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Law & Order Season 18 Episode 1

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9.2

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Episode Summary

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AIRED: 1/2/08

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".

Fan Episode Reviews (8)

After seeing the way "SVU" and "CI" are being handled this season, I was really scared to see how the first episode of the mother ship would be handled. I wasn't expecting much out of this season, and I was pleasantly surprised.moreless

9.1

By crothbau, Aug 30, 2010

After seeing the way "SVU" and "CI" are being handled this season, I was really scared to see how the first episode of the mother ship would be handled. Between a twenty minute scene on "SVU" featuring Elliot's pregnant wife in a car accident and an entire episode of "CI" devoted to Goren's nephew where not much happens other than Goren completely flipping out of character, both spin-offs have been handled horribly this season. So, I wasn't expecting much out of the mother ship, and I was pleasantly surprised.

The plot is nothing new. We've seen assisted suicide episodes ever since season one's "The Reaper's Helper." What keeps it fresh is each one has a little different perspective on the issue. "The Reaper's Helper" was about assisting the death of AIDS patients. This one was about medical professionals assisting suicides with a bit of a lesson of journalism ethics thrown in. The fact that one of the victims was Lupo's brother was a wonderful way to introduce him and give him some characterization right off the bat.

And about the changes...

I think they've finally found a balance with Lupo they haven't had since Jerry Orbach left. I personally liked Fontana but I know a lot of people strongly disliked him. They had the right idea with Cassidy: quit trying to replace Briscoe and find a new formula; unfortunately, with her, they just had a horrible character. Lupo brings an edge to the show and reminds me to a degree of Logan during the first five seasons. He's rough around the edges and that should make for some interesting episodes.

I think I'm going to love Cutter. Although I've always liked McCoy, I loved Ben Stone. With Cutter, I really sense a bit of Ben Stone in him. Stone always was more concerned with getting justice than he was about being popular with his boss or the public and was unwavering. Cutter really reminds me of Stone in that way. It should be refreshing to see a new perspective in the DA's office after fourteen years.

I don't know yet about how I feel about McCoy as DA. They need to find a way to get him to have a conversation with Ruberosa or Cutter and tell them why he suddenly reversed his position he gave Branch in last year's season finale: that he wasn't a politician and would never be DA. It will be interesting seeing how he reacts to Cutter. After fourteen years being a pain to Schiff, Levin, and Branch, the tables are turned; now he's the boss and he has an Executive ADA doing things he doesn't approve of.

I'm glad Ruberosa is back as ADA this season. She was a fine addition to the cast last season and it will be interesting to see how she balances her professional relationships between McCoy and Cutter this season.

All in all, I think the season premiere was not only good, it was superb. They're really going back to basics and rediscovering what the show was about and did not succumb to the soap opera feel that has enveloped "SVU" and "CI." I'm a bit concerned they're running it opposite "CSI:NY" but I really hope that old viewers who stopped watching when Jerry Orbach left will give it another chance. It definitely deserves it.moreless
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A FANTASTIC "LAW & ORDER" PREMIERE!!! (And about time too!)

9.5

By tvobsessed1995, Aug 30, 2010

The Season 18 premiere of "Law & Order" marks 3 important changes to the show: the introduction of new Detective Cyrus Lupo, new A.D.A. Michael Cutter, and Jack McCoy's transfer from A.D.A. to D.A.

The episode tells the compelling and gripping story of assisted suicides, and the doctor assisting them, nicknamed "Dr. Death". The first to die, after Dr. Death's release from jail after 10 years, is the brother of Detective. Cyrus Luop, which causes him to return to New York after 4 years abroad. The second part of the episode introduces A.D.A. Michael Cutter, a zelous and tough prosecutor who will sit comfortably in McCoy's old chair. The final minutes also feature one of the only courtroom "twists/turns" that has actually suprised me (I'll leave it at that). And although it will be hard getting used to a new prosecutor since 1994 and not see him as much, I'm sure that LAW & ORDER's 18th season will truly be one of the best yet!!!moreless
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The Return Of Law And Order offers some new faces, exciting plot and an ending that will blow you away.

10

By pee_ter_griffen, Jan 20, 2008

After a bit of a dip in quality the last few years the opening episode of season 18 proved that Law & Order The Mothership has alot more steam in the engine.

It begins with Det. Green working a case by himself of a man who apparently Over Dosed. Turns out he commited suicide but the technical side he would of been unable to do himself meaninghe was helped.

The victims Brother, new character Cyrus Lupo, Returns back to the U.S. after doing anti-terror work for the NYPD abroad. He soon discovers his brother ,a cancer survivor, had had a remission and only had 3 months to live a fact he finds out from the Medical Examiner as well as discovering a M.O. used by a resently released doctor who was jailed for assisted suicide.

After another victim is found Green And Lupo partner up to find the person who helped set it all up.

We are also introduced to Executive ADA Michael Cutter who replaces "Hang em high" McCoy who has become the DA. Also For the first time in the shows 18 year run a court room twist comes along that is genuinely surprising.

The new return of the high standard of excellence of law and order is partly due to the return of emmy award winning show runner Rene Balcer who wrote this episode and hopefully will help to map out another fantastic season of the greatest cop show on TV.moreless
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The more things change, the more they stay the same.

9.0

By lawgotham, Jan 07, 2008

Let's see, we have a new detective and 2 new assistant district attorneys. It shows that it's not really a show about pne character but is more about the story done by a fine ensemble.

This show was typical Law and Order. Typical case with lots of twists and turns... Oh yes, of course there is a twist near the end. Of the new characters, Jeremy Sisto is my favorite. He is from "Six Feet Under" and plays a troubled detective. Let's just say it works. I hope they focus sometime during the season on his background.

For me the show has been a little stale the last couple of seasons. If this episode is any indication of things to come, it has been revitalized.

Welcome back.moreless
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Great comeback for Law & Order with great jobs done by the new characters and those with new positions. Mccoy did a great job as a fish out of water trying to balance justice with politics. I think he did well in that role Mccoy behind themoreless

8.5

By danharr, Jan 04, 2008

Great comeback for Law & Order with great jobs done by the new characters and those with new positions. Mccoy did a great job as a fish out of water trying to balance justice with politics. I think he did well in that role Mccoy behind the scenes will be just as good for the show as when he was the DA. His courtroom replacement played by Linus Roche is a do anything for justice type. An Idealist I think with purposeful rage as opposed to similar characteristics from Det. Logan. I'm sure they'll draw comparisons but I think they are misplaced. Next we have Greens new partner played by Jeremy Sisto. He did the quiet rage thing well although he's best when he blows up but I like the type of character he is. Smart and quirky like Goren from Criminal Intent but full of action if needed like Logan or Curtis. It wasn't a jaw dropping episode but it was very good and a delight instead of a chore like a lot of episodes had become.moreless
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Cast & Crew: STARS

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Alana De La Garza	A.D.A. Connie Rubirosa
Linus Roache	Exec. A.D.A. Michael Cutter
Jeremy Sisto	Det. Cyrus Lupo
Jesse L. Martin	Det. Ed Green
S. Epatha Merkerson	Lt. Anita Van Buren
Sam Waterston	D.A. Jack McCoy

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Cast & Crew: RECURRING AND GUESTS

EDIT

Brad Dourif	Dr. David Lingard	Guest Star
Marin Ireland	Mila Hames-Lingard	Guest Star
Elizabeth Marvel	Attorney Grubman	Guest Star
Leslie Hendrix	Dr. Elizabeth Rodgers	Recurring Role
Joe Forbrich	Det. Cormack	Recurring Role

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Trivia, Notes, Quotes and Allusions

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TRIVIA (3)
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- McCoy was appointed to finish Branch's term after he left early.
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- Det. Cyrus Lupo was a patrolman at the precinct before moving to the Intel Unit where he worked abroad as part of an anti-terrorism project.
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- Leslie Hendrix (M.E. Rodgers) has now gone from a redhead to a blonde.
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QUOTES (7)
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- Dr. David Lingard: (In court, on the witness stand) It is the right of every American to live and to die as they see fit. And I choose here. And now.
  Michael Cutter: What are you talking about?
  Dr. David Lingard: My pulse is down to twenty.
  Michael Cutter: My God, what did you do?
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- Jack McCoy (about a nurse who assisted suicides); Now she gets to learn the downside of the right to die -- grief.
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- Jack McCoy (to Connie): Your case is all brain and no heart. You'd better put a human face on the victims.
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- Jack McCoy: Mike, are you aware of the storm of crap you've stirred up? I'm in this job three minutes, and already I'm getting crucified?
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- Dr. Elizabeth Rodgers: A serial suicide artist.
  Ed Green: Try not to look so excited.
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- Michael Cutter: Branch used to fill these shelves with knick-knacks and awards.
  Jack McCoy: It's a working office now, not a showroom.
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- Jack McCoy: The next time you decide to charge a member of the press with a felony, call me.
  Michael Cutter: Sacred cows are for barbecuing, Jack, you may have had Woodward and Bernstein, but I grew up with Geraldo, and then Judith Miller. I mean, reporters? They're just more clowns to the circus now.
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NOTES (5)
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- International Airdates:
  Finland: April 23, 2010 on YLE TV2
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- This episode aired at a special time (9/8 p.m. Central).
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- Jeremy Sisto previously appeared on the show as a different character, attorney Clint Glover, in the finale of the 17th season.
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- Special billing was given to Gerry Becker (with) and Michael McKean (and) in this episode.
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- Jeremy Sisto and Linus Roache join the cast as Detective Cyrus Lupo and Executive A.D.A. Michael Cutter.
  
  Both Sisto and Roache previously starred on the NBC show Kidnapped.
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ALLUSIONS (2)
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- Michael Cutter: Sacred cows are for barbecuing, Jack, you may have had Woodward and Bernstein, but I grew up with Geraldo, and then Judith Miller. I mean, reporters? They're just more clowns to the circus now.
  
  Cutter's reference to Woodward and Bernstein is an allusion to investigative reporters Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein of the Washington Post who broke the story of the 1972 Watergate break-in which led to the eventual resignation of President Richard M. Nixon.
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- The character of Dr. David Lingard is based on Dr. Jack Kevorkian, the controversial pathologist who has claimed to assist over 130 people to kill themselves. Like Lingard in this episode, Kevorkian filmed an assisted suicide and allowed it to air on a TV show. This was influencial in convicting Kevorkian in 1999. He was released from jail in 2007 due to his failing health.
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