In the latest episode of Law and Order, the creative team adopted its signature “Tear from the Headlines” approach, creating a fascinating story similar to the infamous Luigi Mangione case in a plot titled “Folk Heroes.” This part embodies a sensational manner, using fresh wounds to entertain. The similarities between United Healthcare CEO’s December murder are clear, which makes the timing of the episode unsettling opportunism. Despite its convincing performance and powerful storytelling, the decision to adapt such cases pushes the boundaries of “from headlines” TV.
“Folk Heroes” – Law and Order, pictured: (lr) Mullah Tierney (LR) serves as Lieutenant Jessica Brady, Reid Scott plays Vincent Riley. Photographed by Virginia Sherwood/NBC @ 2024 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. all rights reserved.
On the “legal side,” the story follows the assassination of Logan Andrews (Laird Mackintosh), the insurance company’s CEO, portrayed as an exciting capitalist with a priority on “profits outweigh people.” “Folk Hero” feels like an ode to Luigi Mangione. Both fictional and real-life cases deal with a disturbing question: Does placing “profits to people” on a reasonable cause of murder?
Detective Riley (Reid Scott) serves as a sergeant along with this week’s guest star Jesse Metcalfe. Danny DeLuca and public sentiment favor the murderer. The Charm of the Runaway is a barista who refuses to work with the police and attracts social media, almost attaining an almost mythical position as young people dress up like him, confusing law enforcement officers. Lieutenant Jessica Brady (Maura Tierney) noted that 37 witnesses imitated Weller’s people in what she called “I’m Spartacus’ Moment.”
“Folk Heroes” – Law and Order, pictured: (lr) Jesse Metcalfe serves as sergeant. Danny Deluca, Reid Scott, Detective Vincent Riley. Photographed by Virginia Sherwood/NBC @ 2024 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. all rights reserved.
Detective Riley’s chaotic pursuit, enhanced by crazy camera work, expresses the frustration with suspect Ethan Weller (ty Molbak) and ridiculed law enforcement. Weller escaped a period of capture, turning the investigation into a nervous cat and mouse game. Eventually, Riley arrested Weller for assassinating the CEO of another insurance company.
On the “order” side, Ada Price (Hugh Dancy) revived his moral and philosophical tug-of-war with District Attorney Nicholas Baxter (Tony Goldwyn). In his black and white judicial viewpoint, the price remains unwavering, believing that overwhelming evidence requires trials without a request agreement. However, Baxter took a more pragmatic and political stance.
Facing pressure from other insurers CEOs (thinking the case could draw goals in their industry), Baxter approached Weller’s attorney Megan Stratton (Laila Robins) to discuss the plea deal. When Baxter made a plea option to ADA prices, the price firmly refused, claiming: “This is the most powerful case I have ever seen.”
“Folk Heroes” – Law and Order, as shown in the picture: Tony Goldwyn plays Da Nicholas Baxter. Photographed by: Will Hart/NBC @ 2024 NBCuniversal Media, LLC. all rights reserved.
Despite Price’s confidence, the court drama quickly disappeared. Weller’s lawyer introduced a bold strategy: the doctrine of “defense against others”. She believes Wheeler’s actions were driven by patriotism in protecting others from harm, a claim that resonated with the jury and the public.
In Justice Benito Martinez, Price strongly opposed this unprecedented defense strategy, deeming it inappropriate. The judge asserted that it was up to the jury, not the prosecution, to determine the validity of the defense.
Judge Moscatlo and his colleagues further challenge Price’s understanding of justice. For example, Ada Maroun (Odelya Halevi) takes a more nuanced position. She sympathizes with the public’s anger towards the healthcare industry while still working on her role. She commented when she refers to Weller’s notebook: “What the insurance company does to her mother is mean.”
The elected position of the Baxter District Attorney adds another layer of complexity, he tilts by price to consider the public’s perception of the outcome of the case. Baxter’s motivation for victory, like justice, fueled a broader meaning in law, which was his broader influence – the price of wisdom firmly refused.
Price’s approach doubled, emphasizing that public opinion has nothing to do with prosecutors’ obligations. Instead, he focused on ensuring justice for the victims and the victims’ families. Although Baxter admires Price’s determination, he doesn’t necessarily share his optimism. Ultimately, Baxter warned: “No doubt we have to win!”
Price detective Riley goes to the booth, and Riley reads excerpts from Weller’s notes explaining his motivations. Riley told the jury about “Americans spent $7.5 trillion on health care last year, which caused two-thirds of the country’s medical bankruptcy.” He continued: “Optishield’s business model is designed to relieve human suffering.”
In response, Stratton called Riley and DeLuca the only other suspect interviewed by: Jerry Waldman (Michael Stewart Allen). Waldman was fired by Andrews for wanting to put a flawed algorithm on hold, describing the company’s business model as “delay, denial, defense.” Stratton had Waldman testified that his statistical model led to 46,456 deaths, strengthening her “defense against others” strategy. The price rebuttal during cross-examination led Waldman to admit that the deaths were “guessment” and that none of the victims met Andrews, making it impossible to claim that the CEO killed them in person.
“Folk Heroes” – Law and Order, Pictured: (lr)ty Molbak plays Ethan Weller, Laila Robins as Atty. Megan Stratton. Photographed by: Will Hart/NBC @ 2024 NBCuniversal Media, LLC. all rights reserved.
Stratton’s final witness is Weller himself, who shares a heartbreaking story about how Optishield rejects potentially life-saving drugs for its high cost. Weller’s emotional testimony swept the jury, fearing the risk of acquittal, approached Straton with a plea deal: a second-degree murder case, sentenced to 15 years in prison. Stratton replied with a smile: “Half of them are ready to grab the pitchfork and join the revolution.”
This forced the price to admit to Baxter: “I may underestimate…” Baxter asked, “Can we still win?” Price responded, “If people still believe in the rule of law.”
The climax of the episode focused on the jury’s verdict, but the scene disappeared before the blacks were revealed. This bold storytelling choice puts the audience in a state of suspense, reflecting unresolved reality. Although ambiguity has exacerbated the conspiracy, it has also attracted moral concerns about dramatic recent tragic events.
“If People Still Believe in the Rule of Law” is the center of this episode, the complex issue. The writers explore not only the public’s impact on justice, but also the moral grey areas of the legal system that many consider increasingly eroding. Price’s indomitable position is theoretically admirable, but his character cleverly but powerfully highlights the limitations of his ideology. This made me deeply uneasy.
“Folk Heroes” – Law and Order, as shown in the picture: Hugh Dancy is Ada Nolan Price. Photographed by: Will Hart/NBC @ 2024 NBCuniversal Media, LLC. all rights reserved.
Although Luigi Mangione inspired characters set the stage for the plot, it is a philosophical debate about the rule of law, namely between Baxter and Price, in the chamber and court of Justice Moscatello, which elevates the episode from the standard procedure to a profound exploration of justice. For fans and casual viewers, “folk heroes” is a “bike-bike” experience.
How do you view the show’s decision not to disclose the verdict? Let us know in the comments.
Overall rating:
8:10
Lynette Jones