'Law and Order' was always very good when it had stories inspired by ripped from the headlines cases. It was also very good often when it came to raising interesting questions and moral dilemmas of subjects not easy to discuss and cause much debate. "Trust" is a case of both, talking about the consequences of gun control and based on the case of Rod Matthews, a harrowing case in itself and still would have been relatively raw for some at the time the episode was aired.
"Trust" was to me a great episode actually and one of the better ones of Season 2's second half in my view. Its story is just as disturbing as the case it's based upon and the questions it raises about the subject it covers are interesting and handled tactfully and without bias. And rightfully so, considering the timing for reasons mentioned already and because it is something that many will feel strongly about. Would not have been as lenient perhaps if it was not so tactful, while acknowledging that this is not an easy subject to talk about.
Sure, things like everything to do with how the gun came into possession when that could easily have been avoided can be called into question. It is not as questionable though when remembering what the case is about and how Jamie came to be the way he became.
Issues to me here in "Trust" are next to none, though some may disagree. It didn't grab me completely straightaway but that did turn around quite dramatically once the legalities and moral dilemmas came in and the revelations kept mounting.
On the other hand, "Trust" is shot and lit with the right amount of grit and slickness, the editing noticeably tighter than it was in the first season and that is true for the whole of Season 2 and not just "Trust". The direction has momentum but has breathing space when necessary, so the case mostly doesn't feel dull yet we have time to take in what is being said which is a lot. The music is not overused or too melodramatic.
Regarding the writing, "Trust" is tautly and sensitively written, making one think hard about the issues being raised. Stone's answer to being asked as to whether he would testify against his own child really does resonate and gives chills. The story is not an easy watch, not a problem as it is not an easy subject (if it was an easy watch it would have meant the real impact of the issues raised would not have been there), and it is presented powerfully and hard-hittingly. Jamie is one truly disturbed character and one can't help feeling a lot of anger towards Ian, with him playing a major part in why the events came to be.
All the acting is very good, Michael Moriarty being the standout of the regulars and Harley Cross, in a truly harrowing performance not easily forgotten, giving the performance of the episode.
Summarising, great. 9/10
