The subject matter and the debate of law versus culture are truly fascinating and definitely brave to tackle. There are many episodes of the original 'Law and Order' that have heavy and controversial topics and do so in a way that pulls no punches but also sensitively. Did worry though that with the subject and debate being as divisive as they come would be done too heavy-handedly and/or be too one-sided, as there are some 'Law and Order' episodes that are those things while meaning well.
"Ritual" luckily is one of those episodes that handles its story uncompromisingly and sensitively, apart from one part that may likely not go down well. A lot of homework had clearly been done on such a twisted practise and the kind of mutilation involved. "Ritual" is a great episode and as far as Season 8 goes at this point, in what was a very solid first half, it's one of the better and more interesting episodes. It does nothing to waste its subject, nothing at all. And regardless of the overall execution, there still would have been admiration for the show to even tackle the issue in the first place.
Very nearly everything is more than great here. As usual for 'Law and Order' and its spin offs, the production values are solid and the intimacy of the photography doesn't get static or too filmed play-like. The music when used is not too over-emphatic and has a melancholic edge that is quite haunting. The direction is sympathetic enough while also taut. The writing is smart and thought-provoking, raising interesting questions without taking sides. Especially with everything regarding the debate of culture versus the law.
A vast majority of the story is tautly paced and truly absorbing, with enough surprises and it never becomes hard to follow even with a complicated issue. An issue that is difficult, brave to take on and has evoked and will evoke strong opinions on each side. The episode does not hold back when it comes to the execution while also on the most part being tactful, it also explores the subject from more than one viewpoint and in a way where you can see where each side is coming from.
It is a case of the perpetrator not being the one that one hates by the end, hated their actions while part of me felt pity for them and understood their point of view. Actually had more disgust for the victim. The acting is excellent from all, especially in the legal portion.
One thing stops "Ritual" from being flawless. The part where someone is suspected of being a bomber with no evidence or connections, as well as no knowledge of explosives, was uncharacteristically (for the early seasons) sloppy and borderline distasteful police work. With everything with the practise and mutilation being so well researched, it stuck out like a very sore thumb which is a shame.
Concluding, great. 9/10.