Law & Order: Organized Crime Season 3 Episode 17 Review: Blood Ties
On Law & Order: Organized Crime Season 3 Episode 17, “Blood Ties,” the name of the game is fatherhood. Between Wen searching for his son and Stabler finding he misses his own, the family vibes are on high alert.
Ultimately, it’s great to see Stabler go to bat for an emotional father who has done nothing but compromise the investigation time and time again.
While many things are left to be desired with this episode, the father figure imagery is not one of them.
When Wen Wins, We All Win
By the end of the episode, everyone is cheering for Wen to be reunited with his son. After all, we feel as though we’ve known him for some time despite only meeting him at the start.
There is something to be admired about a father who traveled all the way from his home country in search of his missing boy. Also, the level of confidence he wields, even in the face of the task force, is astounding.
This man doesn’t care if his emotions are getting in the way of his logical thinking. He has one goal: to see his son safe in his arms once more.
What comes as the biggest surprise is Stabler putting his reputation on the line for this perfect stranger. It further proves that Stabler’s mental health has been working to mold him into a stronger man.
We’ve stated this before, and it bears repeating Stabler of old would have found Wen to be a hindrance instead of a help. So, the fact that he is willing to use the man repeatedly shows his faith in the father’s force of will.
While the ending of this situation seems rushed, we can’t deny the emotions that well up when we see Wen hug his son once more.
The Pacing Is Wrong
In my review of Law & Order: Organized Crime Season 3 Episode 16, “Chinatown,” I expressed concern that this case, as many this season, would be resolved within the next episode or two. It’s a shame my concern has been deemed correct.
When the writers decide that a case as big as the Chinese gang organizations interfering with politics doesn’t warrant more than a couple of episodes it says the show isn’t any better than the other shows within the franchise.
The wonderful thing about Law & Order: Organized Crime when it first began was the attention to detail the writers put into each case. Within the first season there was a large case that ran for most of the season. With Season 2 we had a couple small cases, but overall the focus was one two major storylines.
Now, in Season 3, the show has decided that everything deserves only a couple episodes of focus. This leads to rushed storylines and disappointing takedowns.
The story of Quan and his human trafficking is no different. What could be extended for multiple episodes, and maybe even pull in Law & Order: SVU is wrapped up nicely after only two.
If this show wants to keep fans around it needs to find that perfect balance; realizing that dealing with the underworld means more extensive investigations and games of cat and mouse.
Quan Lacks Oomph
The other major issue with “Blood Ties” is the lack of desire the viewer has to care about Quan. What could be a creative play of masterful thinking and police dodging ends up being flat and predictable.
Nothing about this kingpin screams fear — he is only ever one step ahead and pays people to do his biding. The man never gets his hands dirty and when he does kill we see it coming.
The writers failed to give Quan any level of mystique or mystery when developing him as a character of note. There is potential built in the previous episode but “Blood Ties” spends most of the time focusing on the man he hired to take the people from the ship.
The fact that Quan is barely in this episode speaks to a larger issue of control for the story. We can’t fear a man we rarely interact with.
Showing him in more sinister gang related dealings could’ve amped up his pull of focus from the audience. Unfortunately, he falls to the wayside in favor of Wen and his son.
Stray Thoughts:
- We love Stabler/Eli bonding moments. That final scene warms us to the core and reminds us that through it all Stabler is a father first.
- Bell and that detective from Chinatown? SIGN ME UP! Here for it!
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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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.