Law & Order Season 23 Episode 5 Review: Last Dance

Fans of Dick Wolf and, more importantly, DA Jack McCoy aren’t left disappointed by Law & Order Season 23 Episode 5, “Last Dance.”

While the case itself lacks excitement until the courtroom phase, it is the relationship McCoy has to its outcome that makes this one worth remembering. After multiple decades in the high court of Manhattan, McCoy has one last hoorah, and the fans are left nostalgic for the influence he has carried all these years.

Sam Waterston gives the performance of a lifetime and leaves us wanting more. This is how we know it’s the perfect time for the character and the actor to say goodbye.

Shaw and Riley Barely Matter

In typical fashion, Law & Order gives equal focus and importance to each side of a case. Unfortunately, this case leans more heavily on the court side of things and leaves the detectives in the dust. 

That doesn’t mean they don’t have enough airtime because they do. The biggest issue with the murder of Veronica Knight is that it reads like so many other cases we have seen over the years. 

The investigation fails to make us pay attention because it appears to be yet another case of a woman being assaulted by a rich man. Only to end up dead when she confronts him.

Shaw and Riley give it their best shot and manage to put the pieces together that paint Rob Benedict’s Scott Kelton in a very negative light. However, not even their quick deductive reasoning could bring this case back from the grave.

That is until it’s discovered that Kelton is a major donor for the Mayor’s campaign. That turns everything on its head and makes this about more than just rape and murder.

Price Can’t Be Swayed

One of the most outlandish things Mayor Payne does during Law & Order Season 23 Episode 5, “Last Dance,” is that he believes that any sort of threat will phase the stoic Price. Viewers have seen more intimidating men than Payne try to muscle their way into a better deal with him and fail miserably.

If there is one thing undeniable about Nolan Price, it is that he is a chip off the old block. And by block, we mean DA Jack McCoy.

For the past few years, we have watched as Nolan Price has been shaped and molded by the influence of McCoy. If given the choice of letting him step up in McCoy’s stead, I’d say he’s a perfect replacement.

As it stands, right now is not that time because of Mayor Payne’s arm of influence and the level of hurt he could inflict on the DA’s office. That doesn’t mean that Price is bowled over by Payne’s threat.

In fact, by going to McCoy immediately after leaving the Mayor, Price proves that he isn’t going to let his career aspirations get in the way of the truth with this case. Mayor Payne might not want his son to be forced to testify, nor have Kelton vilified, but he fails to see that isn’t justice.

McCoy’s Last Stand

Initially, when McCoy takes Price off the case, we are shocked and hurt. But then we soon realize that he did it so that he could stick it to Mayor Payne personally. 

This is where Waterston’s performance really shines. His demeanor and cadence leave not only the judge and jury in awe but audiences as well.

We are easily transported back over the years to all the times Jack McCoy has captivated us while being knee-deep in a courtroom battle for the truth. In fact, his speech is one that will go down in Law & Order history.

DA Jack McCoy: As District Attorney I have tried to act fairly and ethically without bias or favor. And now, it is your job to do the same. As the jury you should act fairly and ethically without bias or favor.

The jury shows that his words have hit them deeply, and as viewers and fans of the character, we can all say the same. In the end, when Price is trying to convince him he shouldn’t have resigned we all know in our hearts it’s what should be done.

Through it all, Jack McCoy does everything in his power to speak for the people of New York City. And at this juncture that meant stepping down so the Governor could select someone and Price could guarantee to keep his job.

McCoy isn’t wrong when he says it’s been a hell of a ride. We have greatly enjoyed DA Jack McCoy these past decades, and the show will definitely never be the same again.

 

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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