Anthony Longo

My review of Law & Order Returns: The original Law & Order series was the best of all the past/current spinoffs including CI & SVU. Dick Wolf was at his best with the cast and plots of that original L&O series. "Law and Order Returns", February 24, 2022 was, in my opinion, one of the worst Dick Wolf productions. The cast is lost, while either under or over acting. The 1st half was pure torture. The police performance was middle school caliber. The actors don't make it, especially Anthony Anderson with his mountain of facial hair. He was a household favorite in the other Dick Wolf L&O series; however, his police acting "passion" and skills have all but disappeared. Jeffrey Donovan, Anderson's partner failed at trying to reprise the acting style of "Elliot Stabler" in other L&O  spinoffs. Even Christopher Meloni is unable to measure up to his acting style (and looks) from the original and spinoffs to date! The only two performances worthy of viewer positive  "comments" are the Executive ADA & ADA. Hugh Dancy as Executive Assistant District Attorney has a solid acting style and can be believable in the role...BUT NOT YET! I expect his acting skills will make him a solid cast member if the series survives and if he begins to understand his ("Executive") role. The ADA Odelya Halevi, WHOA...this lady stole the show!  I know nothing about her; however (believe me) she is a "key" member of this ensemble cast. Her closing argument to the jury was outstanding acting, not unlike the closing argument that was delivered by Matthew McConaughey in  "A Time To Kill".  Odelya Halevi's emotion, passion and legal facts presented to the jury (and viewers) were the only outstandung moments in this long drawn out Law & Order return. Thanks to Sam Waterston (as District Attorney Jack McCoy) for showing up, but he should stay off camera and enjoy his acting legacy and well earned retirement at home. Carey Lowell (as Jamie Ross) was my alltime favorite female actress on all L&O series; however, her best skills may also be behind the camera. Dick Wolf...nice try! AJL SEMPER FI