Law & Order: Organized Crime Season 3 Episode 14 Review: All in the Game

Emotions run high on Law & Order: Organized Crime Season 3 Episode 14, “All in the Game.” Between Jet and Bell, the tears and frustration are never far away.

It’s an interesting juxtaposition between two characters who normally co-exist and don’t connect. Sure, they work together, but Bell doesn’t usually look at Jet in a more personal way.

This shift in dynamic starts on Law & Order: Organized Crime Season 3 Episode 13, “Punch Drunk,” and moves to completion on “All in the Game.”

Jet’s Emotional Baggage

The show quickly ties up Jet’s kidnapping story, which initially seems disappointing. However, as the episode progresses, it shows us that wrapping things up quickly gives Jet time to react to what happens next.

Jet hasn’t been given opportunities to work in the field often, and during the previous episode, she proves she belongs there. Law & Order: Organized Crime chooses this episode to drive home Jet’s non-professional, human side. 

Yes, she is excellent at being undercover, but she’s also great at being the human connection this show desperately needs from time to time. Her dynamic with Seamus further proves that her emotional side shouldn’t be discounted or shoved in a drawer. 

Bell attempting to cut her off at the head is both professional and personal wrapped up in one. It shows that Bell doesn’t want Jet to be consumed by her guilt and hurt for most of her career — like Bell has — and that she knows when her team member needs to be cut off.

This isn’t the first time Jet has become emotionally connected to a case and its participants. Does anyone else remember Malachi? 

Her connection with him has been written off as personal, not interfering with her ability to do her job. However, now that the same thing has happened with Seamus, there is a reason to be concerned.

Only time will tell if Jet has developed a concerning pattern.

Sergeant Bell Has Important Growth

The thing about Bell and Stabler is that they understand each other because, on some level, they are similar. Before “All in the Game,” Law & Order: Organized Crime has allowed us to see Bell reel in Stabler — not the other way around.

This time, Stabler stands in to help Bell keep her head in the face of difficult circumstances. While it’s ultimately her decision to stand down and let Murphy walk away, Stabler’s presence helps her get there.

She sits in their car and cries while Stabler reassures her that she made the right decision. Two seasons ago, it’s doubtful that Stabler would encourage her level-headed conclusion. 

Stabler has made significant strides to rehabilitate his aggressive, impulsive reputation as a cop. His relationship with Bell and the job is what demonstrates that the most. 

Bell can grow in her own ways because Stabler has handed her the tools to do so. Their symbiotic relationship has finally worked itself into a positive thing for them personally and professionally.

The further we dive into this Eamon Murphy story, the more we see Bell come out the leader she has always been destined to be. Bell shows everyone that sometimes walking away is better than getting the justice you crave. 

And that, my friends, is what we call growth.

Stray Thoughts:

• The way my heart swelled when Stabler suggested therapy to Jet. He’s come so far.
• This episode is about the women, and I love that for them.
• Seamus dying is ultimately the saddest thing I have seen from this show in a long time. He isn’t as terrible as we initially believed, so it’s hard to see him lose out on a chance to grow.

 

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

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

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