This season of Law & Order, showrunner Rick Eid and his team of writers have focused on developing the characters more deeply. The show allows the audience to see them beyond their roles in the courtroom. This has been especially clear with ADA Samantha Maroun, played by Odelya Halevi.
In Season 21, when Maroun is first introduced, viewers learn that her sister was killed by an abusive partner in 2013. The police knew who was responsible but could not press charges. This tragedy has influenced many of the cases Maroun has worked on.
She approaches legal matters differently than her colleagues, DA Nicholas Baxter (Tony Goldwyn) and ADA Nolan Price (Hugh Dancy). While they often focus on legal procedures, Maroun brings a personal and emotional perspective to her work.
Her emotions nearly take over in the first episode of Season 24 when a case closely resembles her sister’s murder. No one is held responsible for a terrible crime, and the case is dismissed due to a lack of evidence. Price, who understands Maroun’s background, explains her reaction to the new DA Baxter. He supports her to ensure that she does not lose her job.
In the episode “Duty to Protect”, Maroun faces another case that feels personal. She uses her past experiences to analyze the case differently and push for justice.
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A Murder Case Becomes Personal for Samantha Maroun
Season 24, Episode 12, “Duty to Protect”, focuses on the murder of a young model named Kaitlyn (Siobhan McGroarty). Her body is found in a park, and Detectives Shaw (Mehcad Brooks) and Riley (Reid Scott) take the case. Their investigation leads them to Kaitlyn’s stepfather, Ron Lawson (J. Anthony Crane), as the main suspect.
Ron claims he was at a movie premiere with his wife, Michelle (Abigail Spencer). However, his alibi falls apart, and he is charged with Kaitlyn’s murder. Despite the evidence, Michelle stands by him. She even signs an affidavit saying that Ron was with her all night and posts bail to free him from jail.
The case takes a major turn when Maroun examines Kaitlyn’s computer. She finds a video that was supposed to go live on social media the day Kaitlyn was killed. The video proves that Ron abused Kaitlyn for years. He killed her to prevent the truth from coming out.
The courtroom watches the video, including Kaitlyn’s mother, Michelle. The truth is now clear—Ron did not want the abuse exposed. Michelle also knew about the abuse but says she “wasn’t able to help.” As the court takes a recess, it seems like the case is almost over. However, with half the episode remaining, something unexpected happens.
A Shocking Courtroom Moment Changes Everything
During one of the most intense scenes of the season, Ron suddenly grabs a gun from a police officer’s holster. Before anyone can stop him, he shoots himself in the courtroom. The shocking moment leaves everyone in disbelief.
After the incident, Maroun, Price, and Baxter try to process what they just saw. They discuss their next steps. Price suggests that since they can no longer prosecute Ron, they should go after Michelle. He believes she should be held responsible for allowing the abuse to continue.
At first, Maroun agrees. She wants someone to be held accountable for what happened to Kaitlyn. However, as she learns more about Michelle’s situation, she realizes the case is more complicated than it seemed.
Odelya Halevi Delivers a Powerful Performance
In a dramatic scene with Lieutenant Jessica Brady (Maura Tierney), new information comes to light. Michelle had told Ron about Kaitlyn’s video, leading to her arrest. Because of this, the charge against Michelle is raised from child endangerment to manslaughter.
Maroun then meets Defense Attorney Virginia Hogan (Eisa Davis), who is representing Michelle. Maroun believes Michelle failed to protect her daughter. However, Virginia explains that Michelle was also a victim of Ron’s abuse. This changes Maroun’s perspective on the case.
As more details emerge, it becomes clear that Michelle was deeply affected by years of abuse. She learned to shut down emotionally as a way to survive. Because of this, she was unable to protect Kaitlyn. Maroun begins to question whether prosecuting Michelle is the right thing to do. She believes it would be unfair to ignore Michelle’s past suffering.
Halevi’s performance brings out Maroun’s internal conflict. She is visibly upset as she watches Price’s tough cross-examination of Michelle. Even though Maroun does not speak during the trial, her expressions convey her struggle. Her emotions are strong and clear, making this one of her most memorable performances.
Samantha Maroun Challenges Nolan Price in a Heated Moment
Later, Maroun confronts Price about his approach to the case. She tells him that she understands domestic violence more than he does. She explains that she has counseled victims, studied trauma psychology, and lost her sister to abuse.
Her frustration is clear when she tells him, “If you don’t respect my opinion on this issue, then I don’t know what the hell I’m doing in this office.” Her passionate words make an impact on Price.
Price takes her concerns seriously and brings the issue to Baxter. He argues that Maroun’s knowledge of domestic violence should be valued. This moment strengthens their professional relationship and shows Price’s growth as a character.
A Justice-Driven Ending for Samantha Maroun
In the end, Michelle is offered a plea deal and receives a reduced sentence. Maroun expresses gratitude to Price for listening to her concerns.
This episode highlights the show’s commitment to developing its characters. Maroun’s personal connection to the case adds emotional depth. Her struggles and strong sense of justice make the story more engaging.
Additionally, her dynamic with Price grows stronger, making this one of the most impactful episodes of the season. Law & Order continues to balance crime stories with character-driven storytelling, keeping fans invested in the journey of its main characters.
Law & Order Season 24 airs on Thursdays on NBC and is available for streaming the next day on Peacock.
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