The fourth version in Dick Wolf’s powerhouse Law & Order series of law enforcement and criminal justice television stories just aired its premiere episode on the NBC network. Law & Order: Trial By Jury follows the preparation and execution of a trial from the perspective of the prosecution, defense, judge and jury.

Right at the start, the familiar but remixed Mike Post theme music and main title sequence hint that this version of the show is going to be high-energy and fast-paced. While keeping many of the successful elements of the previous three shows, Trial By Jury intelligently modifies them to show the viewer the many different aspects of a jury trial without simultaneously confusing them.

The cast includes Bebe Neuwirth (Lilith from Cheers), Amy Carlson (Third Watch), Kirk Acevedo (Band of Brothers and Oz), Fred Dalton Thompson (reprising his series role as District Attorney Branch) and Broadway veteran and Law & Order alum Jerry Orbach in his final performance before his unfortunate death at the hand of prostate cancer in December 2004. Already it seems that the franchises’ ability to use talented actors in guest starring roles will continue on during this series. Tonight’s episode featured Candice Bergen, Tony Bill and the original series’ Sam Waterston.

I enjoyed the use of a more continuous musical score throughout the episode, something that is done far less in the other shows. The camera movements, cuts and general placement were also polished, but still retain the feel of the series.

I will be sure to catch the second episode, premiering tomorrow at ten (the normal timeslot for this show), to see if these observations are isolated or not and more importantly to watch Detective Lennie Briscoe in his last screen appearance.

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