Ep 2. Denial

In Law & Order season 8 episode 2, titled "Denial," the detectives of the NYPD's Major Case Squad investigate the murder of a teenage boy in Brooklyn. The victim, Jamal, was shot and killed outside his school, and there are no witnesses or suspects to be found.

As the detectives dig deeper into Jamal's life, they begin to uncover some troubling information. Jamal had recently converted to Islam and begun attending a mosque, which some members of his community believe may have made him a target for hate crimes. However, others speculate that Jamal may have been involved in drug dealing or other criminal activity that put him in danger.

At the same time, the investigation is complicated by the fact that ADA McCoy (played by Sam Waterston) is battling personal demons of his own. He is struggling to come to terms with the fact that his daughter has recently been diagnosed with a serious medical condition, and this emotional turmoil is affecting his ability to focus on the case.

Nevertheless, the detectives press on, following leads and interviewing potential suspects. They eventually discover a possible motive for the murder - Jamal may have witnessed a drug deal and been killed to prevent him from talking to the police.

As the case moves to trial, ADA McCoy finds himself facing off against a defense attorney who is intent on exploiting his emotional vulnerability in order to win the case. McCoy and his team must work tirelessly to build a solid case against the defendant and ensure that justice is served for Jamal.

Overall, "Denial" is a gripping episode of Law & Order that explores issues of race, religion, and justice in contemporary New York City. The case is complicated and suspenseful, and the characters are complex and relatable. Fans of the series will not be disappointed by this compelling installment.