lawson is arrested, and bail is set at $20 million, which his wife posts. Michelle’s support of the man accused of killing her child causes D.A. Baxter to question the strength of their case against Lawson since despite strong evidence, lacks motive. A.D.A. Maourn discovers the motive, and the story takes a dark turn downward.
Cut to court; viewers meet Kaitlyn via a video where she ‘testifies’ that her stepfather had been sexually abusing her since age 14. This revelation sucks all the oxygen from courtroom. The judge, Renee Gittens (Hannah Cabell), calls for a recess when a distressed Lawson shoots himself. Outside the courtroom, Samatha expresses a hard-bitten position, saying, “The bastard took the straightforward means out.” Price, in general agreement, states, “Now nobody might be held accountable.”
“Duty to Protect” – LAW & ORDER, Pictured: Odelya Halevi as ADA Samantha Maroun. Photo by: Virginia Sherwood/NBC @2024 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
After the painful death of a daughter and her husband’s startling acts and suicide, Baxter directs the district attorneys to ask Lt. Jessica Brady (Maura Tierny) to investigate Michelle Burns for child endangerment. Lt. Brady sets a ‘honey trap’ for Michelle by inviting her to collect her daughter’s effects. She cajoles, compliments, and coaxes a confession from Michelle. Michelle discloses that she was aware of the abuse and was responsible for alerting her husband of Kaitlyn’s taped allegations. Lt. Brady immediately places a surprised Michelle under arrest.
%20Brady%20&%20Burns.jpg "Regulation & Order – Responsibility to Shield – Overview: At all times Accountable 16")
“Duty to Protect” – LAW & ORDER, Pictured: (l-r) Maura Tierney as Lt. Jessica Brady and Abigail Spencer as Michelle Burns. Photo by: Virginia Sherwood/NBC @2024 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Cut to a hearing where Dr. Lisa Mankin (Amina Robinson), an expert witness, testifies about the effects of prolonged sexual and emotional abuse may have had on Michelle Burns. Michelle’s uncle sexually victimized her when she was just 9 years old. Dr Mankin notes that victims of sexual abuse are six times more likely to choose abusive partners. She further explains that this type of dissociative disorder can cause the abused person to conflate abuse with love, making Michelle incapable of protecting her daughter as she prioritized protecting her husband instead. Despite this, the judge prohibited the introduction of Michelle’s abuse history—specifically her ‘state of mind’—at her trial.
At Michelle’s trial, she collapses into tears, and wails, “I made a mistake.” A.D.A. Price brings up a film she made about an abused child, prompting Michelle to admit that the child in that movie died. Price pounces, declaring that because she made this film, Michelle knew the risk she put Kaitlyn in by telling her husband about the video she planned to release. He also reminded the jury that Michelle had posted bail and collaborated on creating a false alibi for her husband.
“Duty to Protect” – LAW & ORDER, Pictured: (l-r) Odelya Halevi as ADA Samantha Maroun and Hugh Dancy as ADA Nolan Price. Photo by: Virginia Sherwood/NBC @2024 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Outside the courtroom, Samantha confronts Nolan, stating that using Michelle’s art against her was wrong. Nolan tries to dismiss her concerns by saying, “conform to disagree,” but Samantha says, “No!” She explains that she has counselled victims about the psychological impact of abuse and her experience with her sister’s death at the hands of her abuser left her ambivalent about how they were prosecuting the case. Price brings Samantha’s concern to Baxter, who believes it is time to listen rather than tell Samantha why she’s wrong. At the end of the day, Price notifies the judge of the plea deal and sentencing recommendation. Michelle Burns agreed to serve one year in jail and three years of supervision post release. Samantha tells Price, “Thank you for hearing me.”
The episode “Responsibility to Shield” showcases feminine empowerment via Samantha’s brave dedication to guard Michelle as a sufferer contrasted with Michelle’s failure to guard her daughter. Samantha’s heroism shines as she boldly challenges her two male superiors, urging them to think about her perspective. Nolan and Worth’s humility in revisiting their rules results in a extra simply consequence, emphasizing the significance of various voices.
Amidst a sensationalized tv panorama, this episode stands out for its mature storytelling. The writing, directing, modifying, and appearing harmoniously exhibit why the present continues to captivate its viewers. ‘Responsibility to Shield’ earns my respect for thoughtfully addressing troublesome points whereas sustaining the excessive requirements synonymous with the present, the place all will be satisfyingly held accountable.
General Score
9:10
Lynette Jones
