“Report Card” is a riveting episode that explores the complexities of the human condition and juvenile justice. Although the premise of the story is that a teenage boy murders his teacher over rap lyrics, the show is much more than that story. It’s an indictment of the whole damn system. Chad Brooks’ performance as Det. Jaron Shaw was honest and inspired real emotion, and he was portrayed in a way that resonated deeply with me and I believe with a wider audience. Brooks’ performance was outstanding. Therefore, I highly recommend watching or rewatching “Transcript.” Why? Let me say a little more.
Mr. Rhodes is the science teacher who is the subject of this week’s crime. He is a homosexual. The first suspect was a parent who attacked Mr. Rhodes because he believed he was unduly influencing his son. A song that threatened Rod’s life eventually surfaced. The beats were made by a student. The lyrics were written by another man, Anthony. In true bloodhound fashion, Detectives Shaw and Reed help them get past the “gay” confusion and identify Anthony as the murder suspect.
“Report Card” – “Law & Order,” pictured: (left) Colton Osorio as Anthony Turner and Mia Y. Anderson as Lenisha Austin. Photo: Virginia Sherwood/NBC © 2024 NBCUniversal Media, LLC
Anthony, 13, is a foster child. When Shaw and Reed approached, he ran away. Shaw, a consummate police officer sworn to protect the vulnerable, tried to protect the young man from other officers who pointed their guns at him. Like Shaw, I was frustrated when Anthony held the knife to his neck and screamed that his life was over. my god! I felt sorry for the frightened boy, seeing his vulnerability and perhaps his innocence. Shaw knew that fear can cause fearful people to do bad things without seeing the consequences. Shaw urges Anthony to tell the truth. Anthony said he just wanted to scare his teacher and swore he didn’t know the gun was loaded.
During the conversation between Reed and Shaw, Shaw shared his personal story of being abandoned by his adoptive parents. Brooks’ performance here is a masterpiece. He captures the vulnerability of wounded children and the intensity of adults struggling with residual anger and pain. Shaw saw himself in Anthony, and he thanked his father for coming back from deployment to care for him. Reed defended Shaw’s character and assured him he would never take another person’s life. Shaw’s message was undeniable: “But for the grace of God, there I go.” This performance demonstrated Shaw’s emotional control and strength – tearful but restrained. That alone makes it worth watching.
“Report Card” – “Law & Order,” pictured: (left) Maura Tierney as Lt. Jessica Brady and Reid Scott as Detective. Vincent Riley and Mehcad Brooks as Det. Jaylen Shaw. Photo: Virginia Sherwood/NBC © 2024 NBCUniversal Media, LLC
When ballistics proved that Anthony’s fingerprints were found on the bullet, Xiao realized that Anthony had deceived him. In the final moments of the show, Brooks’ performance once again stood out. Xiao was betrayed. Thus, Brooks shows Shaw’s deep disappointment and eventual abandonment of his relationship with Anthony. When he told Anthony that his ten-year plea deal had been revoked, he depersonalized Anthony by not using Anthony’s name and simply saying, “Get in the car, kid.” Anthony will be charged as an adult.
“Report Card” – “Law & Order”, pictured: (left) Colton Osorio as Anthony Turner and Mecad Brooks as Detective. Jaylen Shaw. Photo: Virginia Sherwood/NBC © 2024 NBCUniversal Media, LLC
The District Attorney’s Office made the controversial decision to “split the baby,” dividing responsibility for the crime between the child shooter and the principal’s failure to act. The principal agreed to a five-year term. I am conflicted about this outcome, especially because the victim’s spouse did not want to see the principal charged. However, I realize that principals need to be held accountable for succumbing to self-preservation motives. This episode is a cautionary tale about the consequences of selfish behavior, as it can lead to chaos and dysfunction, tearing apart trust, collaboration, and community. Isn’t this what the “report card” reflects?
Public servants, including school principals, district attorneys, and those working in the foster care and juvenile justice systems, have a responsibility to act in the best interests of the people. The “report card” is a mirror that reflects the truth about civil servants, allowing us to see shortcomings and failures. For example, this episode showcases a principal’s disregard for etiquette while the District Attorney’s Office charges a traumatized 13-year-old as an adult despite the child’s apparent lack of mental, emotional, moral, and ethical development. Foster care fails to provide a consistent, supportive environment for vulnerable children like Anthony (and Xiao). Ironically, the juvenile justice system also failed, leading Anthony to kill to avoid returning to the juvenile justice system.
“Report Card” – “Law & Order”, pictured: (left) Mehcad Brooks plays detective. Jalen Shaw, Hugh Dancy as ADA Nolan Price, Odelya Halevi as ADA Samantha Maroun, Reid Scott as Det. Vincent Riley. Photo by Virginia Sherwood/NBC © 2024 NBCUniversal Media, LLC
The incident highlights the broad appeal of law and orderwhile also drawing attention to the unresponsiveness, unfairness, and inability of the American legal system to deliver justice, especially juvenile justice. Some critics lamented that Wolfe’s show overly portrayed the positive aspects of law enforcement. law and orderespecially “transcript”, is the opposite. The story takes viewers on a roller coaster ride filled with stomach-churning highs and painful lows. This story is both crazy and nerve-wracking. It works because it’s done right!
What did you think of this episode of the ride? How do you think the recent moral and ethical decisions affecting Shaw’s detainee Anthony and Reed’s brother will affect their friendship?
Overall rating:
10/10
Lynette Jones