Law & Order Review: Impossible Dream (Season 21 Episode 2)
It really seems that Law & Order Season 21 Episode 2, “Impossible Dream,” allows the show to build on its return from retirement. Unlike the episode before it, this one focuses in on the dynamic of the DA’s office as they work to build a case.
Whether it’s the professional discord between Dancy’s Price and Halevi’s Maroun or Camryn Manheim’s Lieutenant Dixon taking charge of the case, “Impossible Dream” shows that reboots can actually grow into something good.
Sure, it’s only the second episode, but still the second outing is stronger than the first.
The Case
Let’s start with the focus of the episode because it truly is a very now and relevant story. There are documentaries and other TV series’ being released over the next few weeks that pertain to real causes of medical fraud, much like the one here.
It’s never easy when a woman’s story of abuse has to be put into question, something that clearly resonates within the reactions and facial expressions of everyone working the case, cops and lawyers alike.
Price is definitely not winning himself any favors by going full steam ahead with this woman in the courtroom. If the story had gone any other way, he would’ve been vilified.
It’s one thing to do a case where a woman is accused of killing her husband in order to maintain her wealth and status. It’s another when that story is tangled amongst the uncertainty of medical advancements — quite honestly a lot of the technical talk of this episode goes above our heads.
Once again, Law & Order isn’t here to give us a clear, easy answer to all the questions brought up.
The Development of Maroun and Price
If anything this case is great for creating some stellar character development from both Price and Maroun. On Law & Order Season 21 Episode 1, “The Right Thing,” these two butted heads over the morality of their case.
We get to see them butt heads once again, only this time its over the morality of Price’s actions in the courtroom.
Maroun is shaping up to be a huge champion for women’s rights and her tears as Price lays into Nina on the stand are solid proof of that.
She isn’t one to be loud about her objections to things, but nonetheless her words hold weight. It’ll be interesting to see over time how much confidence she will gain to solidify her voice.
Meanwhile, on the opposite side of things, Price is showing that he holds no emotionality when trying a case in court. He can look at things objectively and without prejudice.
At times that is going to be extremely divisive, but for this particular case it worked to reveal Nina’s lies and manipulation. He isn’t always going to get off that easy considering his views can make people uncomfortable.
Price is definitely not here to win friends, but he is here to influence juries.
Manheim Came to Slay
As someone who grew up watching Camryn Manheim on shows such as The Practice and Ghost Whisperer I expected her addition to the precinct would be strong right out the gate.
Unfortunately, it isn’t there in the premiere, but damn did she come to fight on “Impossible Dream.” The way Lieutenant Dixon walks into the DA’s office with the confidence of a woman on a mission — be still my heart.
She doesn’t back down from her assertion that Nina is guilty, long before they have enough proof to back it up. Dixon is going to be the character to watch moving forward.
Her ability to wade through BS and find the nuggets of truth is phenomenal and the exact police work we can hope to see from Law & Order.
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Law & Order airs Thursdays at 8/7c on NBC.
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Mads Misasi
Mads is a part-time entertainment journalist and full-time marketing content creator. They love any and all TV Dramas with a few sitcoms mixed in. Join in the fun talking about TV by following them on Twitter: @dorothynyc89.