LAW & ORDER
JUST A GIRL IN THE WORLD
10-02-2009 8:00PM
10-03-2009 8:00PM


A CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATOR IS FOUND DEAD WITH HER UNFAITHFUL FIANCE AS THE PRIME SUSPECT. HOWEVER, WHEN A YOUNG JOURNALIST IS ATTACKED AND LINKED TO THE CRIME, THIS OPEN-AND-SHUT CASE MAY NOT BE AS SIMPLE AS IT ORIGINALLY SEEMED.
After CSU investigator, Daisy Chao, is found murdered in her apartment, Detectives Cyrus Lupo (Jeremy Sisto) and Kevin Bernard (Anthony Anderson) suspect her fiancé Jim Anderson may not be telling the whole truth about his involvement with the murder. When young journalist, Emma Kim (Guest Star Camille Chen), is attacked by a cab driver, DNA found at both crime scenes seems to implicate the same man for the attacks. The investigators become personally involved with the case as Detective Lupo gets close with Emma, and ethical questions arise. Also starring: S. Epatha Merkerson (Lieutenant Anita Van Buren), Sam Waterston (District Attorney Jack McCoy), Alana De La Garza (Connie Rubirosa), and Linus Roache (Michael Cutter).

Show Cast: S. Epatha Merkerson, Sam Waterston, Alana De La Garza, Jeremy Sisto, Linus Roache, Anthony Anderson

I just watched a TiVoed L&O from Friday, October 2. The episode was "Just A Girl in the World" and it was my favorite L&O episode in recent memory, and by that I mean years!

The acting was superb. I finally felt we garnered a glimpse into Lupo's current personal life and also Bernard's. Bernard's passion about his job was very evident from this episode. Also, I like the easy banter and understanding that seem to flow between Lupo and Bernard.

Guest star Camille Chen was sooo believable in her role! I actually found myself feeling sorry for Lupo when he reached the heartbreaking truth about (t)his "victim".

I think Bernard and Lupo are my favorite L&O partners since Green and Briscoe. I've always liked Anthony Anderson's versatility, which is truly rare when considering his tremendous comedic ability.

Thanks for 20 years of this always-interesting, evolving show!

I'm a bit surprised not to see more comments on this one, as I thought it was one of the more interesting eps I have seen in a while, for a number of reasons. I felt like I learned more about Van Buren, Lupo and even Bernard than I had in all eps they have been in up to this point. I cant remember knowing anything about Van Buren's personal life from earlier on, except that she was married and had two sons. I thought her opening scene with the doctor was really impressive--I hope they dont just drop it as a story line. And I REALLY hope it doesn't mean that she is looking to exit the show. I guess Lupo and Jenny are officially kaput, which I suppose explains why he was foolish enough to let himself be manipulated as he was. And I was glad to hear that Bernard has people depending on him (or however he phrased it. Wonder who he means? Wife, girlfriend?) AND that he really likes his job. I found it interesting that despite the good rapport that he and Lupo have, he wasnt going to let Lupo endanger their case and his career.

I thought the girl did a fine job of coming off as a victim--although her breakdown on the stand made it seem like she is completely delusional, not just a master manipulator. But Mike did a great job of finding a way to convince her that he was on her side--and get her to go off. And I'm guessing her attorney was too stunned to object to anything.....

My favorite scene in the episode was Connie's head whipping turn to glare at Lupo when the girl admitted to grabbing his hand in the line up. No wonder he sprinted out of the courtroom......

Hope that others will post their comments on this episode--I'd love to hear what others thought.

Linda200

[quote name='LInda200' date='Oct 5 2009, 10:44 PM' post='4111829']
I'm a bit surprised not to see more comments on this one, as I thought it was one of the more interesting eps I have seen in a while, for a number of reasons.



I couldn't agree more Linda so I signed in so I could add my two cents. It sure was the best ep by far. In season 18, I noticed episodes that involved personal info from the key players but it seemed that some of that got dropped last season.

I am VERY glad it is back with a vengence so far this season.

We have seen the same actors now for 3 seasons and have come to 'know' them in their roles however by adding personal info it brings an edge, making our attachment even deeper to the people we keep tuning into weekly.

I don't want to reiterate your points , Linda...becasue you sure did a wonderful job of picking out all the highlights. From start to finish it was an impressive episode.

And yeah, I guess Jennie & Lupo are done...and you're right, I hope that Epatha isn't going to leave the show. She is an impressive ball buster, is she not? When she asked for Anthony Anderson to leave Lupo with her in the office , shutting the shades , I felt sorry for the guy!!! Glad it wasn't me, you know?

Take care,
Robin

I am not ordinarily a TV watcher (except for "Two and a Half Men.) I tuned in to "Law and Order for the first time on October 2. I was impressed with the writing, which was 'way above average, the direction, which was subdued and introspective, and with the acting, in particular the acting of Camille Chen as Emma Kim. Without creating a spoiler, I thought her in-depth, multi-faceted portrayal of a so-called "victim" was without flaw. I have known people like this, and it was amazing how she was able to charm her way in and out of various obstacles.

Also worhty of note was the relationship between Detective Lupo (Jeremy Sisto) and Emma. Their scenes together were touching, tender, and very true-to-live.

WORD on your entire post, NBCFanne. I also adored "Just A Girl" and was delighted to see a more personal side of Lupo, who may become my new love since Goren will be leaving LOCI. I also love the Lupo/Bernard partnership - as well as the Rubisrosa/Cutter team. Great cast run by a great showrunner, Rene Balcer.

I remember you, ADAMaloney. Is it from the LOCI board, or perhaps from another site? TWoP?

JUST A GIRL IN THE WORLD (TV-14)
11/07/2009 09:00 PM

A CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATOR IS FOUND DEAD WITH HER UNFAITHFUL FIANCE AS THE PRIME SUSPECT. HOWEVER, WHEN A YOUNG JOURNALIST IS ATTACKED AND LINKED TO THE CRIME, THIS OPEN-AND-SHUT CASE MAY NOT BE AS SIMPLE AS IT ORIGINALLY SEEMED.After CSU investigator, Daisy Chao, is found murdered in her apartment, Detectives Cyrus Lupo (Jeremy Sisto) and Kevin Bernard (Anthony Anderson) suspect her fiancé Jim Anderson may not be telling the whole truth about his involvement with the murder. When young journalist, Emma Kim (Guest Star Camille Chen), is attacked by a cab driver, DNA found at both crime scenes seems to implicate the same man for the attacks. The investigators become personally involved with the case as Detective Lupo gets close with Emma, and ethical questions arise. Also starring: S. Epatha Merkerson (Lieutenant Anita Van Buren), Sam Waterston (District Attorney Jack McCoy), Alana De La Garza (Connie Rubirosa), and Linus Roache (Michael Cutter).