Ep 9. Renunciation

Renunciation is the ninth episode of the second season of Law & Order. The show is a police procedural and legal drama series that follows the investigations and legal proceedings of high-profile cases in New York City. The episode features a murder investigation and a complicated court case involving the alleged killer.

The episode begins with the discovery of a body in a garbage can located in the basement of a building. The victim is identified as a young Chinese-American girl named Keisha Chan. Detectives Lennie Briscoe (Jerry Orbach) and Mike Logan (Chris Noth) are assigned to the case. They quickly find out that Keisha worked at a local restaurant and lived with her mother and older brother.

During their investigation, Briscoe and Logan learn that Keisha was part of a Chinese gang that is involved in illegal activities such as selling drugs and prostitution. They also discover that Keisha was planning to leave the gang and start a new life. Her brother, who is a member of the same gang, is the prime suspect in her murder.

As the detectives try to gather evidence against the suspect, the case takes a turn when they find out that the lead prosecutor on the case, Benjamin Stone (Michael Moriarty), has a personal connection to the defendant's family. Stone's father had represented the suspect's father in a previous case, and the two families are close friends.

Stone's personal involvement in the case creates a conflict of interest, causing him to recuse himself. The case is then handed over to a new prosecutor, Paul Robinette (Richard Brooks). Robinette is a new addition to the show, and this episode marks his first appearance.

As the trial progresses, Robinette faces several challenges, including the lack of physical evidence and the defense's ability to paint a picture of Keisha as a promiscuous gang member who got herself killed. The defense attorney, played by the talented Bob Dishy, portrays the victim as a young woman who was asking for trouble by associating with criminals and engaging in illegal activities.

The story of Renunciation is a typical Law & Order episode, weaving together a murder investigation with legal proceedings. It is a captivating episode that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats, as they try to uncover the truth behind Keisha's murder and find out whether justice will be served.

Throughout the episode, the acting is strong, particularly by Brooks and Dishy, who deliver compelling performances as the prosecutor and defense attorney respectively. Orbach and Noth also shine as the experienced detectives who are determined to get to the bottom of the case.

In addition to the plot surrounding Keisha's murder, the episode tackles several other issues, including the struggles of Chinese immigrants living in New York City, gang culture, and the ethical dilemmas faced by prosecutors and lawyers. These themes add depth to the story and highlight the complex nature of the criminal justice system.

Overall, Renunciation is an excellent episode of Law & Order, and it exemplifies the show's ability to tackle difficult subject matter while keeping viewers engaged. The episode's combination of a captivating storyline, strong acting, and thought-provoking themes make it a must-watch for fans of the show and newcomers alike.