Ep 18. Animal Instinct

The Law & Order season 3 episode 18 titled "Animal Instinct" starts with a man named Greg Sherman found dead in an alley covered in blood. He was beaten to death, and his face is unrecognizable. The investigation begins with the assumption that it was a mugging gone wrong, but soon it becomes clear that there is more to the case than meets the eye.

Detectives Briscoe and Logan investigate the case and find out that Greg was a veterinarian who worked for the Central Park Zoo, reputed to be a kind and gentle soul, well-liked by his colleagues and patients. To their surprise, they discover that Greg's colleagues aren't as cordial to each other as they first seemed.

Moreover, the investigation takes a twisted turn when they discover that the zoo animals Greg took care of were mistreated. In fact, they were found weak and with visible signs of abuse. They find that the zookeepers who were supposed to take care of the animals were the ones who were guilty of animal mistreatment. Furthermore, they discover that one of the zookeepers had a personal vendetta against Greg. He blamed Greg for his pet dog's death, even though Greg had saved the dog's life multiple times before.

As the investigation burns on, the discovery of a mysterious package found in Greg's possession opens up a whole new avenue of inquiry. The package turns out to be a video recording of an underground cockfighting ring, in which several of Greg's coworkers were involved. The investigation uncovers a web of deceit and corruption - from the cockfighting ring to the mistreatment of the zoo animals, all hidden underneath a veneer of phony respectability.

Briscoe and Logan unravel this twisted case and join up the clues to eventually prosecute the cruel and twisted individuals that mistreated the animals, leading to Greg's murder. The episode ends with the culprits being brought to justice and the legal system triumphing once again.

Law & Order's Season 3 Episode 18, "Animal Instinct," weaves together a complex story of animal cruelty and human malice. The show uses a mix of storytelling techniques, such as circumstantial evidence and unexpected plot twists, to keep the viewers on the edge of their seat. It explores the complexities of human nature, and the extent of the damage it can cause. Featuring brilliant performances by the cast and engaging dialogue, the episode delivers a hard-hitting message to the viewers about the evils of animal abuse and the importance of being humane.