Regulation & Order – The That means of Life – Assessment: We the Dwelling

“The Meaning of Life” was a story achievement worthy of Regulation and Order’s 25-year historical past. The present doesn’t all the time get issues proper, however final evening’s episode had glorious sequencing of tempo, character growth, and narrative surprises. The writers meticulously crafted every scene, layering in extremely advanced and controversial themes regarding fundamentalism (Islamic and Christian), reproductive freedom, and the literal that means of life and demise. Wow! Wow! Wow! The script’s execution was so virtuosic that it dazzled and resonated deeply with me, and I belief, with different viewers. Let’s get into it. 

The crime: A middle-aged couple is strolling and speaking. We study that the person, Christopher, an creator, professor, or each, was referred to as an ‘infidel’ throughout his speech. Given as we speak’s political local weather, his spouse encourages him to chill his rhetoric. Arriving residence, he would not conform to curb his scholarship however does agree to organize dinner. His spouse begins to open the mail, calling out, “Do you know who sent the gift?” Abruptly, an improvised explosive machine (IED) detonates. Dun Dun! The investigation begins.

We’re studying extra about Det. Riley, which I am barely ambivalent about. Why? As a result of, as compared, we have discovered little or no about Det. Shaw’s background since he was launched. I’ll have missed one thing, however what will we learn about Shaw apart from he was a lawyer earlier than changing into a cop? He appears boxed in because the tall, match, devastatingly good-looking, ethical cop. Whereas I can undoubtedly dwell with that, I am advocating for a good and balanced portrayal of those officers. The present would enhance in the event that they added a number of dimensions to all the primary characters, not simply Det. Riley.

However – again to the investigation.

Shaw and Riley uncover two essential info throughout their preliminary investigation on the hospital. The spouse and fertility physician, Sarah, is brain-dead, and her husband says it is his fault. The husband’s admission of fault leads the detectives to the Muslim man (Ibrahim), who had referred to as the husband an infidel. When Shaw and Riley arrive at Ibrahim’s residence, he seems to be making a bomb. However viewers know it is by no means the primary man they carry into custody. A house safety digicam captured a second suspect delivering the bomb. Once more, viewers know it is not often the second suspect they interrogate who dedicated the crime. This man, Jason, frequents the shelter the place the sufferer volunteered. We study {that a} white man paid him $100 to ship a bundle. An addict with a protracted rap sheet, Jason was clearly solely within the cash, not the person who paid him – apart from one element. Jason thinks the man’s title may very well be Jeremy or Jerry as a result of he wore a bracelet with Jer15 on it.

“The Meaning Of Life” – LAW & ORDER, Pictured: Michael Bahsil-Cook as Jason Barnwell. Photo by: Virginia Sherwood/NBC © 2024 NBCUniversal Media, LLC

Shaw fades into the background, and Detective Riley moves to the forefront. Based on Shaw’s years of Catholic school, he figures out that Jer15 might stand for Jerimiah 1:5—”Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you,” which he quotes verbatim. Layered and nuanced by his religion, Riley confesses to Shaw his and his spouse’s miscarriage story. This scene subtly balances the episode’s clear, pro-choice message with an alternate message that some individuals won’t ever contemplate a growing fetus as only a clump of cells. Then, Riley heroically saves the son of one other fertility physician who’s below assault. Subsequent, the forensics from the bomb that exploded led Riley and Shaw to a pro-life, anti-choice group referred to as ‘We the Living,’ the place they chat with a younger lady named Theresa. Theresa has an image of her boyfriend, Patrick, on her desk, which inserts Jason’s description of the person who paid him to ship the bomb. When Shaw and Riley get to Patrick’s job, he makes an attempt to run. He additionally grabs a hostage and claims to have a bomb. May he be any extra responsible? Det. Riley continues to shine by holding Patrick speaking till Shaw can disarm him. 

The Courtroom: Whereas the crime centered on the that means of life because it begins, the District Lawyer should wrestle with the that means of life because it ends. DAs Baxter, Worth, and Maroun vigorously debate the best way to cost the indictment. Whereas Dr. Sarah meets the neurological standards for demise, she is just not legally lifeless. Worth, due to this fact, believes the cost must be tried homicide. Sam thinks that Dr. Sarah is lifeless. She’s in an irreversible coma. She will’t breathe with out the assistance of machines. Because of the premeditated nature of the assault, Maroun argues for first-degree homicide. Surprisingly, DA Baxter agrees, saying, “Courts have been busy deciding when life begins. Let’s take a shot at determining when life ends.”

Clearly ambivalent, Price moves forward with first-degree murder. During the trial, his case starts to unravel when the defense calls Dr. Calhoun to the stand to discredit the prosecution’s expert witness, who claimed that a brain-dead person’s likelihood of waking up is .001%. Dr. Calhoun’s testimony questioned the prosecution’s assertion, noting the phenomena known as the Lazarus Syndrome, in which persons in irreversible comas inexplicably awaken. Calhoun underscores that “only God knows” when life ends. At this juncture, DA Baxter asserts that the case no longer revolves around science or medicine, but emotion.” Sam won’t let the first-degree charge go. She tells Price that Dr. Sarah has a ‘Do Not Resuscitate’ (DNR) medical order that, if followed, would make their case a slam dunk. Cut to Dr. Sarah’s hospital room where her husband, talking to Sam, acknowledges that he was aware of the DNR but confesses, “I just wanted her to live.” The next day, Sam informs Price that they must present new information to the judge before Court. She says, “Sarah took her last breath at 8:04 am.” Cut to the jury’s reading of the verdict: “We find the defendant guilty of first-degree murder.” See, a slam dunk.

Sam comforts Price, who is still ambivalent about how things turned out, saying, “It’s a good day.” We put a murderer away for life.” The camera follows Price as he enters a room and removes his jacket. He’s in the room of a man who appears to be on life support. Price touches the man and says, “Hi, Dad. How was your day?” This scene subtly balances the episode’s clear, pro-choice message on the finish of life with an alternate one which demonstrates that whereas there’s life within the physique, there’s that means. There’s hope. Solely God is aware of.

What do you suppose? Had been you as moved as I used to be by this weighty episode? In that case, drop me a line. I’d love to speak about it. 

Total Ranking:

 9/10

Lynette Jones

I’m a self-identified ‘woke boomer’ who hails from an period bathed within the comforting glow of a TV, not a pc display screen. Navigating the digital world can typically depart me feeling a bit uncertain, however I strategy it with curiosity and a willingness to study. Endurance and kindness on this new panorama are actually valued. Let’s embrace the journey along with appreciation and a contact of humor!