When Law & Order returned for Season 21 in 2022, the question loomed: could the series remain relevant in a shifting TV landscape? Network procedurals were declining, while audiences gravitated toward shorter, character-driven dramas on cable and streaming. Under showrunner Rick Eid, the revival managed to keep its iconic case-of-the-week and courtroom structure while weaving in deeper personal arcs. The result: a show that honors its legacy while feeling fresh and timely.

Season 24’s Emotional Cliffhanger

Season 24 ended with one of its most gripping moments. Samantha Maroun (Odelya Halevi) watched Carter Mills, her sister’s killer, walk free after the DA’s office failed to convict him for another crime. Soon after, Mills was gunned down on the street. Nolan Price (Hugh Dancy), already doubting Sam, confronted her, questioning if she had pulled the trigger.

Street Justice Picks Up the Story

The Season 25 premiere, “Street Justice,” picks up directly from the finale—a departure from the usual reset format. The murder of Carter Mills becomes the central case, focusing on whether Sam acted. Early evidence points to her, but the investigation ultimately reveals Carter’s ex-girlfriend as the true culprit. While Sam is cleared, the episode emphasizes her emotional struggle and the tension it creates with Nolan.

Sam and Nolan’s Relationship Tested

One pivotal moment occurs when Sam admits she intended to kill Carter but stopped herself, throwing her gun into the river. Halevi conveys the conflict and heartbreak brilliantly, while Dancy captures Nolan’s inner turmoil. The revelation from Carter’s ex-girlfriend Julia—that she had planned to kill him—further complicates matters. Sam chooses honesty, telling Nolan everything, but advocates for a plea deal, arguing that justice isn’t only about winning.

A Partnership Strengthened

Nolan’s response marks a shift from earlier seasons. Instead of dismissing Sam, he listens and agrees with her reasoning. Their mutual respect and trust deepen, preserving both their professional partnership and personal connection. Halevi and Dancy’s chemistry grounds their performances, making their debates believable and emotionally resonant.

Why the New Era Works

By leaning into vulnerability and character-driven storytelling, Law & Order proves it can evolve without losing its procedural roots. Sam and Nolan’s dynamic exemplifies this evolution, showing that even decades in, the series can deliver high-stakes, emotionally charged moments that resonate with audiences.