Ep 21. Publish and Perish

In Law & Order season 15 episode 21, titled "Publish and Perish," the team at the 27th precinct is called to investigate the murder of a prestigious professor at a local university. The victim, Dr. Richard Manning, was well-known for his research and published works in the field of genetics. As the detectives begin to investigate the case, they discover that Manning had been working on a top-secret project with potential national security implications.

The investigation leads the detectives to campus, where they meet with Manning's colleagues and students who may have had a motive to kill him. One of Manning's colleagues, Dr. Debra Hanford, becomes a prime suspect in the case as she had a falling out with Manning over their differing views on their research. As the detectives dig deeper, they find that Manning's project may have been stolen by a rival university and that he had been receiving threatening emails from someone trying to stop his research from going public.

Meanwhile, ADA Serena Southerlyn struggles with her own personal demons as her father's health begins to deteriorate. She finds herself questioning her values and beliefs as she struggles to balance her personal life with the demands of the job. Despite this, she remains focused on bringing Manning's killer to justice and spends hours poring over evidence and interviewing witnesses.

As the case progresses, the detectives uncover a web of lies and deceit, including a cover-up by Manning's own department. The team must work to unravel the truth before anyone else falls victim to the forces trying to stop Manning's research from going public.

In the end, the case is resolved in a shocking twist that leaves everyone stunned. ADA Southerlyn is forced to confront her own beliefs and values as she grapples with the outcome of the trial. The episode ends on a somber note as the detectives reflect on the impact that the case had on their own beliefs and sense of justice.