Severance (14 Jan. 1992)

Season 2 was not a consistent season, but on the whole it was almost as good in quality as the consistently good to brilliant Season 1. In that although there are not as many great episodes as that season, all in this one are still solid or more, the best episodes outstanding and every bit as good as the best of Season 1. They, and even better came later when Briscoe was in charge, had all the reasons as to why 'Law and Order' is a personal favourite and why the show didn't feel the same for me quite post-Briscoe (sorry for anybody who disagrees).

One of Season 2's best episodes is its thirteenth, out of twenty two, "Severance". One of the most intriguing sounding stories of the season on paper, and an idea lived to near-full potential. "Severance" is a great episode and this close to being an early season high-point, and a perfect example of why 'Law and Order' was as good as it was in its prime and also pre-prime (the latter being more the case for this episode).

Also would have liked to have the character of Teasdale to be even more developed than he was, did think his motives especially could have done with more depth as they didn't seem as clear as they ought to have been.

Do agree too that Gold's legal mistake was quite sloppy, especially for a lawyer as brilliant as he.

However, "Severance" is great everywhere else. The writing and performances are top notch. While the whole episode is intelligently and deftly written, it's the whole interaction/sparring between Stone and Gold that really makes things worthwhile. It is truly entertaining, sometimes tense and never less than intriguing, it's brilliant writing and some of the best character interaction of the season (maybe even of the early seasons).

The story throughout is compelliing and intricate with its fair share of surprises that don't convolute the storytelling. While the police investigations are handled very well and Carreta and Logan are much more settled now, the legal scenes are in a different league and a joy to watch. A good thing considering that the episode is heavier on the legal side. While Stone is a juicy character, even juicier is Gold. Just love their chemistry together. Michael Moriarty and George Grizzard give some of their best work of the show here, while Steve Rankin sends shivers down the spine. Despite having reservations about his character, any fault does not lie with Sam Groom who does a great job.

In conclusion, great. 9/10