Ep 18. Cradle to Grave

The episode "Cradle to Grave" from season 2 of Law & Order follows Detectives Lennie Briscoe (Jerry Orbach) and Mike Logan (Chris Noth) as they investigate the murder of a young boy, Johnny Drake. Johnny was shot and killed in front of his mother, Teresa (played by guest star Judith Light), as they were on their way to Johnny's grandfather's funeral. The detectives initially suspect a rival gang member of the shooting, but soon realize that the crime may be related to Teresa's troubled past.

Teresa had been in and out of prison for drug-related crimes, and her former boyfriend, Eddie Newman (played by guest star Brad Sullivan), had also spent time in jail. Eddie owed money to a dangerous drug lord, and it soon becomes clear that he may have been involved in Johnny's murder in an attempt to settle his debt.

As the detectives dig deeper into the case, they discover that Teresa may have known more than she was letting on. She had been seen arguing with Eddie on the day of the shooting and had even taken out a life insurance policy on Johnny just weeks before. Briscoe and Logan must navigate through Teresa's lies and secrets to uncover the truth behind Johnny's death.

Meanwhile, Assistant District Attorney Benjamin Stone (Michael Moriarty) and his team struggle to build a case against Eddie and his accomplices. They face challenges in connecting the suspects to the murder and must also contend with the difficult task of prosecuting a grieving mother who had been involved in the drug trade.

As the evidence mounts against Eddie and his associates, tensions rise between Stone and defense attorney George Washington (played by guest star Robert Vaughn). Washington is a seasoned expert at getting his clients off on technicalities, and Stone must use all of his legal skills to secure a conviction.

The episode is a harrowing portrayal of the effects of drug addiction and the devastating consequences that can result from criminal activity. It also highlights the difficulties faced by law enforcement and prosecutors in bringing those responsible to justice.

Overall, "Cradle to Grave" is a gripping and emotional episode of Law & Order that explores the complexities of crime and punishment in the American justice system.