Law & Order Season 22 Episode 12 Review: Almost Famous
When a child becomes a social media star influenced by the words of an adult and the child dies, who is responsible?
Law & Order Season 22 Episode 12, “Almost Famous,” aims to answer that question with a deep hard look into the subculture of internet fame. The sparkle of being famous and earning money because of something you are good at is an easy sell to young people in tough situations — which Jason Wheeler takes advantage of.
Molding a Generation of Apathetic Teens
One of the most disturbing facts about this case is just how far Jason is able to sink his teeth into these teens at his “Content House.” None of them live in a world based on reality — it’s all about likes, followers, and fame.
This becomes most evident when Max is revealed to be the instigator behind the stunt that gets Eli killed. Max is a young man who looks the detectives in the eyes and scoffs at any real punishment they try to persuade him with.
Even more concerning is that Jason immediately puts himself between Max and the detectives refusing to share any key evidence in the name of saving face for his empire of famous teens. From the moment we meet Jason, it’s clear that he has a creepy level of interest in the kids he recruits — beyond just financial gain.
He has this way of convincing these down-on-their-luck kids that they should do extreme stunts that have a high level of danger to gain notoriety on the internet. He has a callous attitude toward their safety, which in turn molds them into believing they are untouchable and free of any real responsibility.
Max makes that abundantly clear when charged with the death of Eli. What makes his apathy even worse is his parents standing behind him and stating the same in exchange for the million dollars he has earned.
A Tough Case To Win
I will say one thing, Law & Order really brought the heat with this case. Jason Wheeler’s lawyer is unflappable and doesn’t have any qualms about twisting reality and making Price and Maroun’s case impossible.
In fact, there are moments where the viewers are left pulling their hair out because she has an answer for every one of Price’s arguments. It’s clear that she is well worth the money Jason pays for her, but that also brings out the best in Price.
It’s great to see Price flex his strength as an EADA, which has not been seen much this season — unfortunately. It’s as if this case ignited enough of a fire in him he’s forgotten all his recent setbacks in the name of being the best prosecutor for this case specifically.
Price and Maroun are steadfast and don’t let a few setbacks stop them from going for Jason’s career and reputation. They really go to bat in the name of justice for Eli.
Dancy sends chills down our back in the final scenes of this episode as he throws new evidence at Jason to get him to plead guilty. The level of disdain and disgust Price has for Wheeler isn’t held back and it makes for a stronger scene.
At the end of the day there are no real winners in this case because Price and Maroun still have to prosecute Max for a crime he probably wouldn’t have committed if he’d never been pulled into Wheeler’s web of fame.
Stray Thoughts:
- Dixon being a lover of Jane Austen makes complete sense — I stand with that personality trait.
- I personally loved seeing Andrew Kober playing a minor character in this episode. The man has many talents that are always fun to behold.
- Once again Dancy and Halevi are the strongest aspect of the episode — more of them, please!
What did you think of this episode of Law & Order? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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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.