Have always found a lot to like about all three of the three best known and popular 'Law and Order' shows (the original 'Law and Order', 'Special Victims Unit' and 'Criminal Intent', the others are more variable). Although 'Special Victims Unit', great in the earlier seasons but less consistent in the latter ones, has topped the original as the longest-running of the franchise in terms of seasons, my personal favourite is the original, if more the Briscoe years and before.
"Cry Wolf" was a very good episode on first watch. It still is, despite the basic scenario not being a new one. There are quite a lot of mob related episodes in the franchise. 'Law and Order' on form was very good at not being too repetitive when coming back to previously explored subjects, familiar ground it may feel like but not in a way that feels derivative. "Cry Wolf" falls a little short of greatness, with it being a case of starting off a bit on the ordinary side but became near-classic 'Law and Order' level by the end. The complete opposite of the previous episode.
As said, it does start off a little too ordinary and Fontana (who is growing as a character, but inevitably suffers from being compared less favourably to the iconic Briscoe) and Green's chemistry was still a little on-off (like a light switch).
Did find the ending slightly on the crowded side and Elisabeth Rohm brings very little energy.
On the other hand, a lot is great. The photography while very close up doesn't come over as too static or filmed play-like, while the production values are typically solid and have subtle atmosphere while not being drab and keeping things simple. When the music is used it is haunting and has a melancholic edge that is not overdone. The episode is sympathetically yet uncompromisingly directed.
It is an intelligently and tautly scripted episode, especially the cross examination. The story becomes increasingly intricate and twisty, without feeling rushed or convoluted, and there is genuine tension as the conflict mounts. The legal portion is infinitely better in this episode than in "Gov Love", much more realistic and done with a lot more tact, plus McCoy didn't irk me this time. The performances are very good, regulars and supporting. The only exception being Rohm.
Concluding, very good. 8/10.