Ep 19. Slave
- April 21, 1996
- 47 min
-
7.9 (329)
The show Law & Order is a well-known procedural drama that follows the detectives and prosecutors of the NYPD as they investigate and prosecute crimes in New York City. Season 6 episode 19, titled "Slave," is a gripping installment in the series that addresses a number of socially relevant issues.
The episode begins with a woman named Shirley trying to escape from her abusive husband, Larry. After he catches her, she manages to get away and calls the police. Later, when the detectives arrive at the scene, they find that Larry has been killed. The investigation soon leads the detectives to a sweatshop run by a man named Minh Van Vo. Inside the sweatshop, they discover that several workers are being held there against their will and forced to work long hours for little pay.
Detectives Lennie Briscoe and Rey Curtis interview the workers and learn that they are illegal immigrants who were promised jobs and a better life in America. Instead, they were brought to New York City and forced to work for Minh Van Vo under dangerous and illegal conditions. When they try to leave or complain, they are threatened with violence or deportation.
As the investigation continues, the detectives discover that one of the workers, a young woman named Sita, was forced to become Minh Van Vo's sex slave. She explains that she was brought to the United States to become a teacher, but instead was forced to work in the sweatshop. When she tried to leave, she was kidnapped and repeatedly raped by Minh Van Vo.
The case takes a new turn when the detectives discover that Sita's rapist was not Minh Van Vo, but his son Lam. Lam was angry that his father had given Sita to a client as a sex slave and decided to take her for himself. He then killed his father in a fit of rage.
Meanwhile, Assistant District Attorney Jack McCoy and his team are trying to build a case against Minh Van Vo and his accomplices for the various crimes they committed. However, they quickly run into roadblocks as the witnesses are afraid to come forward due to their immigration status and the threats they have received.
In order to build a solid case, Jack McCoy proposes offering immunity to the workers in exchange for their testimony. However, this turns out to be a difficult and complex process that involves negotiating with immigration officials and convincing the workers to come forward.
Throughout the episode, there are several twists and turns as the detectives and prosecutors work to solve the case. The story addresses themes such as forced labor, immigration, sexual assault, and abuse of power. The writing and acting are excellent, and the tension builds throughout the episode leading up to a satisfying and unexpected conclusion.
Overall, Law & Order season 6 episode 19 "Slave" is a powerful and thought-provoking episode that explores important issues with honesty and sensitivity. It is a great example of the show's ability to tackle complex subjects in an engaging and impactful way, and is sure to stay with viewers long after the credits roll.