Law & Order (TV Series) Flaw (2005) User Reviews

Near flawless

[TheLittleSongbird · 9/10 · 15 August 2022]

"Flaw" from 'Law and Order's' Season 16 is the follow up/second part to the wonderful "Design" from 'Special Victims Unit's' Season 7. Was very happy to see the two fascinating mother and daughter characters return and also to see Olivia Benson working on the case with the 'Law and Order' team, way back when she was a likeable character and not one that constantly infuriated. Was very impressed by the season opener "Red Ball", so expectations were high.

Those high expectations luckily were very much met. "Flaw" may not be quite as good or as consistently riveting as "Design", but it is very nearly as great and has many fantastic things. All of them pretty much the same as those in "Design". It does nothing to waste Lorraine and April, instead it makes the absolute most of them and made them fully dimensional and deliciously amoral (more so than in "Design") characters that evoke strong feelings.

Maybe it is occasionally on the over-stuffed side, but there is very little to criticise here in "Flaw".

As good, the great things are many. The slick, subtly gritty and intimate production values are still present, while not going too far on the intimacy that it becomes too drab and closed up. The music lets the writing do all the talking without over-emphasising the emotions, while the direction is subtle without being bland or leaden.

Furthermore, the script is tightly structured and intelligent, conveying a wide range of emotions, especially in the latter stages when the complexity comes in. The story is full of clever twists and turns and is hugely entertaining and also very suspenseful. It is suitably complex, especially it comes to trial where things get very difficult for McCoy, with the entire truth not being what one expects at all. The conclusion is very satisfying and doesn't make one feel cheated.

Characterisation is spot on, especially Lorraine and April who are as cold blooded and amoral as they are in "Design", even more so in fact. Olivia fits well and despite it concluding from a 'Special Victims Unit' episode it is very 'Law and Order' without feeling too far apart in feel. The acting is excellent from all the regulars, and even better are the scorching turns of Lynda Carter and Estella Warren (the latter in particular being a knockout).

Overall, wonderful and near flawless. 9/10.

Not quite as good as "Part I" but still good television

[garrard · 9/10 · 8 July 2009]

"Flaw" is the conclusion to the story that began on "Law & Order" offspring "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" entitled "Design." Both deal with con artist Lorraine Dillon (Lynda Carter) and her daughter April (Estella Warren), both skilled in their work. This chapter begins with the discovery of a man that apparently had some relationship with the two women.

As the story unfolds, Detective Benson (Mariska Hargitay from "SVU") works with L & O's detectives Fontana (Dennis Farina) and Green (Jesse L. Martin) to tie the con women with the death as well as the theft of $500,000.

Like most second installments, it's not quite as engrossing as the first, the former being the "set up," but it's still a good story.

The conclusion is satisfying, leaving the viewer with a desire to see these two women again.

Great support is supplied by Ice-T (also from "SVU"), and guests Ben Shenkman, Daniel Eric Gold, Paul Hecht, and Ami Brabson as the judge.

Meet the Troosts

[bkoganbing · 7/10 · 28 March 2020]

Coming over from SVU are the mother and daughter con artists Lorraine and April Troost played by Lynda Carter and Estella Warren. Also coming over is Mariska Hargitay from SVU to settle some unfinished business.

The Troosts have pulled off a half a million dollar con and they've also killed their partner in the swindle. Later on the victim kills himself making Sam Waterston's job all that tougher.

Nevertheless some of their early history does surface and Olivia Benson goes after it with a vengeance.

Carter and Warren, one amoral pair.

Riveting

[goopah · 10/10 · 15 January 2011]

Another well-written, directed, and acted episode is greatly enhanced by the efforts of two fine actresses: Estella Warren and Lynda Carter. It's worth seeing this episode if for no other reason than to see these two bring their characters to life, whether they be acting apart, or against each other. Brilliantly played. These are two characters I loved to hate so much, that I seriously think they could carry their own twisted television series. The characters are a perfect example of people who care absolutely not a whit for anyone but themselves, able to switch their 'emotions' on and off at the drop of a hat. Watching the law slowly bring them to justice was truly a pleasure, as these two women made excellent adversaries for the protagonists. I would sincerely love to see these women work together again, whether it be in this series or another, or even in film.

You'll give me a statement, then maybe we'll talk about a deal.

[Mrpalli77 · 8/10 · 28 December 2017]

Two maintenance men were cleaning skyscraper glasses when one of them noticed a dead body inside an empty office. Shortly before being shot, the victim dialed Dt. Benson (SVU) number, so the detective helped the team in the investigation because she was personally involved in this case. The victim was a con man used to steal insurance money from accidents (medical examiner found several broken bones at the autopsy); he even cashed social security checks from elderly stashed in his basement freezer. Recently he set up a fraud against a hip-hop producer together with two women, a mother and her daughter (Estella Warren). The money went missing, but the murder weapon was found at the mother's home. She claimed to kill him as self-defense, stating he raped her daughter ten years before, but the poor (sick!) girl changed her statement on the stand....

This episode focused on con artists. You can't realize who is the real villain because several people deserved jail time. Anyway at the end I feel pity for the producer, even if his character was quite disturbing, who chose to hang himself.

Lynda Carter returns to TV on "Law and Order"

[vireed · 9/10 · 21 October 2006]

I had not seen Lynda Carter in any acting roles since Wonder Woman was actually on the air. I was very impressed by her acting abilities and felt they were highlighted by the serious nature of her role in this episode of "Law and Order". I hope to see her in many more non-comedic roles in the future on television or film. I am also just as impressed by her beauty as I was when she was in the role of Wonder Woman some time ago. She is another reason why Hollywood is nuts NOT to be casting women like Lynda Carter, Susan Sarandon, etc... in more prime acting roles. Their abilities and intelligence along with their "real woman" attributes appeal to all ages and both sexes. As an avid media collector since 1973, I find the maturation of actors can be as interesting as the roles they play. Where would Hollywood be if all actors over 40-something were put out to pasture. Most of the greatest movies might never have been made!