Ep 5. Black Tie

Detectives Briscoe and Logan investigate a murder in the upscale world of Manhattan's elite when a wealthy business owner is found shot to death in his posh Park Avenue apartment. The prime suspect is the victim's son, who stands to inherit his father's fortune but was recently cut off financially due to his drug addiction. However, the case takes several twists and turns as the detectives begin to uncover secrets and lies within the victim's family and social circle. As the investigation deepens, the detectives must navigate the maze of privileged society and ruthless ambition to uncover the truth and bring the killer to justice.

The victim, Charles Garnett, is a wealthy businessman and philanthropist known for his numerous charitable contributions to the city. His son, Jason, is a recovering drug addict who has struggled with his addiction for years. Jason has a history of run-ins with the law and has been in and out of rehab facilities. Recently, his father had cut him off financially and was pressuring him to get clean and turn his life around.

The detectives begin their investigation by interviewing the family members and employees of the Garnett family. They learn that Charles was a strict and controlling father who was highly critical of his son's behavior. They also learn that Charles's wife, Margaret, had recently expressed concerns about Jason's erratic behavior and had even spoken to a lawyer about cutting him out of the will altogether.

As the investigation continues, the detectives uncover a web of secrets and lies involving the Garnett family and their wealthy social circle. They discover that Charles had been involved in a business deal with a shady financier named Edward Dillon, who had a reputation for coercing business partners into unethical practices. They also learn that Margaret had been having an affair with one of Charles's business partners, and that Jason had been involved in a blackmail scheme with another member of their social circle.

As the detectives dig deeper, they begin to piece together the events leading up to Charles's murder. They learn that Jason had been at a black-tie gala on the night of the murder, where he had been seen arguing with his father. They also discover that Dillon had been at the same event and had been seen lurking around the Garnett apartment building shortly before the murder took place.

With all the evidence pointing in different directions, the detectives must use their skills and intuition to solve the case. They encounter numerous obstacles along the way, including interference from the wealthy and powerful people involved in the case. Ultimately, they must make some difficult decisions in order to uncover the truth and bring the killer to justice.

The episode is a classic example of the Law & Order formula, which involves a crime, an investigation, and a trial. It also highlights the show's focus on the justice system and the complex interplay between law enforcement, the media, and the public. The Black Tie episode is a gripping and suspenseful tale of greed, ambition, and murder in the highest echelons of New York society. It showcases the show's trademark blend of compelling characters, intricate plotting, and gritty realism that have made it a fan favorite for over two decades.