I’ve reviewed a few police procedural dramas, so I feel confident introducing this week’s Law & Orders episode “The Greater Good” for its moving and thought-provoking writing that explores the complex and painful intergenerational struggle between DET. Officer Jalen Shaw (Mehcad Brooks) and Vanessa Washburn (Karen Obilum). The presenters do a great job of illuminating the ethical, legal, and social issues these characters face every day. It’s this depth that makes Law and Order stand out and has kept it going for decades. Let’s review!
As usual, this week’s crime was taken out of the headlines as victim Wes Morgan was found dead with a gunshot fired to his chest. Morgan is an entertainment mogul who is under investigation for sex trafficking. Sound familiar? Detectives Shaw and Riley (Reid Scott) will learn this when they interview Washburn, an undercover agent from the NYPD’s security services unit. Finally, Lyman (Mekhi Phifer), the father of trafficking victim Angela Rose (Arica Himmel), kills Morgan because he targeted his 18-year-old daughter. The district attorney offered Lyman a plea deal, but he chose to go to trial, claiming he shot Morgan in self-defense.
“The Greater Good” – Law & Order, Pictured: (lr) Mekhi Phifer as Lyman Ross and Michael Beach as Atty. Harris.
Video evidence shows that Washburn was one of the last people to leave Morgan alive. But when Detectives Shaw and Riley interviewed her, she immediately gave them attitude. She lets them know that, despite being a police officer, she has no obligation to help them investigate the murder of someone she knows to be a sexual predator. The narrative of these episodes continues to revolve around Shaw and Washburn, showing how each person embodies a different approach to policing and justice. Elderly officer Det. Shaw joined forces with an idealistic hope to create change from within. His unwavering adherence to rules and belief in the system paint him as a figure of integrity and tradition. Ms. Washburn, a young official, has a deep cynicism about the system she is sworn to uphold. For her, becoming a police officer was more about getting a pension than enforcing what she believed were fundamentally unjust laws that historically harmed her community – the Black community.
“The Greater Good” – Law & Order, pictured: (lr) Karen Chinasa Obilom as Vanessa Washburn, Mehcad Brooks as Detective Jalen Shaw, and Reid Scott as Vincent Riley. . all rights reserved.
What makes this episode particularly compelling is its refusal to reduce these characters to mere archetypes. Instead, the writers intricately weave a narrative in which every character is flawed and sympathetic. Shaw’s unwavering loyalty to the system and empathy for Officer Washburn’s ideological stance are simultaneously frustrating and discouraging, especially for his partner, Reid, and executive administrator Ada Nolan. Ada Nolan Price. Reid told Shaw at one point: “There’s no engraving in the police manual for a black or a white cop. We don’t get to choose when to be ‘real cops’ in the name of a higher call. Call the ADA price. He’ll put her “If she chooses to fake herself, that’s her choice.”
In court, Lyman Ross testified that Morgan threatened his life with a champagne bottle he was carrying. Prosperity! Defense attorney Brian Harris (Michael Beach) has just raised reasonable doubt. This testimony forced Ada Price to put Washburn on the stand to repeat what she told Det. Shaw Morgan did not carry a champagne bottle. The editor’s decision to capture Washburn swearing the truth was a nice touch. However, Washburn’s disregard for the rules, although born out of a legitimate distrust of the system, leads her to not tell the truth. Cue ominous music when Ada Price asks Morgan directly if she’s carrying the bottle, and she says yes. Price went on to say that her statement contradicted statements she told Detective Shaw. When Shaw looked at her, Washburn said, “Shaw misunderstood me.” How? shame? disappointment? What did you see?
“The Greater Good” – Law & Order, Pictured: (LR) Mehcad Brooks as Jalen Shaw, Hugh Dancy as Ada Nolan Price.
Of course, Ada Price was not satisfied and Washburn gave them exactly what they needed for an acquittal. He asked for the testimony of prosecutor Washburn. He did so, but he was clearly not happy about doing so. He understood the perspective of a young black female officer who was not afraid to challenge traditional norms to improve her community. He learned that removing a black father from his family did no justice to the black community. He also learned that Officer Washburn was only cleared of being a police officer because of perjury.
“The Greater Good – Law & Order, Pictured: (LR) Mehcad Brooks as Jalen Shaw and Karen Chinasa Obilom as Vanessa Washington.
At the end of the episode, Washburn congratulated Shaw on Lyman Ross’ conviction. She accused him of “blowing up” her career. He replies, “I was trying to warn you.” I found the plot’s exploration of race and generational situations to be shaky. For Black police officers, the consequences of being “a little bit wrong” are grossly disproportionate, highlighting a harsh reality that should resonate with many viewers. This episode shines a light on the ongoing injustices that often lead to no one seeking justice. It confronts systemic racism without resorting to sensationalism, making viewers painfully aware of the stakes involved on all sides. This is an episode that will likely stay with you long after your credits roll, and it’s a must-watch for anyone interested in layered storytelling.
What did you think of this episode? Do you see any merit in Washburn’s stance and actions? Let me know in the comments.
Overall rating:
10/10
Lynette Jones