Law & Order

10 Best Episodes of Law & Order - Season 5

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 - S5E12

#15 - Progeny (Season 5 - Episode 12)

The investigation into the killing of an abortion clinic doctor leads to an activist group led by a former priest.

The episode was rated 7.37 from 116 votes.

Law & Order - S5E23

#14 - Pride (Season 5 - Episode 23)

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A gay city councilman is murdered and the trail leads to a bigoted rival politician and a male prostitute.

The episode was rated 7.38 from 112 votes.

Law & Order - S5E17

#13 - Act of God (Season 5 - Episode 17)

A bomb at a construction site kills a 12-year-old boy, and the suspects include the bankrupt contractor and a jealous husband.

The episode was rated 7.38 from 114 votes.

Law & Order - S5E10

#12 - House Counsel (Season 5 - Episode 10)

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The killing of a man who had served as a juror in a mob trial leads to a battle of wills between McCoy and his long-time friend, the suspect's attorney.

The episode was rated 7.39 from 136 votes.

Law & Order - S5E20

#11 - Bad Faith (Season 5 - Episode 20)

Logan relives unhappy childhood memories when a friend is found dead, a presumed suicide, until the investigation reveals recent contact with a former priest, with a history of pedophilia.

The episode was rated 7.41 from 107 votes.

Law & Order - S5E2

#10 - Coma (Season 5 - Episode 2)

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A comedy-club owner comes under suspicion for having shot his wife, now comatose with a bullet in her head, after it's discovered he was abusive and she was about to divorce him.

The episode was rated 7.42 from 150 votes.

Law & Order - S5E21

#9 - Purple Heart (Season 5 - Episode 21)

The investigation into a taxi driver's murder involves a loan shark, a forged check, a missing plumber and the victim's wife.

The episode was rated 7.45 from 117 votes.

Law & Order - S5E9

#8 - Scoundrels (Season 5 - Episode 9)

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Among the suspects in a lawyer's murder are a swindler, who conned a woman out of her family fortune, and the woman's once-wealthy son.

The episode was rated 7.46 from 125 votes.

Law & Order - S5E11

#7 - Guardian (Season 5 - Episode 11)

After the body of a young female junkie is identified as the daughter of a wealthy family, Briscoe and Logan try to find out who left her to die in the yard of a day-care center.

The episode was rated 7.46 from 127 votes.

Law & Order - S5E1

#6 - Second Opinion (Season 5 - Episode 1)

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A woman's death exposes an unorthodox method of treating cancer that Executive Assistant DA McCoy intends to prove is negligent homicide.

The episode was rated 7.48 from 165 votes.

Law & Order - S5E18

#5 - Privileged (Season 5 - Episode 18)

The investigation into a double murder leads to a young alcoholic whose family once lived in the victims' house and who had admitted to his AA group that he's had nightmares about killings.

The episode was rated 7.50 from 105 votes.

Law & Order - S5E13

#4 - Rage (Season 5 - Episode 13)

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A Wall Street broker accused of murdering his mentor uses the defense of ""black rage"" in court.

The episode was rated 7.52 from 113 votes.

Law & Order - S5E5

#3 - White Rabbit (Season 5 - Episode 5)

A routine investigation uncovers evidence that leads Briscoe and Logan to a long-time fugitive, a radical Vietnam War opponent on the run since a 1971 burglary that left a policeman dead.

The episode was rated 7.52 from 130 votes.

Law & Order - S5E8

#2 - Virtue (Season 5 - Episode 8)

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McCoy uses a charge of ""larceny by extortion"" against a councilman, whose former colleague claims he demanded sex in exchange for a law-firm partnership.

The episode was rated 7.53 from 116 votes.

Law & Order - S5E6

#1 - Competence (Season 5 - Episode 6)

When Lt. Van Buren is the victim of an attempted holdup by two teens, she fires her gun and kills one of them, and the detectives are faced with the fact that she shot an unarmed child in the back.

The episode was rated 7.80 from 122 votes.

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