Ep 1. Prescription for Death

In the premiere episode of Law & Order's first season, titled "Prescription for Death," viewers are introduced to the show's unique format of focusing on both the police procedural and legal aspects of criminal cases.

The episode begins with the discovery of a young woman's dead body in her apartment. Detectives Max Greevey (George Dzundza) and Mike Logan (Chris Noth) are assigned to investigate the scene, which leads them to discover that the victim was a nurse who had recently begun working for a popular drug manufacturer. Further investigation reveals that the woman may have been involved in stealing prescription drugs from the company and that her death was likely connected to this.

As the detectives continue to gather evidence, they encounter a variety of suspects, including the victim's co-workers, her ex-boyfriend, and a drug dealer who had been supplying her with pills. Ultimately, the detectives are able to piece together what happened and make an arrest.

Meanwhile, assistant district attorney Ben Stone (Michael Moriarty) takes on the case and begins to build a prosecution. However, he discovers that the drug manufacturer is a powerful and influential company that is willing to do whatever it takes to protect their reputation. This leads to several hurdles in the legal proceedings, including the fact that some of the evidence obtained by the police may be inadmissible in court.

As the case moves forward, both the detectives and the prosecutors encounter numerous obstacles and setbacks. However, they remain determined to bring the killer to justice and expose the corrupt practices of the drug company.

"Prescription for Death" is a gripping and suspenseful episode that sets the tone for the rest of the series. The show's unique format of exploring both the police procedural and legal aspects of criminal cases is on full display, and the episode offers a compelling look at how the justice system works (and sometimes doesn't work) in the face of powerful corporations and influential individuals.

The episode also introduces viewers to the show's diverse cast of characters, including the tough-as-nails detectives Greevey and Logan, the idealistic and passionate prosecutor Stone, and the various suspects and witnesses who populate the case. Each character is well-drawn and distinct, and viewers will find themselves drawn into their individual stories and motivations.

Overall, "Prescription for Death" is a must-watch episode for fans of crime dramas and gripping procedural storytelling. It sets the stage for a thrilling and thought-provoking series that is still beloved by audiences today.