If you're like me you don't watch a random episode of Law & Order anymore on tv. You find one of countless lists compiling an opinion on the best this show had to offer. 'Ego' from the eleventh season is one such example that pops up and was worth the watch. The meat here isn't the whodunit element that becomes quickly apparent - sooner for the viewers than the characters - but the juicy aftermath, courtroom theatrics.
A body surfaces in the Hudson River and is identified as Karen Hall an investigator for the AG's office. Briscoe (Orbach) & Green (Jesse L. Martin) backtrack and early assumptions that it was a random turn out to be not only false, but signs point to the investigation being incorrectly steered in this direction by Karen's boss Alec Conroy (Nestor Serrano). With more digging they uncover the two had been seeing each other plus more girlfriends, a physiatrist, crumbling marriage and a picture of man driven by absolute control.
Actor Gerry Bamman who most will know from 'Home Alone' puts in an effective role as the defense lawyer. Alexandra Neil plays Alice who almost completely under the accused spell supplies him with a fake alibi initially. Honestly though it's known face Serrano that really sells this episode with decent writing. He has no problem portraying an intelligent narcissist who in his sick head thinks he did nothing wrong. That leaves Waterston, Harmon to get a few good quips at him especially when the chips are down.
Picking out an episode to watch has lead me to realize the best in the L&O universe have something memorable to hang your hat on. A straight forward investigation is fine, but the more tawdry pieces that bubble to the surface the better. It doesn't hurt if the tale has a really despicable, highly unlikable character or that it's based on some small part of reality. It's those latter elements that really makes 'Ego' a solid watch that holds your interest.