Critics and viewers noted that the chemistry between Donovan and Brooks provided some of the season's best performances, even when the scripts were "bland and one-note".
Despite the strong acting, the investigation phase frequently lacked suspense. For instance, in the penultimate episode "Appraisal," a major shooting involving a detective was criticized for having almost zero tension or lasting impact. The Order: Legal Growing Pains Law & Order - Season 22
The season’s strongest asset was the introduction of (Mehcad Brooks). Shaw brought a needed calm and complexity that played well against Frank Cosgrove’s (Jeffrey Donovan) more abrasive, old-school style. Critics and viewers noted that the chemistry between
The courtroom side remained the more divisive half of the show. in the penultimate episode "Appraisal