Look at the bigger picture... then look at the smaller one. Probably one of the best episodes of Law and Order ever as far as history goes. Most people in the USA don't understand the IRA history and connection to terrorism (watching the Crown season 4 ep 1 may help). The episode was humorous and from the start a jurisdictional nightmare. It did get dark. It got real. I am very happy they tackled such a case on Law and Order. Politics is messy. So is terrorism. You can't watch it and not choose a side. You will question every step of the way why every one in the system has a finger in the pie. Brilliant!