Law & Order

10 Best Episodes of Law & Order - Season 18

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 feb 14, 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 - S18E5

#15 - Driven (Season 18 - Episode 5)

Lupo and Green investigate the shooting death of young white teenager and a 9 year old black girl. The investigation hits a brick wall when both white and black communities refuse to talk - an unfortunate result of formerly black neighbourhoods being bought out by rich whites. The detectives discover that the teenage victim and two of his friends had a basketball taken from them by a black teenager which eventually led to an altercation with deadly consequences and subsequently to surprising culprits.

The episode was rated 7.32 from 81 votes.

Law & Order - S18E10

#14 - Tango (Season 18 - Episode 10)

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A high school party turns tragic when a teenager is found dead, and the detectives end up playing games with the two leading suspects to find out the real story. Unfortunately, unwanted attention from a juror for A.D.A. Rubirosa may disrupt the trial.

The episode was rated 7.39 from 92 votes.

Law & Order - S18E12

#13 - Submission (Season 18 - Episode 12)

When the police shut down a dog-fighting ring, the investigation becomes a murder case after a woman's finger is found inside one of the dogs; things get more complicated as the case deepens, and the interest of a pushy reporter is sparked.

The episode was rated 7.44 from 90 votes.

Law & Order - S18E11

#12 - Betrayal (Season 18 - Episode 11)

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The murder of a psychiatrist focuses the suspect list to his clients and wife, and the defense of the murderer will challenge the D.A.'s office to somehow show the jury that a bad childhood is not a justification for crime.

The episode was rated 7.49 from 82 votes.

Law & Order - S18E7

#11 - Quit Claim (Season 18 - Episode 7)

A hit-and-run investigation leads back to a title company, and Green and Lupo must go undercover to crack the case.

The episode was rated 7.49 from 90 votes.

Law & Order - S18E16

#10 - Strike (Season 18 - Episode 16)

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A legal aid strike ends in the death of a lawyer, and the investigation leads to a golf greenskeeper who proclaims his innocence, again. Then the case takes an even stranger twist when Rubirosa is pitted against Cutter because of the strike that started it all.

The episode was rated 7.50 from 88 votes.

Law & Order - S18E8

#9 - Illegal (Season 18 - Episode 8)

A riot at an immigration rally ends in murder, and the political climate causes McCoy to assign a special prosecutor increasing tensions at the office.

The episode was rated 7.51 from 83 votes.

Law & Order - S18E14

#8 - Burn Card (Season 18 - Episode 14)

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Internal affairs takes a special interest in Detective Green after a gambler is found dead by his bullet, and the investigation turns up a part of his past he's taken pains to conceal.

The episode was rated 7.52 from 82 votes.

Law & Order - S18E4

#7 - Bottomless (Season 18 - Episode 4)

The investigation into a pair of missing pants leads to the murder of a young lawyer. Lupo and Green soon turn their suspicions to a businessman who works for a shady multinational corporation called SavingsMart.

The episode was rated 7.54 from 93 votes.

Law & Order - S18E18

#6 - Excalibur (Season 18 - Episode 18)

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A jeweler's murder may have ties to a prostitution ring, and once the case goes to trial, D.A. McCoy's job is on the line as favors are called in.

The episode was rated 7.54 from 90 votes.

Law & Order - S18E17

#5 - Personae Non Gratae (Season 18 - Episode 17)

An online romance may be at the heart of a mechanic's murder, but Detectives Lupo and Bernard must unravel some truly bizarre developments before the full story is known.

The episode was rated 7.58 from 80 votes.

Law & Order - S18E6

#4 - Political Animal (Season 18 - Episode 6)

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A triple homicide has ties to a politician, but he may be just the first step toward the truth and a killer who will take desperate measures to keep his freedom.

The episode was rated 7.59 from 88 votes.

Law & Order - S18E2

#3 - Darkness (Season 18 - Episode 2)

Lupo and Green's first offical case together is a kidnapping that happened during a citywide blackout; a housekeeper is slain and a mother and daughter are kidnapped. The evidence that links all the kidnappers is the father and husband of the kidnap victims. When they search the kidnappers' hideout, they find preparations which implies that the kidnappers knew that the blackout was coming. Cutter must convince the man to testify after he has lied about a search warrant to save the man's daughter, or else the kidnappers will all go free. Issues of a warrantless search arise. Courtroom scenes revolve around questions of Enron-like manipulation of energy.

The episode was rated 7.60 from 96 votes.

Law & Order - S18E3

#2 - Misbegotten (Season 18 - Episode 3)

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The explosion of a package including scientific research injures a pregnant security guard, leading to the investigation of the scientist's experiments.

The episode was rated 7.66 from 88 votes.

Law & Order - S18E1

#1 - Called Home (Season 18 - Episode 1)

Cyrus Lupo returns to New York after four years abroad to deal with his own terror. Lupo and Green investigate two suicides committed the same way. The detectives are suspicious of a parolee known as "Dr. Death".

The episode was rated 7.80 from 105 votes.

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