Law & Order Season 22 Episode 14 Review: Heroes

The question of whether or not a cop can also be human gets put under a microscope on Law & Order Season 22 Episode 14, “Heroes.” The case against Bishop Bell isn’t even about the harm he caused once word gets out that Officer Riley failed to act.

While it is hard to sympathize with cops today, “Heroes” makes a compelling case that some cops are just trying to do their jobs right. In a situation that quickly could turn into a racial or political agenda, the story contains itself to Riley’s inactions and Bell’s heinous crime.

Partners At Last

For once, Law & Order keeps us interested even during the Cosgrove and Shaw moments. It isn’t often that these two tell an interesting enough story during the investigation.

It helps that the more they look into the nightclub shooting, the more twisted and complicated the story gets. The real target, King Matisse, brings social justice into the mix based on his comments against the LGBTQ+ community.

There is a camaraderie between Cosgrove and Shaw that has been lacking lately as they walk through a shoe store selling Matisse’s brand. They make jabs at each other much as other detective partners have done throughout the show.

These two have been partners for almost a year at this point, and yet, they still need to connect. It’s been evident in the past that Cosgrove’s lack of respect regarding people of color keeps Shaw from fully trusting him.

Oddly enough, that abysmal behavior gets a laugh and a “that’s the whitest thing I’ve ever heard” from Shaw this time. Could it be they are finally starting to understand each other?

Let’s hope Cosgrove continues to grow and learn from Shaw about the finer details of being more open-minded. 

Good Cop or Bad Cop

If there is one thing we can always count on from Cosgrove, it’s his compassion regarding the struggles of being a cop. This shines during Law & Order Season 22 Episode 14, “Heroes,” as he guides Officer Riley to work with the DA’s office to construct the case against Bell.

While we may not like Cosgrove overall due to his rough-around-the-edges exterior, he does have moments where his humanity makes him more personable. We saw it previously when his longtime friend planted evidence, and instead of going along with it, Cosgrove turned him in.

Now, he has a moment with Riley where he makes the man feel like freezing wasn’t the worst thing he could do as a cop — especially one as experienced as him. Because of Cosgrove and Price’s encouragement and compassion, Officer Riley takes the stand against the man he saw at the club that night.

This is where the episode takes off and dives into the more profound question of whether heroes are human. We put these first responders on a pedestal for always being level-headed in the face of danger, but Officer Riley shows that even the strongest of us sometimes get scared.

While he doesn’t want to admit he was scared, it’s easy to see that it influenced his inability to act the night in question. But does that make him a lesser cop? The simple answer is no.

Riley makes a point on the stand that this was one time out of about 500 that he didn’t act as he should. A man’s character can’t be judged on only one moment — or so society always preaches. 

The Continued Breakdown of Price

The way the media treats Riley during and after the trial proves too much for the officer. Which in turn is bound to weigh heavily on Price.

As the last few seasons have proven, Price takes many of his cases to heart and doesn’t let himself off the hook when things go sideways. The fate of Officer Riley will add guilt to his already teeming pile.

Whether or not it completely breaks Price remains to be seen. However, based on his facial expression when Maroun tells him the news, it’s safe to assume he isn’t going to forget Riley anytime soon.

While Price isn’t to blame for how much this case “ruined” Riley, he will still say his actions were the direct cause. Law & Order has been hinting at Price’s fragile mental state for most of the season — there is only so much anyone can take.

If Price ends up having a mental breakdown, I am certain Maroun will be right there to ensure he recovers and returns to who he’s meant to be. 

Honestly, their working relationship deserves to be explored beyond the confines of the courtroom more. 

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Law & Order airs Thursdays at 8/7c on NBC.

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