ShareThisBy DAVE MASON
Two stars join "Law & Order" this week in an episode more character-driven than the usual "L&O" tale.
The NBC series begins its 17th season at 10 p.m., EDT/PDT, Friday, a new time slot.
This week's story is a strong start for Alana de la Garza, who plays Asst. Dist. Atty. Connie Rubirosa, the first Latina prosecutor on "L&0," and Milena Govich, who plays Nina Cassady, the series' first female detective.
Connie could be one of the series' strongest prosecutors if the writers show they're willing to put her on an equal footing with Exec. Asst. Dist. Atty. Jack McCoy (Sam Waterston). He's her boss, of course, but if she can challenge him or make him see cases from angles he hasn't imagined, it could be a great season.
Likewise, Nina is providing genuine character conflict. The young detective proves to be intelligent and outspoken, but not so wise and tactful as she makes mistakes on her first day on the job. She's unseasoned, and it'll be up to her partner, Det. Ed Green (Jesse L. Martin), and their boss, Lt. Anita Van Buren (S. Epatha Merkerson), to guide her.
As always, "Law & Order" is more about the cases than the characters, and the episodes will continue to appeal to viewers who like their stories all wrapped up within an hour.
Friday's story isn't one of the series' strongest, and it wouldn't have been my choice for a season premiere. But it is a relevant story that deals with society's obsession with celebrities and the clash between stars and paparazzi. I won't give away too much, but there's been a murder connected with a photographer.
The best aspect of this episode is its emphasis on the main characters and their traits. It's the kind of thing that has been stressed successfully on the "L&0" spin-offs "Special Victims Unit" and "Criminal Intent."
After seeing a preview of Friday's story, I felt like I had a better sense of all the characters, including those who have been around for a long time. And viewers this week will discover a new, critical fact about Jack, the prosecutor who's been part of the show since 1994.
(Contact Dave Mason at damson(at)VenturaCountyStar.com.)
