Ep 1. Red Ball

In the first episode of season 16 of Law & Order, titled Red Ball, the detectives of the Major Case Squad investigate the murder of a high school student. The victim, named Will, was found beaten to death inside a dumpster in the school's parking lot. It quickly becomes apparent that this was not a random crime, but rather a carefully planned and executed murder.

The detectives begin their investigation by questioning Will's friends and classmates, as well as his teachers and family. They discover that Will was a star athlete with a bright future ahead of him, but he was also involved in some shady dealings with a local drug dealer named Carlos. Carlos quickly becomes a prime suspect in the case, but the detectives struggle to find any concrete evidence linking him to the murder.

As the investigation continues, the detectives uncover a web of secrets and lies involving the school's faculty and administration. They discover that several teachers were aware of Will's involvement in drug activity but had turned a blind eye to it in order to keep the school's reputation intact. The detectives also begin to suspect that Will's murder may have been connected to a larger conspiracy involving the school's administration and its ties to the drug trade.

Despite facing roadblocks and setbacks, the detectives are determined to bring the killer to justice. They work tirelessly to gather evidence and piece together the events leading up to Will's murder. Along the way, they confront corruption and betrayal at every turn.

Red Ball is an intense and gripping episode of Law & Order, with plenty of twists and turns to keep viewers on the edge of their seats. Through the course of the investigation, the detectives must navigate a complex web of relationships and hierarchies to get to the truth. The episode highlights the challenges faced by law enforcement officers in their pursuit of justice, particularly in cases where powerful institutions are involved.

Overall, Red Ball is a thrilling start to season 16 of Law & Order, delivering the kind of suspenseful storytelling that fans of the series have come to expect. It sets the stage for a season full of gripping mysteries and high-stakes investigations, as the Major Case Squad continues to pursue criminals and uphold the law in their never-ending battle for justice.