Law & Order Season 25 Episode 6 Review: Brotherly Love

Law & Order Season 25 Episode 6, “Brotherly Love,” is a heart-wrenching episode featuring a surprising return from Detective Vincent Riley’s brother, Matt Riley.

Matt, now out on parole, is pulled into another murder investigation when his friend and former boss, Declan Dell, is murdered. 

He has the opportunity to redeem himself after nearly costing his brother his job and a successful conviction for Nolan’s murder case.

Declan Dell’s case is clear-cut: Shane Willis killed him because Dell could not pay the money he owed.

However, “Brotherly Love” is not about a shocking revelation or unexpected secret. The episode is about Vincent, Matt, Nolan, and how they have to work together to convict Shane Willis. 

Convicting Willis for the murder of Declan requires trusting Matt as the key witness — a heavy price that Nolan is just not willing to pay this time.

Both Nolan and Vincent have their fears regarding Matt’s potential betrayal, making Dell’s murder deeply personal for both of them.

“Brotherly Love” focuses profoundly on how Declan’s murder affects both Vincent and Nolan, despite not knowing the victim.

It is a risky decision for Law & Order to make, especially since the show often relies on unpredictable circumstances to create a compelling narrative. However, this decision pays off because of the notable change in Matt’s character.

Matt is no longer the person he was when he tried to lie on the stand. He evidently wants to turn his life around, and he is working hard at doing so.

Vincent Riley: Do not play with me, Matt, you hear me? I don’t care who’s following you or who’s not following you. When Price calls, you get your ass to court, and you tell the truth.

Unfortunately, Vincent and Nolan do not trust him until it is too late.

Despite Matt’s survival, Vincent feels responsible for his brother’s attempted murder. He is the older sibling, always meant to look out for Matt, but he is not there when Matt needs him the most.

Law & Order rarely delves into the detectives’ personal lives, so seeing this narrative where the stakes are exceptionally high is a refreshing change.

Matt’s testimony ends up becoming the key factor in successfully convicting Willis, but at the devastating price of Vincent potentially losing his brother forever.

“Brotherly Love” ends without knowing whether Matt survives the worsening bacterial infection from the stab wound. If he does not make it, his death could have devastating consequences for Vincent’s arc.

Only time will tell whether Matt lives and how it will impact Vincent, but it would be a bold and intriguing decision if Law & Order decides to kill off his brother.

The episode has additional highlights that contribute to the main storyline. Connie Shi finally returns as Detective Violet Yee, a welcome surprise.

Violet’s presence changes the investigation and the dynamic between Vincent and Jessica. So it’s always a pleasure to see her more directly involved with the current case.

Unfortunately, Samantha Maroun is once again missing in action. It is more understandable this time because the episode focuses on Vincent and his family.

However, Samantha’s absence is still notable, and not in a good way. Law & Order must bring her back and involve her more in the narrative.

Samantha is a rich and fascinating character who brings a unique perspective to the table.

Hopefully, Law & Order gives Samantha the chance to shine in the future. An episode does not need to revolve around Samantha to include her, and the show must consider this moving forward.

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

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