Law & Order Review: Black and Blue (Season 21 Episode 10)

The really hard thing for a cop show to do during a time of such unrest between communities of color and the police is to have an episode centered on just that. Law & Order Season 21 Episode 10, “Black and Blue,” makes sure to walk that very fine line carefully.

By the end of the episode audiences are made to feel icky about either outcome. There is no right or easy answer in this case, and thankfully the writers know that.

While someone does get charged for a crime, it hardly feels like justice. That is what makes episodes like this one so great — they leave us questioning how we view the world around us. 

Cosgrove’s Nasty Side

Cosgrove hasn’t been an even keeled guy all season, but he’s always made sure to toe the line and not cross it. However, when his friend gets shot and killed his emotions get the better of him.

He lashes out verbally at everyone, even his partner who is usually someone he deeply respects. It’s hard to see Bernard just take it on the cheek, but it also shows how much they both respect one another.

Especially, when one of them is hurting so deeply that he says things he doesn’t mean and will later regret. The only thing I wish was done differently is Bernard’s reactions — he should have spoken up and called Cosgrove out.

It doesn’t matter what the circumstances are, Cosgrove’s behavior is borderline racist and Bernard or even Price should have called him out for it. But, especially Bernard as black man should’ve taken the time to call it like he saw it. 

If Law & Order had really wanted to make an impact it should’ve shown Bernard and Cosgrove engaging in those difficult conversations that need to be had. The NYPD are notoriously lacking in positive race relations and this type of storyline could’ve gone a long way.

Who is Really Guilty?

The really tough thing about this case is that the evidence, the cold hard truths, is very lacking. It’s mostly a case of he said, she said. 

There is testimony that the cop who was killed said some racial slurs and yet the only one who heard it is the girl who shot him and obviously the dead cop. That’s already treading into iffy territory because it’s a black girl vs a white cop. 

The great thing about this episode though, is Price fights tooth and nail to not include past investigations against the victim because they were unsubstantiated and would possibly sway the jury. Unfortunately, it’s not enough and the jury gets to hear about it, but Price makes sure that the jury also hears that nothing came of those investigations.

This move doesn’t fully exonerate what this man may have done or said, but it does emphasize that things could have been manipulated for the sake of appearances. Especially in the case of the previous accusations against the cop. 

While race relations are definitely something we need to be completely aware of, Law & Order makes sure to inform that sometimes things aren’t entirely black and white, or black and blue.

Things can easily be messy and complicated. So, for one of the charges against the accused to get a not guilty while the other is found to be a guilty verdict the point of complication is driven home. 

What Remains?

This case is definitely not going to win Price any favors with the NYPD which looks to be something that will carry over into next season. Most importantly, it will be interesting to see if Cosgrove’s attitude — which has already been on thin ice — toward Price will change dramatically.

It’s going to super charge every case going into next season, which is exactly where we like to leave things within the Law & Order universe. We want assurances that characters are okay but that the drama is just beginning. 

 

What did you think of this episode of Law & Order? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Law & Order returns in the fall on NBC.

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