Law & Order

10 Best Episodes of Law & Order - Season 17

Law & Order has become a staple in the world of television, captivating audiences with its gripping storylines and compelling characters. Since its debut in 1990, this crime drama has kept viewers on the edge of their seats with its realistic portrayal of the criminal justice system. With a whopping 25 seasons under its belt, Law & Order has produced some unforgettable episodes that have left a lasting impact on fans.

What sets Law & Order apart is its unique format, which combines police procedural and courtroom drama. Each episode follows a similar structure: a crime is committed, the police investigate, and the district attorney's office prosecutes the suspect. This formula allows for a fast-paced narrative that keeps viewers engaged from start to finish.

One of the reasons why Law & Order has stood the test of time is its ability to draw inspiration from real-life events. Many episodes are "ripped from the headlines," meaning they are based on actual crimes that have made headlines in the news. This approach adds a layer of authenticity to the show and allows viewers to see the criminal justice system in action.

Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the series, Law & Order has something for everyone. From intense interrogations to dramatic courtroom showdowns, this show has consistently delivered high-quality episodes that keep viewers coming back for more. So grab some popcorn, settle in, and get ready to be captivated by the best that Law & Order has to offer.

Written by Sophie and last updated on apr 24, 2024.

PS: The following content contains spoilers!

PPS: I will admit that parts of this page was written with the help of AI - it makes my work so much easier to not start from a blank page!

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Law & Order - S17E15

#15 - Melting Pot (Season 17 - Episode 15)

After an actress is found dead in her apartment, Green and Cassady attempt to prove that her death was not a suicide.

The episode was rated 7.70 from 69 votes.

Law & Order - S17E6

#14 - Profiteer (Season 17 - Episode 6)

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The shooting of a local businessman is linked to a killing in Iraq, and McCoy and Rubirosa refuse to allow the killer to plead out.

The episode was rated 7.71 from 78 votes.

Law & Order - S17E7

#13 - In Vino Veritas (Season 17 - Episode 7)

A has-been actor wearing blood-stained clothing arrested for drunken driving reveals religious prejudices during his rantings.

The episode was rated 7.75 from 88 votes.

Law & Order - S17E3

#12 - Home Sweet (Season 17 - Episode 3)

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When eight-year-old Jenna Wechsler dies as a result of a building explosion, Green and Cassady follow the trail of evidence to Rosalie Schaffner, the owner's ex-wife. McCoy and Rubirosa pursue Rosalie Schaffner despite a lack of concrete evidence, but the case takes a turn when Rubirosa finds a piece of evidence that points them in a new direction.

The episode was rated 7.76 from 83 votes.

Law & Order - S17E4

#11 - Fear America (Season 17 - Episode 4)

After Eric Khabaly is seen being murdered on tape in what appears to be an American movement against Islam, Green and Cassady investigate the case which leads them to Khabaly's cousin, Ben Faoud, who appears to be connected to a terrorist cell functioning inside New York. Unfortunately, the best link to Faoud appears to surround a recent shipment of uranium, which McCoy and Rubirosa are forbidden to mention by the federal government. When news of the uranium leaks out, McCoy and Rubirosa find themselves the victims of intense federal scrutiny, and Paul Robinette's vigorous defense of young Faoud doesn't help matters.

The episode was rated 7.76 from 79 votes.

Law & Order - S17E14

#10 - Church (Season 17 - Episode 14)

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A reverend confesses to the murder of a young gay actor, but McCoy and Rubirosa soon learn that he may not be the guilty party.

The episode was rated 7.76 from 68 votes.

Law & Order - S17E22

#9 - The Family Hour (Season 17 - Episode 22)

When Nicole Bailey, the ex-wife of a respected former senator, is found murdered and brutalised in her home, Green and Cassady look first at the senator, but follow the trail of clues to a dysfunctional family with a number of potentially embarrassing secrets. McCoy finds himself in the hot seat when he is forced to argue the case in front of a judge more interested in public relations than justice.

The episode was rated 7.79 from 76 votes.

Law & Order - S17E19

#8 - Fallout (Season 17 - Episode 19)

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In the Law & Order episode "Fallout," detectives Green and Cassady find themselves entangled with the Russian consulate after the death of Peter Rostov. The cause? Ricin poisoning. As they dig deeper into the case, they discover that Peter had been traveling frequently between Russia and the United States. Their investigation leads them to Peter's brother, Karl, and a shocking revelation: an illegal prostitution ring that preys on young Russian women.

Now faced with a difficult task, District Attorney McCoy must convince the remaining Rostov brother to testify against Brezin, the father of one of the trafficked girls. As the episode unfolds, tensions rise, secrets unravel, and the pursuit of justice becomes a race against time.

"Fallout" is a gripping installment of Law & Order that delves into the dark underbelly of human trafficking. With its compelling storyline and thought-provoking themes, this episode serves as a reminder of the importance of standing up for those who cannot stand up for themselves. Tune in to witness the twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

The episode was rated 7.79 from 67 votes.

Law & Order - S17E20

#7 - Captive (Season 17 - Episode 20)

In the gripping episode of Law & Order titled "Captive," Detectives Green and Cassady are thrust into a heart-wrenching case when a young boy is tragically found murdered. As they dive into the investigation, they quickly discover that the crime leads them to a suspected serial pedophile/murderer. The stakes are high as they race against time to bring the perpetrator to justice.

With each lead they uncover, the tension builds, and the detectives find themselves caught in a web of darkness and despair. The episode skillfully delves into the complexities of the criminal mind, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats, eager to see how the investigation unfolds. The pursuit of justice becomes a relentless battle, as Green and Cassady refuse to let any obstacle deter them from their mission.

"Captive" is a captivating episode that skillfully combines suspense, emotion, and the pursuit of truth. Law & Order fans will be enthralled by the intricate storytelling and the unwavering determination of the detectives. Prepare for an emotional rollercoaster as the episode takes you on a gripping journey through the darkest corners of the human psyche. Tune in to experience the intensity and justice-seeking spirit of Law & Order like never before.

The episode was rated 7.79 from 78 votes.

Law & Order - S17E12

#6 - Charity Case (Season 17 - Episode 12)

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Green and Cassady investigate after Sean Archer, a producer who had recently adopted a child from Africa with his wife, well-known actress Sofia, is gunned down outside an ice cream shop while holding baby Christopher. The shooting is soon linked to the recent adoption of Christopher, which had received international scrutiny because it appeared to have been pushed through based on the couple's celebrity status. McCoy and Rubirosa initially investigate the murder of Sean Archer, which soon turns into an investigation of a child's death when the identity of baby Christopher comes under question.

The episode was rated 7.81 from 80 votes.

Law & Order - S17E2

#5 - Avatar (Season 17 - Episode 2)

In this gripping episode of Law & Order titled "Avatar," Detectives Green and Cassady are faced with a puzzling case when a photograph of a deceased woman surfaces on the notorious website, B-Frendz.com. As they dig deeper, they discover a mentally disturbed young man who is accused of kidnapping and raping the teenage daughter of the victim. However, things take an unexpected turn when the young man's lawyer presents a shocking revelation - the alleged kidnapping victim, Molly Preston.

The plot thickens as Green and Cassady delve into the twisted web of secrets surrounding Molly Preston and her connection to the accused. With their skills as seasoned detectives, they must navigate through a web of deceit, manipulation, and disturbing revelations to uncover the truth behind this complex case.

"Avatar" is an intense and thought-provoking episode that explores the dark side of the internet and the devastating consequences it can have on individuals and their families. As the detectives race against time to unravel the truth, viewers will be on the edge of their seats, eager to uncover the shocking twists and turns that lie ahead. Tune in to Law & Order to witness this captivating episode that will leave you questioning the power of virtual reality and the lengths people will go to protect their secrets.

The episode was rated 7.85 from 92 votes.

Law & Order - S17E16

#4 - Murder Book (Season 17 - Episode 16)

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In this gripping episode of Law & Order titled "Murder Book," the murder of publisher Serena Darby sends shockwaves through the community. All eyes quickly turn to J.P. Lange, a former professional baseball player who was previously acquitted of his wife's murder. What makes Lange a prime suspect? He had written a book outlining how he would have committed the very crime he was acquitted of. Talk about a twist!

As Detectives Green and Cassady dig deeper into the case, their investigation leads them to Gerald Stockwell, a former ghostwriter who worked on Lange's book. But just when it seems like Stockwell might be the one to shed some light on the situation, he offers District Attorney McCoy and ADA Rubirosa a shocking revelation. It turns out that one of the jurors in Lange's trial may have been paid off to secure his acquittal. Now, the case takes an unexpected turn.

Fans of Law & Order will be on the edge of their seats as they witness the defendant getting caught in his own web of deceit in this episode. And of course, who can forget the iconic moments when Detective Green unleashes his fiery temper, shutting down suspects with his trademark intensity? It's a testament to the character development of Green, who has learned from seasoned mentors like Lenny and Fontana, and is now ready to take on the role of a mentor himself. Don't miss this thrilling episode that showcases the complex dynamics of the justice system and the pursuit of truth.

The episode was rated 7.85 from 81 votes.

Law & Order - S17E5

#3 - Public Service Homicide (Season 17 - Episode 5)

In the Law & Order episode "Public Service Homicide," the detectives find themselves investigating a murder that is linked to a tabloid talk show called HardFocus. The victim, Carl Mullaly, had recently been featured on the show due to his status as a sex offender exposed by the ScumWatch website. As Green and Cassady dig deeper into the case, they discover that HardFocus may have more involvement than meets the eye.

With only an eight-year-old girl as a witness, the detectives manage to apprehend a suspect. However, as the case progresses, McCoy and Rubirosa uncover disturbing truths about the tabloid talk show. Will they be able to navigate the twisted web of fame and justice?

In a courtroom showdown, Jack delivers a powerful cross-examination that exposes the defendant's true motives. As the trial reaches its climax, McCoy and Rubirosa are faced with the difficult task of seeking justice while untangling the complicated relationship between the media and the truth. Tune in to find out how they navigate the murky waters of fame and the dark underbelly of tabloid journalism.

The episode was rated 7.88 from 84 votes.

Law & Order - S17E21

#2 - Over Here (Season 17 - Episode 21)

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In this gripping episode of Law & Order titled "Over Here," the seasoned detectives of the NYPD embark on a complex investigation that takes them deep into the heart of the city's homeless community. As they delve into the case, they soon discover a disturbing connection between the deaths of two homeless men and the war in Iraq. With each new revelation, the detectives find themselves facing a web of secrets and unseen forces, forcing them to confront the harsh realities of war and its impact on those left behind.

As the episode unfolds, viewers are taken on a thought-provoking journey that explores the often overlooked struggles of the homeless population. With their innate determination and unwavering commitment to justice, the detectives tirelessly piece together the puzzle, revealing the hidden ties between these tragic deaths and the larger socio-political landscape. This emotionally charged episode sheds light on the devastating consequences of war and its far-reaching effects on society's most vulnerable.

"Over Here" is a poignant reminder that the effects of war seep into every corner of our lives, even in the most unexpected places. As the detectives navigate the complexities of their investigation, viewers are left wondering how far the ripple effects of war truly reach. This thought-provoking episode serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of compassion and understanding, particularly in the face of the unseen struggles that exist within our own communities.

The episode was rated 7.92 from 65 votes.

Law & Order - S17E11

#1 - Remains of the Day (Season 17 - Episode 11)

In this gripping episode of Law & Order, titled "Remains of the Day," things take a dark turn when Michael Jones dies unexpectedly in his mother's hospital room. His mother, Ashley, immediately points the finger at her former husband's adult children, Miles and Hillary Foster, who are currently locked in a bitter battle with her over their father's fortune. However, the autopsy quickly eliminates the Fosters as suspects and leads Detectives Green and Cassady down a new path.

As the investigation unfolds, Green and Cassady uncover a shocking revelation - Michael had received illegally harvested donor bones in a transplant eighteen months prior. This discovery raises disturbing questions about the legitimacy of the transplant and the source of the bones. With this new lead, Green and Cassady are determined to find the truth.

Meanwhile, Assistant District Attorney McCoy and his partner, Rubirosa, face a daunting challenge in prosecuting the case. The only way they can gather the crucial evidence they need is by testing another young man who received bone grafts from the same woman who supplied Michael Jones with his legs. As they navigate this complex legal terrain, McCoy and Rubirosa find themselves facing a moral dilemma that will test the limits of their resolve.

Prepare to be on the edge of your seat as Law & Order unravels the truth behind the mysterious death of Michael Jones and the dark secrets hidden within the world of organ transplants. "Remains of the Day" is an episode that will leave you questioning the ethics of medical procedures and the lengths some will go to protect their secrets.

The episode was rated 8.01 from 85 votes.

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