Love the original 'Law and Order', my personal favourite of the 'Law and Order' franchise, and the previous Season 8 episodes (except "Blood") were good to fantastic. The title of this episode, "Burned", promises something tense. As did the subject matter, a heavy one and 'Law and Order' often did heavy topics extremely well. Also of interest is seeing a different side to Robert Vaughn, seen here in a way you've never seen him before.
"Burned" is a fantastic episode, one of Season 8's best and a 'Law and Order' high point. The way the topic is handled is hugely impressive, showing 'Law and Order's' knack of exploring difficult and controversial themes and exploring them in a way that doesn't hold back. It has always grabbed me from the get go, never stopping, and it is not like a case of, like some other Season 8, of one half faring better than the other. More a case of one half being even than the other.
Everything is done wonderfully. Production values are slick and have a subtle grit, with an intimacy to the photography without being too claustrophobic. The music isn't used too much and doesn't get too melodramatic. It is directed with tautness but also breathing space.
The dialogue is smart and always intriguing, with plenty of it moving, chilling and provoking thought. The story is completely unpredictable, that delivers the tension in bucket-loads in the legal portion. The case wrenches both the gut and the heart and the truth completely floored me on first watch. With it being so unthinkable.
Vaughn's character is interesting and suitably intimidating and there is genuine suspense and intrigue when the legalities kick in. While the policing always entertains and compels, with "Burned" having one of the better first halves of all the episodes of Season 8, it is the legal half that makes "Burned" special. It grabbed the attention, suitably challenged, made me think and it had emotional power and tension.
While the regulars are excellent as always, it is the powerful and truly unsettling performance of Vaughn that one most remembers.
In summary, fantastic and a perfect demonstration of what 'Law and Order' is all about. 10/10.