Have said in some of my reviews for the previous 23 Season 12 episodes that Season 12 was generally solid though none of the episodes reached classic 'Law and Order' standard (two almost did). There were two great episodes, "For Love or Money" and "Myth of Fingerprints" and most of the season saw episodes that were either pretty good and very good. Only "The Fire this Time", "DR 1-102" and "Oxymoron" disappointed, and they still weren't misfires.
"Patriot" is not a bad way to end the season at all. It's not a great episode and doesn't end Season 12 with a bang, which is slightly disappointing seeing as the season started off so well. It is still quite decent, though will agree that more could have been done with a hard-hitting, very personal, tough (especially considering the timing) and still relevant subject. A lot of the usual good things are here but also a few of the flaws that most of Season 12 had.
Beginning with the good, it is a slickly made episode, the editing especially having come on quite a bit from when the show first started (never was it a problem but it got more fluid with each episode up to this stage). The music is sparingly used and never seemed melodramatic, the theme tune easy to remember as usual. The direction is sympathetic enough without being too low key on the whole.
The script is generally taut, with little fat, and intelligent. The story does intrigue enough, the policing scenes are solidly done and the legalities are a lot more accessible and intriguing than in "Oxymoron". Most of the acting is very, very good, Sam Waterston dominating and Terry Serpico unsettles despite the role being on the obvious side. Love Briscoe and Green's chemistry.
Elisabeth Rohm looks bored and drained of life and never connects with the character or with Waterston. Once things become more complex and not what they seemed initially, the episode becomes a little over-complicated and could have done with a slowing down.
Did find the ending on the hasty side and the verdict for me was not easy to swallow. Do agree too that more could have been done with the subject, the episode does have tension but could have done with more emotion.
In conclusion, quite decent end to the season. 7/10.