Law & Order Season 25 Episode 4 Review: Two and Twenty

Law & Order Season 25 Episode 4, “Two and Twenty,” proves there is no such thing as a perfect victim, and the world is much grayer than it seems.

This new episode portrays two victims: the murdered subject, billionaire John Geller, and the culprit, Nick Rossi, who also happens to be the subject of Geller’s workplace abuse.

However, “Two and Twenty” builds up to Nick Rossi’s motive with an intriguing investigation.

Typically, the best Law & Order episodes feature the detectives and the prosecutors working together, but the clear divide works well this time.

Even though John Geller’s murder is work-related, Detectives Riley and Brady uncover shocking secrets that keep the narrative compelling until Nick’s arrest.

Riley and Brady must tell John Geller’s widow about her late husband’s secret affair with a man, pushing them to reflect on revealing shocking secrets to the victims’ loved ones. It is a notable scene that adds interiority to both characters.

Riley and Brady must continue having contemplative discussions that color their investigations. Otherwise, the law enforcement aspect will quickly become stale.

Riley and Brady’s reflective investigation on “Two and Twenty” is only the beginning of an alluring storyline.

The heart of this episode revolves around Nick Rossi’s motive, once his attorney uses “Battered Banker’s Syndrome” as his legal defense. It seems strange at first, but this narrative decision effectively establishes the most compelling questions regarding the ethics of murder and abuse. 

Nolan Price: Having a bad boss doesn’t give you the right to commit murder.

Murder is always wrong, but it is never black and white — a concept that “Two and Twenty” depicts empathetically.

While Nolan goads Rossi into confessing his desire to murder Geller on the witness stand, the episode clearly illustrates John Geller’s abusive behavior. Rossi might not be in fear for his life, but it does not change the fact that he is a victim of Geller’s abuse.

Is it ethical for a victim of psychological abuse to take matters into their own hands? Nolan and Samantha’s prosecution explores this question without providing a definitive answer. It is a powerful portrayal of challenging subjects.

The jury’s conviction of Rossi is not a real response; it is simply jurors following the legal system.

However, Law & Order portrays that legal justice does not always equate to true justice. This episode delivers true justice when Rossi takes a stand against his abuser, even if it is the wrong way of going about it.

“Two and Twenty” falters when the narrative does not effectively use Samantha until the end. Samantha is a compelling character because of how she challenges the legal system. She is a prosecutor who follows the law, but she is fearless in voicing her moral convictions.

Nevertheless, her presence is minimal on this episode, and it ultimately hurts the storyline.

Samantha and Nolan’s dynamic is the best on Law & Order because of how they challenge each other. Hugh Dancy and Odelya Halevi’s chemistry also contributes to their captivating relationship.

However, this episode uses Samantha only to further Nolan’s perception of his case, rather than contributing to her own arc.

Samantha is Nolan’s co-counsel for a reason. It may be his case, but she is not the type to sit back and wait for him to ask for her opinion. Samantha is strong-willed and opinionated. When Law & Order asks difficult questions, she voices her opinion. Unfortunately, Samantha remains in the background for most of “Two and Twenty,” rather than giving her a chance to shine.

Episode 4 would have a much stronger ending if Samantha had a more prominent role. Moving forward, Samantha must play a more interactive role in the narrative. She is a critical figure who often keeps the narrative on its toes. Underutilizing her proves to be a grave mistake.

Otherwise, “Two and Twenty” is an adequate episode that delivers a compelling narrative with engaging themes.

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

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