The murder of a man delivering Chinese food is linked to five bored teens who ordered the food without intending to pay for it.The murder of a man delivering Chinese food is linked to five bored teens who ordered the food without intending to pay for it.The murder of a man delivering Chinese food is linked to five bored teens who ordered the food without intending to pay for it.
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Did you know
- TriviaThe episode title is a reference to a line in the song "Baba O'Riley" (1971) by The Who: "Don't cry, don't raise your eye / It's only teenage wasteland"
- GoofsDuring the trial and subsequent death sentence hearing, the defendant is seen wearing an earring in his left ear. This would not be allowed. Defendants are not given something that could harm them. They are allowed to wear necklaces with religious symbols however.
- Quotes
Mitch Regan: It wasn't supposed to be like that.
ADA Abbie Carmichael: You mean, like murder.
Featured review
Wasteland of death
When it comes to talking about the early seasons of 'Law and Order', 'Special Victims Unit' and 'Criminal Intent', those for 'Law and Order' were to me the most consistent in quality. Seasons 1-10 had some disappointments but were overall of a solid standard, whereas 'Special Victims Unit' was already inconsistent by its Season 7 and 'Criminal Intent' for half its run (both with outstanding episodes, but when 'Special Victims Unit' in particular missed it misfired big time).
Season 11 was a hit and miss season, and the start of when 'Law and Order' started to not be as strong as it was. It did have its winners though and "Teenage Wasteland" is one of them. Reading the synopsis, it is a plotline that could easily have passed for an early seasons episode. And the episode in quality is pretty much likewise on the most part, and this is meant as a good thing and not in any way suggesting a going backwards in development quality.
"Teenage Wasteland" has very little to fault it for. Was a bit mixed on the conclusion, absolutely agreed with the verdict (for the case it was the only right one) and it was gut-wrenching, such as the mother's reaction. The disagreement is with the sentence, it was a horrific crime and the perpetrator is one where a conviction is strongly rooted for but it was too harsh and their age should have been taken into account.
Other than that, "Teenage Wasteland" is excellent. 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 without being leaden. The script is tight and thoughtful, especially in the conflict in regard to the death penalty and its moral dilemmas.
Personally didn't see any death penalty defamation, whenever the death penalty was brought up in any episode the show showed more than one point of view on it (McCoy and his assistants have always clashed on it) and in a way where one can see both sides. It doesn't feel one-sided here, despite the pressure. The story is absorbing throughout, especially when it comes to trial. The policing scenes are very intriguing and how Briscoe and Green figure things out never felt too simple or convoluted. The case does hit hard and makes one feel disgust at the crime and those responsible.
All the acting is very good, Sam Waterston does authoritative and ruthless so well. Jerry Orbach and Jesse L. Martin carry the policing scenes beautifully, while Alex Feldman effectively gives off an unease without being too overt in it.
In summary, excellent. 9/10.
Season 11 was a hit and miss season, and the start of when 'Law and Order' started to not be as strong as it was. It did have its winners though and "Teenage Wasteland" is one of them. Reading the synopsis, it is a plotline that could easily have passed for an early seasons episode. And the episode in quality is pretty much likewise on the most part, and this is meant as a good thing and not in any way suggesting a going backwards in development quality.
"Teenage Wasteland" has very little to fault it for. Was a bit mixed on the conclusion, absolutely agreed with the verdict (for the case it was the only right one) and it was gut-wrenching, such as the mother's reaction. The disagreement is with the sentence, it was a horrific crime and the perpetrator is one where a conviction is strongly rooted for but it was too harsh and their age should have been taken into account.
Other than that, "Teenage Wasteland" is excellent. 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 without being leaden. The script is tight and thoughtful, especially in the conflict in regard to the death penalty and its moral dilemmas.
Personally didn't see any death penalty defamation, whenever the death penalty was brought up in any episode the show showed more than one point of view on it (McCoy and his assistants have always clashed on it) and in a way where one can see both sides. It doesn't feel one-sided here, despite the pressure. The story is absorbing throughout, especially when it comes to trial. The policing scenes are very intriguing and how Briscoe and Green figure things out never felt too simple or convoluted. The case does hit hard and makes one feel disgust at the crime and those responsible.
All the acting is very good, Sam Waterston does authoritative and ruthless so well. Jerry Orbach and Jesse L. Martin carry the policing scenes beautifully, while Alex Feldman effectively gives off an unease without being too overt in it.
In summary, excellent. 9/10.
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- TheLittleSongbird
- May 4, 2022
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