Ep 17. Ego

A murder case involving a wealthy art collector takes the spotlight in Law & Order season 11 episode 17, entitled "Ego." The episode starts with detectives Briscoe and Green stumbling upon a gruesome scene: the dead body of renowned art collector Daniel Messler, brutally murdered with a ceramic statue. The detectives quickly identify Messler's assistant, Chloe, as their prime suspect, but as they dig deep into the case, they realize that the case is more complicated than what they initially thought.

As they investigate further, they discover that Messler had an inflated ego and that he often belittled and took advantage of those around him. This information leads them to a multitude of potential suspects who may have had a motive to kill him. From Messler's business partner with whom he had a falling out over the ownership of a rare painting to his estranged son who resented his father for not including him in his will, the detectives have their work cut out for them.

To add to the complications, the case takes a political turn when it's discovered that a high-profile mayoral candidate had been gifted a valuable painting by Messler. With the pressure mounting, the detectives race against time to solve the case and bring the killer to justice.

One of the standout performances in this episode is by guest star James Colby who plays the arrogant and abrasive Messler with outstanding conviction. His portrayal of the character makes it easy to believe that someone might want to take him out. The supporting cast also delivers solid performances with standout moments from Jesse L. Martin as Detective Green and S. Epatha Merkerson as Lieutenant Van Buren.

"Ego" ultimately delivers a satisfying and emotionally charged conclusion that ties up all the loose ends while also highlighting the fact that even people with immense wealth and power are not immune to the consequences of their actions.

Overall, Law & Order season 11 episode 17, "Ego," is a must-watch for fans of the crime drama genre. With a strong cast and well-written script, the episode keeps you guessing until the very end while also offering some deeper insights into the human psyche.