Ep 19. Surrender Dorothy

The Law & Order season 10 episode 19 titled "Surrender Dorothy" is a crime drama episode that follows the investigation of the murder of a young woman with an unexpected connection to a beloved children's book character.

The episode begins with the discovery of the body of a young woman in a park. Detectives Lennie Briscoe (Jerry Orbach) and Rey Curtis (Benjamin Bratt) are called to the scene and begin investigating the murder. They quickly discover that the victim, Heather Stark (played by Lisa Chess), was the daughter of a prominent lawyer and had been working as a nanny for a wealthy family.

As the detectives dig deeper into Heather's life, they uncover a web of secrets and lies. They discover that Heather had a drug problem and was involved in a romantic relationship with the husband of the family she was working for. They also learn that Heather was obsessed with the children's book character Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz and had been attending a weekly support group for fellow Dorothy enthusiasts.

As the investigation continues, the detectives are led to a number of suspects, including Heather's drug dealer, the husband of the family she was working for, and members of the Dorothy support group. They struggle to piece together Heather's last moments and determine who had the motive and opportunity to kill her.

Meanwhile, Assistant District Attorney Claire Kincaid (Jill Hennessy) is dealing with her own issues. She is in the process of finalizing her divorce and is struggling with the emotional toll it is taking on her. Her personal life begins to intersect with the case when it is discovered that Heather's father had represented Claire's ex-husband in their divorce proceedings.

As the trial begins, tensions rise as the prosecution and defense make their cases. The detectives testify about their investigation and the evidence they gathered, while the defense tries to poke holes in their theories. Meanwhile, Claire is forced to confront her own emotions about her divorce as she prepares to take the stand.

The episode concludes with a surprising twist that sheds new light on the murder and forces the detectives and attorneys to reevaluate everything they thought they knew about the case. In the end, justice is served, but not without some unexpected consequences.

Overall, "Surrender Dorothy" is a gripping episode that delves into the dark underbelly of obsession, addiction, and murder. It keeps viewers guessing until the very end and showcases the talents of the Law & Order cast, particularly Jill Hennessy's nuanced portrayal of Assistant District Attorney Claire Kincaid.