From their first introduction, L&O was always fairly coy about the relationship between McCoy and Kincaid, and to me it only became explicit several episodes after this one, at the end of season 6, in that great episode "Aftershock" where Kincaid is killed by a drunk driver.
However, in the last few seconds at the very end of this episode we get a big clue, which only in hindsight did I recognize and appreciate.
In discussing paranoia, the subject (and title) of this episode, DA Adam Schiff says to Jack McCoy and Claire Kincaid: "A little paranoia could be the answer to a long life." And then: "How much does anyone really know about the person sharing his bedroom?"
And at this last statement, McCoy's eyes get wide as he immediately looks over toward Kincaid as they leave Schiff's office. It's only a second or two, and easy to miss, but oh so telling if you detect it.
And there we have it. Only in hindsight do we know that McCoy and Kincaid are living together, and then the significance of McCoy's reaction to Schiff's statement becomes clear..
Only after having watched every episode in this series more than once have I finally appreciated how often L&O dropped little breadcrumbs like this about the personal lives of the characters. And since L&O took pains in trying to keep the "law and order" prominent and the private lives way in the background, each of these little crumbs is that much more precious. This one is a good one.
Anyway, it's a good episode. Sandy Duncan really shines as the defense attorney.
Recommended!
However, in the last few seconds at the very end of this episode we get a big clue, which only in hindsight did I recognize and appreciate.
In discussing paranoia, the subject (and title) of this episode, DA Adam Schiff says to Jack McCoy and Claire Kincaid: "A little paranoia could be the answer to a long life." And then: "How much does anyone really know about the person sharing his bedroom?"
And at this last statement, McCoy's eyes get wide as he immediately looks over toward Kincaid as they leave Schiff's office. It's only a second or two, and easy to miss, but oh so telling if you detect it.
And there we have it. Only in hindsight do we know that McCoy and Kincaid are living together, and then the significance of McCoy's reaction to Schiff's statement becomes clear..
Only after having watched every episode in this series more than once have I finally appreciated how often L&O dropped little breadcrumbs like this about the personal lives of the characters. And since L&O took pains in trying to keep the "law and order" prominent and the private lives way in the background, each of these little crumbs is that much more precious. This one is a good one.
Anyway, it's a good episode. Sandy Duncan really shines as the defense attorney.
Recommended!
