User Reviews

Criminal attorneys generally learn their trade at a District Attorney's office and then go out into private practice, sometimes commanding huge fees the bigger the criminals they defend. Such is the case with Jonathan Cake who defends some big mob people. But Law And Order hasn't had a lawyer like Cake who from either side of the aisle is willing to commit murder to win a case. He's one coldblooded lawyer serial killer.

Detectives Anthony Anderson and Jeremy Sisto are assigned to investigate a woman's murder and their suspicions fall on mobster Casey Siemaszko. But soon enough some bad vibes start emanating from lawyer Cake that he becomes the prime target.

The big problem is that Alana De La Garza was once involved with him and that compromises the DA's case almost.

Linus Roache as ADA Mike Cutter may have faced his toughest cross examination with Cake. He's a smooth, smirking, ice water adversary.

Check this episode with what is the current cast of regulars.

Corruption is a familiar theme for the original 'Law and Order' and also the franchise, but whenever it's covered it's done extremely well and more. The idea for this had classic 'Law and Order' written all over it. And this is meant in a good way, being another concept that would have been right home in the early seasons. This is the kind of story that 'Law and Order' and the franchise did well a lot, and there are plenty of meaty and think they're invincible characters in all three major 'Law and Order' shows.

There is very good reason as to why "For the Defense" is one of the highest rated episodes of Season 20 and of the latter seasons and it really deserves it. It is a brilliant episode that has a story and guest star that would be absolutely right at home in the earlier seasons and reminded me of back when the show was in its prime, like Seasons 6-9. Which is a massive compliment, saying that an episode is reminiscent of its early seasons is dependent on how good the seasons in question are and this reviewer really did wish that the latter seasons were as good as the earlier seasons instead of being more variable and running out of ideas.

"For the Defense" works brilliantly in every way. The production values as ever are slick and with the right amount of muted grit, the photography doesn't try to do anything too fancy or gimmicky while not being claustrophobic and keeping things simple. The music doesn't overbear with the theme tune still memorable. The direction keeps things tight while allowing time to breathe.

Writing is tight and thought provoking, with the moral dilemmas and conflict not being forced or preachy. The story is suspenseful, intricacy and suitably intricate without being bloated or confusing. Rubirosa's dilemma is not unfamiliar territory for the show, with similar happening more than once pre-Season 10, but it is not done in a way that feels too running out of ideas-like.

All the acting is great, with top honours going to a super creepy Jonathan Cake as an ice cold slippery eel of a character. He is the main reason to see the episode and is a contender for the best guest star of the season.

Overall, brilliant. 10/10.