Ep 16. Harm

Harm is the sixteenth episode in the ninth season of Law & Order, a police procedural and legal drama television series that premiered on NBC in 1990. The episode revolves around the murder of a Navy officer, which leads to the discovery of a larger conspiracy involving the sale of sensitive military technology.

The episode begins with the investigation into the death of Lieutenant Robert Cutler, who was found dead in his apartment. The initial evidence suggests that he was killed during a robbery gone wrong, but detectives Lennie Briscoe (Jerry Orbach) and Rey Curtis (Benjamin Bratt) are suspicious of the crime scene. Their suspicions are confirmed when they discover that Cutler was a member of a secretive Navy research facility that develops advanced military technology.

Briscoe and Curtis interview Cutler's colleagues at the research facility, including his supervisor Jack Orman (guest star Peter Boyle) and fellow researcher Dr. Edward Manning (guest star David Sutcliffe). They learn that the facility has been working on a top-secret project to develop a new propulsion system for submarines. The technology is so sensitive that it is only discussed in "windowless" rooms with no electronic devices.

Their investigation leads them to a shady businessman named David Bell (guest star Michael Beach) who was involved in brokering the sale of the technology to foreign countries. It becomes clear that Cutler discovered the illegal sale of the technology and was murdered to keep him quiet.

As the detectives build their case, they struggle to navigate the intricate web of military bureaucracy and national security concerns that surround the investigation. They find themselves in conflict with Assistant U.S. Attorney Tess Kaplan (guest star Annabella Sciorra), who is concerned about the potential impact of the investigation on national security.

Meanwhile, the case takes a personal toll on Curtis, who is struggling to balance his work and his family life. His wife is pregnant and due to give birth at any moment, but he cannot leave the case. He becomes increasingly irritable with his colleagues and even misses the birth of his child.

In the end, Briscoe and Curtis are able to secure a confession from one of the conspirators and bring the entire operation down. The episode ends with Curtis finally making it to the hospital to see his new daughter, but the toll of the case has already taken its toll on his relationship with his wife.

With its intricate plot, nuanced characters, and topical themes, Harm is a classic episode of Law & Order that showcases the show's unique blend of police procedural and legal drama. It also highlights the show's commitment to exploring complex social issues and its willingness to tackle controversial topics like national security and government corruption. Fans of the show and newcomers alike will find plenty to enjoy in this suspenseful and thought-provoking episode.