Law & Order – The Meaning of Life

“The Meaning of Life” was a narrative achievement worthy of Law and Order’s 25-year history. The show does not always get things right, but last night’s episode had excellent sequencing of pace, character development, and narrative surprises. The writers meticulously crafted each scene, layering in incredibly complex and controversial themes concerning fundamentalism (Islamic and Christian), reproductive freedom, and the literal meaning of life and death. Wow! Wow! Wow! The script’s execution was so virtuosic that it dazzled and resonated deeply with me, and I trust, with other viewers. Let’s get into it. 

The crime: A middle-aged couple is walking and talking. We learn that the man, Christopher, an author, professor, or both, was called an ‘infidel’ during his speech. Given today’s political climate, his wife encourages him to cool his rhetoric. Arriving home, he doesn’t agree to curb his scholarship but does agree to prepare dinner. His wife starts to open the mail, calling out, “Do you know who sent the gift?” Suddenly, an improvised explosive device (IED) detonates. Dun Dun! The investigation begins.

“The Meaning Of Life” – LAW & ORDER, Pictured: Reid Scott as Det. Vincent Riley. Photo by: Ralph Bavaro/NBC © 2024 NBCUniversal Media, LLC 

We’re learning more about Det. Riley, which I’m slightly ambivalent about. Why? Because, in comparison, we’ve learned very little about Det. Shaw’s background since he was introduced. I may have missed something, but what do we know about Shaw other than he was a lawyer before becoming a cop? He seems boxed in as the tall, fit, devastatingly handsome, moral cop. While I can definitely live with that, I’m advocating for a fair and balanced portrayal of these officers. The show would improve if they added multiple dimensions to all the main characters, not just Det. Riley.

But – back to the investigation.

Shaw and Riley uncover two crucial facts during their initial investigation at the hospital. The wife and fertility doctor, Sarah, is brain-dead, and her husband says it’s his fault. The husband’s admission of fault leads the detectives to the Muslim guy (Ibrahim), who had called the husband an infidel. When Shaw and Riley arrive at Ibrahim’s apartment, he appears to be making a bomb. But viewers know it’s never the first guy they bring into custody. A home security camera captured a second suspect delivering the bomb. Again, viewers know it’s rarely the second suspect they interrogate who committed the crime. This guy, Jason, frequents the shelter where the victim volunteered. We learn that a white guy paid him $100 to deliver a package. An addict with a long rap sheet, Jason was clearly only interested in the money, not the man who paid him – except for one detail. Jason thinks the guy’s name could be Jeremy or Jerry because he wore a bracelet with Jer15 on it.

“The Meaning Of Life” – LAW & ORDER, Pictured: Michael Bahsil-Cook as Jason Barnwell. Photo by: Virginia Sherwood/NBC © 2024 NBCUniversal Media, LLC

Shaw fades into the background, and Detective Riley moves to the forefront. Based on Shaw’s years of Catholic school, he figures out that Jer15 might stand for Jerimiah 1:5—”Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you,” which he quotes verbatim. Layered and nuanced by his faith, Riley confesses to Shaw his and his wife’s miscarriage story. This scene subtly balances the episode’s clear, pro-choice message with an alternate message that some people will never consider a developing fetus as just a clump of cells. Then, Riley heroically saves the son of another fertility doctor who’s under attack. Next, the forensics from the bomb that exploded led Riley and Shaw to a pro-life, anti-choice group called ‘We the Living,’ where they chat with a young woman named Theresa. Theresa has a picture of her boyfriend, Patrick, on her desk, which fits Jason’s description of the man who paid him to deliver the bomb. When Shaw and Riley get to Patrick’s job, he attempts to run. He also grabs a hostage and claims to have a bomb. Could he be any more guilty? Det. Riley continues to shine by keeping Patrick talking until Shaw can disarm him. 

The Court: While the crime focused on the meaning of life as it begins, the District Attorney must wrestle with the meaning of life as it ends. DAs Baxter, Price, and Maroun vigorously debate how to charge the indictment. While Dr. Sarah meets the neurological criteria for death, she is not legally dead. Price, therefore, believes the charge should be attempted murder. Sam thinks that Dr. Sarah is dead. She’s in an irreversible coma. She can’t breathe without the help of machines. Due to the premeditated nature of the attack, Maroun argues for first-degree murder. Surprisingly, DA Baxter agrees, saying, “Courts have been busy deciding when life begins. Let’s take a shot at determining when life ends.”

Clearly ambivalent, Price moves forward with first-degree murder. During the trial, his case starts to unravel when the defense calls Dr. Calhoun to the stand to discredit the prosecution’s expert witness, who claimed that a brain-dead person’s likelihood of waking up is .001%. Dr. Calhoun’s testimony questioned the prosecution’s assertion, noting the phenomena known as the Lazarus Syndrome, in which persons in irreversible comas inexplicably awaken. Calhoun underscores that “only God knows” when life ends. At this juncture, DA Baxter asserts that the case no longer revolves around science or medicine, but emotion.” Sam won’t let the first-degree charge go. She tells Price that Dr. Sarah has a ‘Do Not Resuscitate’ (DNR) medical order that, if followed, would make their case a slam dunk. Cut to Dr. Sarah’s hospital room where her husband, talking to Sam, acknowledges that he was aware of the DNR but confesses, “I just wanted her to live.” The next day, Sam informs Price that they must present new information to the judge before Court. She says, “Sarah took her last breath at 8:04 am.” Cut to the jury’s reading of the verdict: “We find the defendant guilty of first-degree murder.” See, a slam dunk.

Sam comforts Price, who is still ambivalent about how things turned out, saying, “It’s a good day.” We put a murderer away for life.” The camera follows Price as he enters a room and removes his jacket. He’s in the room of a man who appears to be on life support. Price touches the man and says, “Hi, Dad. How was your day?” This scene subtly balances the episode’s clear, pro-choice message at the end of life with an alternate one that demonstrates that while there is life in the body, there is meaning. There is hope. Only God knows.

What do you think? Were you as moved as I was by this weighty episode? If so, drop me a line. I’d love to chat about it. 

Overall Rating:

 9/10

Lynette Jones

I am a self-identified ‘woke boomer’ who hails from an era bathed in the comforting glow of a TV, not a computer screen. Navigating the digital world can sometimes leave me feeling a bit unsure, but I approach it with curiosity and a willingness to learn. Patience and kindness in this new landscape are truly valued. Let’s embrace the journey together with appreciation and a touch of humor!