Ep 17. Showtime (3)

In Law & Order season 7 episode 17, titled "Showtime (3)", viewers are taken on a thrilling ride as the detectives of the 27th precinct investigate the brutal murder of a young woman named Alicia Harding. Alicia was a successful stage actress in New York City and had just landed the lead role in a prestigious Broadway production. However, her life is cut tragically short when she is found dead backstage at the theater.

Initially, the detectives suspect that Alicia's boyfriend, also a theater actor, may be responsible for her death. However, as they delve deeper into the case, they discover that there are numerous suspects, all with various motives. Alicia had made many enemies in the industry, from jealous co-stars to bitter directors and producers who felt that she was taking too many lead roles. The detectives have their hands full as they try to piece together the puzzle of who killed Alicia and why.

Meanwhile, the trial of the previous suspect, who was charged with attempted murder in episode 16, continues. The detectives use this trial to their advantage, hoping to uncover new evidence that could help them solve Alicia's murder. However, this proves to be a difficult task as they have to navigate through a legal system that is often more focused on winning the case than uncovering the truth.

The tension builds throughout the episode as the detectives race against time to gather enough evidence to make an arrest. Suspects are interviewed, alibis are checked, and evidence is analyzed in the crime lab. The detectives also have to deal with the media frenzy surrounding the case, as the murder of a young and beautiful actress is bound to make headlines. Pressure mounts from all sides as the detectives try to balance the demands of the case with their personal lives, including the growing tension between the district attorney and her assistant, Jack McCoy.

As the episode draws to a close, viewers are left guessing until the very end. The detectives are able to piece together the clues and uncover the identity of Alicia's killer, but not without a few surprises along the way. The final scene is a dramatic courtroom sequence, where the killer is brought to justice and the truth is revealed in a shocking twist.

Overall, Law & Order season 7 episode 17 is a tense and engaging episode that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. It shows the complex and often frustrating work done by detectives and prosecutors as they try to solve a murder case in a challenging and competitive environment. This episode is a must-watch for fans of crime dramas and anyone interested in the criminal justice system.