Ep 14. Performance

Detective Lennie Briscoe and his partner, Detective Rey Curtis, are called to investigate a murder in the meatpacking district of New York City. The victim, a Broadway singer named Lena, was found strangled in her apartment.

Briscoe and Curtis interview Lena's boyfriend, Greg, who is also a Broadway performer. He claims that he had been out of town on the night of the murder, but they later discover that he had returned earlier than he had initially admitted. Greg becomes a prime suspect and is arrested.

The investigation takes a turn when the detectives learn that Lena had recently been in a dispute with her producer, Evan, over the direction of their show. Evan had wanted Lena to perform in a sexually suggestive manner, while she had refused, citing artistic integrity. Lena had also told her mother that Evan was making inappropriate advances towards her.

The detectives speak with Evan, who denies any involvement in Lena's murder. However, they learn that he had been embezzling money from the production company and had made a deal with the show's investors to keep it a secret. Lena had been threatening to go public with the information, which would have ruined Evan's career.

As the investigation continues, the detectives delve deeper into the world of Broadway theatre and the pressures and demands that come with it. They speak with other members of the production, including the director and choreographer, and discover that there were tensions and rivalries between them.

Ultimately, the detectives piece together the evidence and identify the killer, culminating in a dramatic courtroom scene.

Throughout the episode, the detectives are also dealing with personal issues. Briscoe is struggling with the anniversary of his daughter's death and Curtis is considering leaving the police force to pursue a career as a lawyer.

"Performance" is a tense and compelling episode that delves into the high-pressure world of Broadway theatre and the lengths people will go to protect their careers and reputations.