Actually started watching 'Law and Order' from the later episodes of the Briscoe and Green period. Am so glad since then about watching the whole show over-time since, because the early seasons are better, more consistent and where the show was at its best despite disappointments every now and then. They really should not be overlooked, despite being aired less frequently. Have found that to be the case with 'Special Victims Unit' and 'Criminal Intent' as well.
"Survivor" is a good example of why. For me, it is one of the best episodes of Season 7 and a fine example of 'Law and Order' at its best. It has one of the season's most intricate and most interesting cases (tonally and structurally as well as in content), and also contains one of the early seasons' most fascinating and complex supporting characters. "Survivor" is simply fantastic and it is episodes like it that is a good representation of why the early seasons really should be seen.
It is shot with the right amount of intimacy without being claustrophobic and that the editing has become increasingly tighter over-time has been great too. The music doesn't get intrusive or overwrought, even when the episode gets more dramatic. The direction doesn't try to do too much and is understated but never flat or unsure.
The writing is intelligent and although, like the show in general, there is a lot of talk (as always for the 'Law and Order' franchise) it doesn't feel like there is too much or too loose. Tonally, one half is different than the other, starting off comedically but gets more serious. Doing so without being too much of a disconnect or feeling like two different episodes. The story entertains and intrigues throughout, it is an intricate one with many clever and unexpected twists and turns while not falling into incoherence.
While there is a preference with the more serious and grittier second half, the first half is far from routine and is in fact a lot of fun. All the characters are interesting and well written, especially Judith. Ross has settled very well and shines here. Could there have been more of McCoy? Perhaps, but he still has a lot of presence.
All the performances are excellent, Jerry Orbach is great as always, relishing Briscoe's ever cracking one-liners, and Carey Lowell more than holds her own despite it being only her fourth episode. Michael Willis is suitably quirky. Best of all is Karen Allen, her performance is very like Francie Swift in Season 5's "Switch". In that she has a very difficult and emotionally complex role that could easily have been over-acted, but Allen doesn't do so and instead is very hard-hitting.
Concluding, fantastic. 10/10.
