Law & Order: Organized Crime Season 3 Episode 11 Review: The Infiltration Game

For the first time ever, Stabler seems to take things too far and overstep his teammates. On Law & Order: Organized Crime Season 3 Episode 11, “The Infiltration Game,” Jamie’s undercover operation goes south, but not because of anything he does.

While Jamie ditching his wire is a bad move, he knew he needed to in order to stay in the gang’s good graces. It’s frustrating that the team could still track him and yet felt like they needed to step in.

What happened to trusting that things will work out? I can count on multiple hands the number of times Stabler has been able to go rogue without pushback and yet the team can’t afford Jamie the same?

Jamie’s Frustration Isn’t Misplaced

Jamie might be a new guy on the team, but he’s proven time and again he’s good at his job. His hotheaded behavior is no different than a younger Elliot Stabler and yet he’s chastised for it at every turn by Stabler himself.

This team seems to stand behind everyone but Jamie. In the past, it’s only been a subtle lack of trust, but now they’ve compromised an investigation because of it.

If Stabler and Bell had just sat back for a little bit longer, Jamie would’ve had Duran trusting him and the team wouldn’t have had to take extra steps to stay in the gang’s good graces. Of course, Stabler and Reyes try their best to put the blame on Jamie, but who are the ones who jumped into the meeting between Jamie and Duran?

Stabler: Don’t bring Bell into this! It’s about you and me.

Jamie: Oh it’s about you and me? I thought it was all about you.

This is a wasted opportunity for Stabler to mold another cop with the knowledge and experience he has. Instead, he pushes his way into being the center of the undercover operation, pushing Jamie to a place where he’s not going to learn anything but anger.

If the task force really wants to keep its bosses thinking the team is worth keeping around it needs to work on its ability to be a team. Currently, it’s the Bell and Stabler show with no real room for anyone else.

So many things are going wrong with this case and all Stabler and Bell can do is unnecessarily throw Jamie under the bus. 

Where Do They Go From Here?

With how sideways this investigation is already going can the team really recover? 

Jamie is a stronger player than anyone but Jet gives him credit for. If Bell and Stabler could see past his lack of experience they would be able to see that his instincts are perfect to be a regular UC. 

There’s a reason Bell told Stabler he was Stabler 2.0, the young man has the same level of street smarts as the iconic detective. Law & Order: Organized Crime needs to create opportunities for Jamie to further prove his worth.

This team isn’t going to be able to survive and grow if it puts all its eggs in the Stabler basket. He is great, but he lacks the same perspectives as Jamie and Reyes which is beneficial to keep this team alive and kicking.

Stabler’s redirect with this case is not putting them in the good graces of their new boss due to its hefty price tag. Just because he can do a great job doesn’t mean he actually should.

Stray Thoughts:

• I never thought I would actually be annoyed with Stabler. His sidelining and disregard for Jamie’s abilities have me thinking twice about my support for him.
• Stabler also keeping Miami out of the loop created more problems than necessary.
• Jet deserves way more attention and appreciation than she ever gets. It’s a shame these writers don’t seem to know how to grow her, Reyes, or Jamie.
• There’s something fishy going on with the new head boss — my money is on a drug problem.

 

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

Critic Rating:

User Rating:

 

Law & Order: Organized Crime airs Thursdays at 10/9c on NBC.

 Follow us on Twitter and on Instagram!

Want more from Tell-Tale TV? Subscribe to our newsletter here!

25 Best TV Dramas of 2022