Law & Order Season 24 Episode 1 Review: Catch and Kill

The members of the 27th Precinct and the Manhattan DA’s office are back with a case that doesn’t get the resolution it deserves. Law & Order Season 24 Episode 1, “Catch and Kill,” dives into the complexity of domestic abuse cases.

While this is something that we’ve seen many times on both Law & Order as well as Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, this episode and case don’t feel completely overplayed. In fact, by emotionally connecting ADA Maroun to the subject matter, the writers give us a stronger story than expected.

In fact, ADA Maroun’s emotional attachment to the victim proves that the show might actually return to the full strength of its early years if the focus on character connections and growth continues. 

Dixon is Out, and Brady is In

Prior to the start of Season 24, Law & Order announced that Camryn Manheim wouldn’t be returning as Lieutenant Dixon this season. Then, it was announced that Maura Tierney would replace her; we just weren’t certain how that would all play out.

After watching Tierney’s debut performance in this universe, I must say that she outshines Manheim by a mile. Granted, this completely comes down to how well the characters are developed and written.

Many times last season, we mentioned how insignificant Lieutenant Dixon was to the overall plot of the show, which was a misuse of Manheim’s talents. Now, we have Tierney stepping in, and already, this character is much more involved in her team’s actions as well as in interrogating suspects.

It makes us excited about the season to come because, finally, the dynamic for the police side of the episode is compelling. We want to know more about Lieutenant Brady because we already have a complex backbone to work with.

After three seasons, the most we knew about Lieutenant Dixon was that she previously worked with Detective Riley and that she had a deaf son, both of which we learned during Season 23. Meanwhile, we are in Lieutenant Brady’s first episode/case, and already we have found out she is no-nonsense, doesn’t want to be buddy-buddy with her detectives, can read microexpressions, and takes a vested interest in solving cases quickly and efficiently.

The difference is astounding. Add to that Tierney’s captivating performance and we have a winner. There is no doubt in my mind that the season ahead is going to be made that much better by this new commander.

Domestic Abuse Deserves Better In Court

One of the strong parts of this episode comes from the case itself. Law & Order Season 24 Episode 1, “Catch and Kill,” starts with DA Baxter on TV talking about his election win and how the DA’s office wouldn’t go easy on criminals within the parameters of the law; all the while, one of the Brooklyn prosecutors is getting murdered.

It’s an emotional juxtaposition that really draws in viewers, saying this episode shouldn’t be taken lightly. We are immediately hooked because we want to see if Baxter is all fluff for the media or if he means what he’s saying.

It really shows viewers’ mistrust in not just the media but also our justice system in general that our immediate thoughts after video evidence is presented center on begging the judge to find it admissible but expecting it won’t be. It takes everything in us not to cheer out loud when the judge hears the evidence and grants it admission to trial.

What’s even more despicable than the suspect himself is his lawyer. Now, I know lawyers are paid to defend their clients, but did she really have to say, out loud, that most domestic abusers aren’t monsters because they don’t murder their victims? Gross.

At the end of the day, I was certain this court case wouldn’t get anywhere because, much like real life, domestic abuse cases are rarely given the justice they deserve. Sure enough, the abuser kills himself, and his accomplice gets off by paying a witness not to come forward.

Honestly, that is why this episode stands so strongly on its own two feet. We can feel ADA Maroun’s frustration as if it is our own.

The Bond Between Maroun and Price

For a few seasons now, we’ve been anxious for the writers to explore the bond between ADA Price and ADA Maroun more intimately. Across many cases we’ve seen these two show us they know each other on a deeper level than is necessarily required for their duties. 

A few seasons ago, we saw Maroun step in and pull Price aside when a case hit him too close to home. However, Law & Order didn’t dive too deeply into that, nor did it show Maroun attempting intervention or concern more than once. 

In this case, Price is there every step of the way. He’s not only keeping a closer eye on Maroun but he’s reassuring others that everything is fine.

This shows that he wants her job to remain intact while also giving her the space to work through her feelings more privately. However, he switches gears the moment he realizes that she isn’t handling the case well at all and makes several attempts to reel her in.

The final moments of the episode are heartbreakingly tense as Price rushes to stop Maroun from ruining her career. All the while, Maroun is trying to keep a stoic face but realizes she can’t once Price mentions her sister.

She begs him not to mention her sister, but he refuses, which allows her to fully break down and feel the full brunt of her emotions. It’s probably the first time we’ve ever seen Maroun this emotionally vulnerable, and we love it.

Hopefully, this season will push those boundaries even more.

Stray Thoughts:

• Eric La Salle directed this episode, which debuted his former ER co-star, Maura Tierney. My fan heart was so tickled by this.
• Detective Shaw in a tight, short-sleeve white shirt showing off his tattoo sleeves. Oh my! Yes, please.
• I see you, writers! Making a jab at the whole Diddy situation going on in real life with a case about a rapper accused of sex trafficking.

 

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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