Law & Order: CI Season 2 Episode 5 Chinoiserie

In "Chinoiserie," season 2 episode 5 of Law & Order: CI, Detectives Goren and Eames investigate the murder of a wealthy antiques dealer who specialized in Chinese artifacts. The victim, a man named Howard Jantzen, was found dead in his apartment with multiple stab wounds.

As the detectives begin their investigation, they learn that Jantzen had recently acquired a valuable Chinese vase that had been stolen from a museum. They suspect that the thief may have been involved in the murder, but they have no leads.

Meanwhile, Jantzen's business partner, a man named Peter Kilgannon, becomes the prime suspect when a witness claims to have seen him arguing with Jantzen on the night of the murder. Kilgannon denies any involvement and points the detectives in the direction of another possible suspect: a Chinese artist named Li Mei Wu, who had been Jantzen's lover.

Goren and Eames soon discover that Wu had recently sold a painting to Jantzen that was likely a forgery. They believe that Jantzen may have discovered the forgery and threatened to expose Wu, leading her to murder him in a fit of rage.

However, the case takes a dark turn when the detectives discover that Kilgannon had been using Jantzen's money to fund a Chinese sweatshop where workers were being forced to make counterfeit antiques. Jantzen had discovered the sweatshop and was planning to go public with the information, leading Kilgannon to hire Wu to kill him.

The detectives are able to piece together the complex web of lies and betrayal surrounding Jantzen's murder, ultimately bringing his killer to justice.

"Chinoiserie" is a gripping episode of Law & Order: CI that explores the seedy world of antiques dealers and counterfeiters. With its complex plot and morally gray characters, it is a standout installment in the series.