Law & Order: Philadelphia

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"In the city of Philadelphia, the people are represented by two separate yet equally important groups: the police who investigate crime and the District Attorneys who prosecute the offenders. These are their stories." - The opening narration by Steve Zirnkilton.

LAW & ORDER: PHILADELPHIA is a police procedural and legal drama series spun off from the long-running NBC series 'Law & Order'. Created and produced by Dick Wolf, it premiered on NBC on September 24, 2014, immediately following the season premiere of 'Law & Order: Special Victims Unit'. Set in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the series follows a two part approach. When a crime is committed, the victims are represented by two separate yet equally important groups: the Philadelphia Police Department, who investigates the crime, and the District Attorney's Office, who conduct the people's case against the offenders in the trial. In every episode, the first half hour focuses on the investigation by the detectives and the second half the of episode focuses on the prosecution of the offenders by the assistant district attorneys.

In the style of the original Law & Order, episodes are often "ripped from the headlines" or loosely based on a real crime that received media attention.

Investigating the crimes are a team of elite detectives who all report to their ranking captain. It is their job to investigate the crime, collect evidence, interview witnesses and then, when the evidence points to a suspect or suspects, place the suspect(s) under arrest. The matter is then taken over by the prosecutors of the Philadelphia District Attorney's office. They discuss deals, prepare the witnesses and evidence and conduct the people's case in the trial.

Both teams work with the Medical Examiners Office, Crime Lab and psychiatrists from both the police department and DA's office.

Law

 * Vincent D'Onofrio as Jr. Detective Robert Goren (Season 1-present)
 * Kathryn Erbe as Sr. Detective Alexandra Eames (Season 1-present)
 * Michael Imperioli as Captain Nick Falco (Season 1-present)
 * Jason Harris as Sergeant Richard Brennan (Season 1-present)
 * Danny Masterson as Lieutenant Matthew McArthur (Season 1-present)
 * Josh Server as Sergeant Raymond King (Season 1-present)
 * Vincent Martella as Detective Derrick Bradshaw (Season 3 - Present (main); Season 2 (recurring))
 * Alfred Molina as Detective Ricardo Morales (Season 1-2; Season 4-present)

Order

 * James Waterston as Executive Assistant DA Daniel McCoy (Season 1-present)
 * Alex Christian Jones as DA Investigator Michael Gordon (Season 1-present)
 * Bobby Lockwood as DA Investigator Jamey Dorn (Season 1-present)
 * Christopher Meloni as DA Investigator Elliot Stabler (Season 2-present)
 * Benjamin Salisbury as District Attorney Daniel West (Season 1-present)
 * Alyson Stoner as Deputy District Attorney Christina Ryan (Season 3-present (main); Season 2 (recurring))
 * Regina Hall as Dr. Evelyn Price (Season 1-present)

Recurring

 * Megan Boone as Dr. Lauren Stanton (Season 1-present)
 * Frankie Muniz as M.E. Douglas Breen (Season 1-present)
 * Jodie Sweetin as Forensic Specialist Jessica Stoll (Season 1-present)
 * Anthony Anderson as Tech Analyst Kevin Bernard (Season 1-present)
 * Linus Roache as Officer Michael Cutter (Season 1-present)
 * Chuck Norris as Officer Walker Orr (Season 1-present)
 * Justin Willman as Officer Chester Green (Season 1-present)
 * Hugh Laurie as Commissioner Patrick Cooney (Season 1-present)
 * Jack Griffo as Ritchie Brennan (Season 1-present)
 * Kira Kosarin as Danica Maclin (Season 1-present)
 * Isabel Gillies as Kathy Stabler (Season 2-present)
 * David Harbour as Alan Ryan (Season 2-present)
 * Addison Timlin as Haley Ryan (Season 2-present)

Former Cast

 * Terrence Howard as Assistant DA Jonah 'Joe' Dekker (Season 1-2)
 * Andrew Bowen as Mayor Roy Aylesworth (Season 1-3)
 * Eric Szmanda as Sergeant Bernard Howe (Season 1-4)
 * Madeline Zima as Stella Hayworth (Season 3)

Season 1 (2014-2015)

 * Will consist of 24 episodes
 * Premiered Wednesday, September 24 @ 10/9 Central on NBC immediately following the season premiere of 'Law & Order: Special Victims Unit'

1. Welcome to Philadelphia (Part 1) [Airdate: 9/24/14]

As new recruits graduate from the police academy, Goren and Eames investigate the latest in a string of serial killings throughout the state. When it's revealed that the killer is more dangerous than anyone expected, help arrives in the form of newly promoted Sergeant Richard Brennan (Jason Harris), who subdues the suspect, his old college English professor, Dr. Leonard Freeman (NBC News anchor Brian Williams). Freeman tells them as he is jailed that he his not the true killer as the episode ends.

NOTE: Inspired by the Zebra murders

2. Welcome to Philadelphia (Part 2) [Airdate: 10/1/14]

Freeman is jailed for the murders of 20 people across Pennsylvania in the span of 17 years. However, he tells police that he is not the true killer. Goren, Eames and Brennan reexamine his case and a new suspect comes up, a jihadist cell leader. It is here they meet rookie Officer Chester Green (Justin Willman) and find out his father and Brennan's uncle were killed at the same time by the same man. Goren, Eames, Brennan and Green team up to find and capture this new foe.

NOTE: First appearance of Officer Chester Green (Justin Willman)

3. Barely Legal [Airdate: 10/8/14]

Goren, Eames and Brennan investigate when a 21-year-old woman is raped and beaten in her dorm while celebrating her birthday. Goren and Eames find out that someone was trying to ruin the victim's life as an act of revenge. Meanwhile, Brennan's old college roommate, Jessica Aldon, is released from prison after serving seven years for a rape she did not commit. Aldon is actually the mother of Brennan's 14-year-old son, Ritchie (Jack Griffo). Goren and Eames find out about this, tell Brennan about this discovery, and start to worry about Ritchie as he is arrested for beating up a police officer.

NOTE: First appearance of Ritchie Brennan (Jack Griffo)

4. Rev It Up [Airdate: 10/15/14]

Goren and Eames investigate a rash of deadly hit-and-runs throughout the city. These cases hit close to Brennan's heart as he lost his best friend in a hit-and-run six years ago. More is learned about Brennan and his motivation to become an officer.

NOTE: Inspired by two different rashes of hit-and-runs in California's Sonoma and Orange Counties in July and December 2012

5. Fake-Out [Airdate: 10/22/14]

Goren and Eames look into Ritchie's recent arrest and discover he was framed by his ex-girlfriend (Kira Kosarin). When an assault case comes up at Penn State University, Brennan relieves Goren and Eames from his son's case to allow them to work the new case. Through Brennan's tireless work, Ritchie is exonerated while back at Penn State, a former football coach is charged with first-degree assault.

NOTE: Inspired by the Jerry Sandusky scandals

6. City of Brotherly Nightmares [Airdate: 10/29/14]

A Flyers game turns into a nightmare for the 20,000+ fans at Wells Fargo Center as six fans are beaten to death during the game, leading Goren and Eames to investigate the scene. Meanwhile, Brennan investigates the brutal beating of a former Philadelphia police officer at a Phillies game.

NOTE: Inspired by the 2012 NHL Winter Classic beatings

7. After Midnight [Airdate: 11/12/14]

Goren and Eames are sent in to investigate a hazing ritual gone wrong at Penn State University that left four students dead. This hits Detective Morales (Alfred Molina) hard as his eldest son goes to Penn State.

NOTE #1: First appearance of Detective Morales (Alfred Molina)

NOTE #2: Inspired by the Boland Hall fire at Seton Hall University

8. Raising the Bar [Airdate: 11/19/14]

A series of deadly bar brawls leads Goren and Eames to investigate the cause and find the source of these beatings. Meanwhile, Brennan teams up with rookie officer Michael Cutter (Linus Roache) and Officer Walker Orr (Chuck Norris) to investigate a dangerous drug cartel.

NOTE: First appearances of Michael Cutter (Linus Roache) and Walker Orr (Chuck Norris)

9. Manic Monday [Airdate: 11/26/14]

A nurse at CHOP (Children's Hospital of Philadelphia) is shot to death and it is up to Goren and Eames to find out why. When the shooter strikes down two more nurses, help comes in the form of rookie officer Chester Green.

NOTE: Inspired by the Richard Speck case

10. Black Friday [Airdate: 12/3/14]

Goren and Eames look into the murder of a mall employee who was presumed to be trampled to death on Black Friday. But was there more to his death than meets the eye?

NOTE: Inspired by the 2008 Walmart Black Friday killing

11. Snow Time to Lose [Airdate: 12/17/14]

A four-year-old child is kidnapped just before a major snowstorm hits the Philadelphia area, putting Goren and Eames in a race against time to stop the kidnapper and return the child to his parents before Father Winter hits.

12. A Christmas King's Ransomware [Airdate: 12/24/14]

Goren and Eames investigate a rash of ransomware attacks throughout the state and the world. To help the cause, Tech Analyst Kevin Bernard (Anthony Anderson) and Forensic Specialist (also an expert hacker) Jessica Stoll (Jodie Sweetin) are called in.

NOTE: Inspired by the CryptoLocker ransomware attack

13. Cry Wolf [Airdate: 1/7/15]

During a class at Penn University, a respected professor winds up dead, leaving it up to Goren and Eames to find the killer. Meanwhile, the case takes a shocking turn when two of his colleagues are suspected of the murder.

'''14. He Shoots, He Scores...He's Dead! '''[Airdate: 1/14/15]

A Flyers game turns into a nightmare when the head coach is killed off. As Goren and Eames investigate the murder with the help of Flyers captain Claude Giroux (guest starring as himself), Brennan continues work on his son's case.

15. Read All About It [Airdate: 2/4/15]

The PPD is put under intense pressure to solve the brutal murder of a private high school student. Their investigation leads them to two of the victim's classmates, ostracized intellectuals with a stunning obsession with murder and crime.

NOTE: Inspired by the murder of Cassie Jo Stoddart, and the case of Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb

16. Tunnel of Love [Airdate: 2/11/15]

17. Life's a Zoo [Airdate: 2/25/15]

A zoologist is murdered while tending to the animals at the Philadelphia Zoo, leading Goren and Eames to suspect foul play. However, Brennan thinks otherwise when camera footage shows Ritchie and his girlfriend (Kira Kosarin) sneaking in after hours.

18. All Work and No Play Leads to Murder One [Airdate: 3/11/15]

19. Slam Dunk [Airdate: 3/25/15]

After McCoy closes a slam-dunk case involving one of the hit-and-runs investigated in "Rev It Up", he is shocked when new evidence reveals the victim was actually murdered by a serial killer who evaded detection for years by killing his victims in different ways. McCoy must now struggle to exonerate both the man he prosecuted and another man framed by the serial killer, which proves to be difficult due to the ambiguity of the exculpatory evidence and the fact that they still had good motives for their respective crimes.

NOTE: Inspired by the Eric Edgar Cooke case, which involved the wrongful convictions of Darryl Beamish and John Button

20. Opening Day [Airdate: 4/8/15]

It's Phillies Opening Day, but the celebration is cut short when the Phillies' manager (guest star Larry Bowa) ends up murdered in broad daylight just before first pitch, leading Goren and Eames to investigate a possible motive. When witness accounts uncover a Persian Gulf veteran attended the game in Mets gear, the motive for murder reveals itself.

'''21. Tick, Tick, BOOM! '''[Airdate: 4/22/15]

A Philadelphia high school, Franklin High, is massacred, resulting in the death of eighteen students and five teachers. Unfortunately for Brennan, the case turns into a personal matter when his son is suspected of being the shooter.

NOTE: Inspired by the shootings at Chardon High School and Sandy Hook Elementary School

22. The Pact [Airdate: 5/6/15]

A group of students at Drexel University engage in a murder pact, killing 10 of their classmates over the course of the school year. This hits home for Brennan, a Drexel graduate, who is called in to investigate and figure out why students on the President's List would stoop as low as to enter into a murder pact.

23. Life in the Fast Lane [Airdate: 5/13/15]

Goren, Eames and Brennan are called out to investigate the stabbing death of an avid race fan at the Pocono Raceway. As Brennan investigates, he has a tense run-in with the father of one of Ritchie's victims. Dale Earnhardt Jr. guest stars.

24. School's Out [Airdate: 5/20/15]

Goren, Eames, and Brennan investigate the murder of two fifth graders, an 11-year-old boy and his girlfriend who were gunned down just as school let out for the summer. As the case progresses, more is learned about Brennan's son Ritchie, and what motivated him to commit the school shooting.

Season 2 (2015-2016)
After high ratings for the first 9 episodes of the series, NBC commissioned a 2nd season of 'Law & Order: Philadelphia', to premiere on September 23rd, 2015 at 10/9 Central, right after 'Law & Order: Special Victims Unit'

Notes:
 * Will consist of 24 episodes
 * Christopher Meloni will join the cast, reprising his role as Elliot Stabler, now a DA Investigator.

1. Reinforcements From New York (Airdate: 9/23/15)

Goren and Eames are back at work as a rape is investigated. When the rapist shows up and kidnaps Eames, former SVU detective Elliot Stabler (Christopher Meloni) is called in to help out the case.

2. Down and Dirty (Airdate: 9/30/15)

A Phillies coach is found beaten to death in the team clubhouse. The only leads are witness accounts from All-Star players Chase Utley and Ryan Howard, leaving Goren and Eames searching for answers when help comes from Police Commissioner Cooney (Hugh Laurie).

NOTE: Inspired by the murder of high school football coach Edward Arthur Thomas

3. AWOL (Airdate: 10/7/15)

Foul play is suspected in the murder of an Air Force captain. However, the case takes a drastic turn when a cadet from the Police Academy, Derrick Bradshaw (Vincent Martella), uses his connections with the Air Force to assist in the investigation.

NOTE #1: First Appearance of Cadet Derrick Bradshaw (Vincent Martella)

NOTE #2: Inspired by the story of Jeremy Hinzman

4. Sting (Airdate: 10/14/15)

A string of robberies near King of Prussia lead Goren and Eames to set up a sting op in the vicinity. But things take a turn for the worse when one of their own gets caught in the line of fire.

NOTE: Inspired by the North Hollywood shootout

5. Labor of Love (Airdate: 10/21/15)

Goren and Eames are back at Penn State as they deal with the rape of a female student. It soon becomes a race against time when Brennan comes in with vital information about the victim's boyfriend and how he may have been involved.

6. Return of Jack the Ripper (Airdate: 10/28/15)

The legends of Jack the Ripper come alive in Philadelphia as the murders of seven people come to the attention of Goren and Eames. It will take every resource at the Philadelphia PD's disposal to capture this mysterious killer.

NOTE: Inspired by the Derek Brown case

7. Innocent Until Proven Guilty (Airdate: 11/4/15)

Commissioner Cooney is suspected of corruption, but his fellow officers don't buy it. There's a mole in the ranks of the Philadelphia PD and it's up to Goren, Eames, Brennan and Bradshaw to find out who before Deputy DA Christina Ryan (Alyson Stoner) busts the Commissioner.

NOTE: First appearance of Deputy DA Christina Ryan (Alyson Stoner)

8. Honor (Part 1) (Airdate: 11/11/15)

It's Graduation Day for the recruits of the Police Academy. For Cadet Derrick Bradshaw (Vincent Martella), his initiation is big as he gets to work with Goren and Eames on his first case - the gruesome murder of his grandfather, a Vietnam War veteran. Little do Goren, Eames, and Bradshaw know, one of their own may be behind the killing.

9. Valor (Part 2) (Airdate: 11/18/15)

As the chase continues, Bradshaw happens upon an anonymous tip that his grandfather's killer may have had a hint of jealousy towards his unit mate. Another surprise comes when the prime suspect reveals that he was opposed to the Vietnam War.

10. Dedication (Part 3) (Airdate: 11/25/15)

The final battle between Bradshaw and his grandfather's killer rages on. However, he is not alone as Deputy DA Christina Ryan (Alyson Stoner) jumps in to take down a war criminal. All the while, Bradshaw might have a thing for the new Deputy DA.

NOTE: Inspired by the My Lai Massacre

11. Storm Warning (Airdate: 12/16/15)

Bradshaw is partnered with Brennan as he investigates the kidnapping of a child during a strong blizzard. As he narrows down the list of suspects, he is suddenly faced with a tough decision to make when the kidnapping is connected to a 15-year-old cold case.

'''12. Where's Your Holiday Spirit? '''(Airdate: 12/23/15)

It's Christmastime in Philadelphia, but joy turns to suffering as a group of schoolkids is murdered on the day their winter break starts. With Eames out for the holiday, Goren, Bradshaw and Brennan are called in to investigate. When their search for answers turns up with a beloved elementary school teacher, a dark secret about their prime suspect surfaces.

NOTE: Inspired by the West Memphis Three case

13. Mummer Mayhem (Airdate: 1/13/16)

A random attack on a gay couple by a mummer during Mummers Parade leaves one man dead and the other in a coma. Due to the convenient timing of the attack, Goren and Eames have a hard time finding any suspects, while McCoy is immediately faced with a myriad of difficulties with his prosecution.

NOTE: Inspired by the mummer phenomenon in Philadelphia, and the murder of Isaac Mercer in 1890

14. Out of the Frying Pan (Part 1) (Airdate: 2/3/16)

Philadelphia is rocked by disaster when a light aircraft crashes into a high-rise downtown apartment building, setting off a fire that engulfs the entire complex. As police and firefighters struggle to extract as many people as they can from the building, Goren and Eames, examining surveillance footage, realize that the plane crash may have been convenient timing to hide the true cause of the fire.

NOTE: Inspired by the 1986 Dupont Plaza Hotel arson, the 2006 New York City plane crash, and the 2010 Shanghai high-rise apartment fire

15. Into the Fire (Part 2) (Airdate: 2/10/16)

West is forced to handle two prosecutions related to the high-rise apartment disaster: the manufacturer of the aircraft that crashed, and the two disgruntled former tenants that helped start the fire. Though he is assisted by Connie Rubirosa (Alana de la Garza), the District Attorney's Office faces public scrutiny when it is revealed that Ryan's cousin Alan (David Harbour) is an employee of the aircraft manufacturer, and thus is at risk of losing everything if his superiors are convicted. Meanwhile, Rubirosa has a reunion with Michael Cutter.

16. Sex Scenes (Airdate: 2/24/16)

Goren and Eames, Brennan and King, and Morales and Orr each investigate a case: the rape and murder of a prostitute, a high school teacher suspected of having a sexual relationship with a student, and the suicide of a college student moonlighting as a porn actress.

NOTE: Inspired by the cases of Anthony Sowell, Mary Kay Letourneau, Belle Knox, and Rehtaeh Parsons

17. Jackpot Scandal (Airdate: 3/2/16)

Goren and Eames investigate a workplace shooting at the headquarters of the Pennsylvania Lottery. They suspect a disgruntled former employee, but later find that he may have been a patsy for a scheme to cover up a larger operation.

NOTE: Inspired by the Hot Lotto fraud scandal and the Connecticut Lottery workplace shooting

18. Know When To Hold 'Em (Part 1) (Airdate: 3/9/16)

19. Know When To Fold 'Em (Part 2) (Airdate: 3/16/16)

20. Give Me Liberty (Airdate: 4/6/16)

Shots are fired during a press conference hosted by Mayor Aylesworth, leaving a state senator dead. The shooter is later identified as an anti-immigration activist opposed to Aylesworth's stance on illegal immigration, and thus Aylesworth had been the true target.

NOTE: Inspired by the attempted assassinations of Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1945 and Henriette Reker in 2015

21. Tip-Off (Airdate: 4/13/16)

As the first anniversary of the Franklin High School shooting approaches, Brennan takes charge of an investigation into a threat to commit a school shooting. As he delves deeper into the case, he bonds with a woman with an intelligent but extremely troubled son, who she suspects is the one who made the threat but cannot prove it.

NOTE: Inspired by the Heritage High School shooting in May 1999

22. Long Arm of the Law (Airdate: 4/27/16)

An innocent bystander is killed during a drive-by shooting targeting a prosecutor-turned-defense attorney, leaving the PPD with a long list of suspects. They eventually realize that the intended victim may have been targeted for violating the Brady rule during her prosecution of a serial rapist.

NOTE: Inspired by the Darren Sharper case

23. Graduation (Part 1) (Airdate: 5/18/16)

24. Graduation (Part 2) (Airdate: 5/18/16)

Season 3 (2016-2017)
On October 31, 2015, NBC renewed 'Law & Order: Philadelphia' through the 2020 season, the show's 6th. The 3rd season would premiere September 21, 2016 at 10/9 Central, following the season premiere of 'Law & Order: SVU'.

Notes:
 * Will consist of 25 episodes
 * Alfred Molina and Terrence Howard will leave the cast due to their roles on 'Penn Zero: Part Time Hero' and 'Empire', respectively.
 * Vincent Martella and Alyson Stoner will join the cast as Officer Derrick Bradshaw and Deputy DA Christina Ryan, respectively.

1. Kleptomania (Airdate: 9/21/16)

A murdered woman found inside a shoe store is revealed to be a kleptomaniac, and the detectives narrow down the list of suspects to her frustrated sister, a volatile shopkeeper who had been targeted the most by the victim, and a fellow kleptomaniac. Meanwhile, Eames notices that a witness to the crime might be hiding something from the police.

2. My Wife, The Criminal (Airdate: 9/28/16)

Goren and Eames investigate the murder of a male prostitute found in a random backyard. Their investigation leads them to a pair of seemingly innocent newlyweds, though further scrutiny finds that the wife may be masking something sinister in nature. Meanwhile, Eames continues to follow a hunch she made about Stella Hayworth, the witness to last episode's crime.

NOTE: Inspired by the murder of Troy LaFerrara

3. Crash Landing (Part 1)  (Airdate: 10/5/16)

The entire Philadelphia Police Department is faced with one of their largest investigations yet after a transatlantic flight from France crash-lands at Philadelphia International Airport, killing many people on board. Terrorism is suspected, and the stakes are raised after a shocking discovery is made about a particular group of passengers, some of whom are missing.

NOTE: Inspired by the hijacking of United Airlines Flight 93, the crashes of Asiana Airlines Flight 214 and Germanwings Flight 9525, the manhunt for Dzhokhar and Tamerlan Tsarnaev, and the case of two Iranian passengers traveling aboard the missing Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 with stolen passports

4. Crash Landing (Part 2) (Airdate: 10/12/16)

A multi-agency manhunt is on for the suspects in the terrorist airliner crash at Philadelphia International, and Goren and Eames struggle to identify potential targets. Though the suspects are all eventually captured, the case takes a startling turn after the department realize the true perpetrator of the crash had been right under their noses the whole time.

5. Hit and Run (Airdate: 10/19/16)

A drunk driver triggers a devastating 150-car pileup, then runs over and kills another motorist while fleeing the scene of the accident. The resulting prosecution pits McCoy against the infamous "affluenza" defense. Meanwhile, Ryan is left reeling after she learns her cousin Alan and his family was among those caught in the pileup. Also, Eames starts to feel as if she is being stalked.

NOTE: Inspired by the Ethan Couch case, the 60-car pileup on I-76 in Upper Merion Township, Pennsylvania, in 2015, and the 150-car pileup on I-10 in Jefferson Couny, Texas, in 2012

6. Battery Man (Airdate: 10/26/16)

Stabler's increasingly unethical actions threaten to jeopardize the prosecution of an attorney suspected of abusing his wife and murdering two men, one of whom he thought was her lover. Meanwhile, Eames continues to deal with her mysterious stalker.

7. Armed and Dangerous (Airdate: 11/2/16)

King arrests an ex-convict for the murder of a store clerk during a robbery, but the man escapes during a vulnerable moment and embarks on a deadly rampage in order to avoid going back to prison. As the bodies continue to pile up, King, wracked with guilt, begins to make it his personal mission to stop the killer, no matter what the cost. At the end of the episode, the PPD is abruptly faced with a horrifying discovery.

NOTE: Inspired by the cases of Allan Legere and Hank Earl Carr

'''8. Who Framed Goren? (Part 1) '''(Airdate: 11/9/16)

When Goren is arrested for the murder of Stella Hayworth, who Eames had been investigating for her suspected involvement in a prostitution ring, Eames struggles to prove his innocence. However, the evidence against Goren continues to pile up, and Eames is forced to consider the possibility that her partner might in fact be a murderer. At the end of the episode, she makes a shocking discovery that she now cannot tell anyone about.

'''9. Who Framed Goren? (Part 2) '''(Airdate: 11/16/16)

With Goren's trial underway, Dorn and Stabler are tasked by West to clear up any potential inconsistencies in the case. However, as they look into what they initially assume is an innocent typo on the medical examiner's report, the two find themselves in the crosshairs of a dangerous hitman determined to remove any loose ends.

NOTE: Inspired by the case of Richard Kuklinski

10. Family Matters (Airdate: 11/23/16)

When a mother of two mysteriously disappears, the focus of the investigation immediately shifts to her husband, who had multiple affairs with other women. However, the detectives' scrutiny is extended to the suspect's father, who had developed a sexual obsession with the suspected victim. However, there is no evidence to prove any wrongdoing by either suspect. The case turns into a heated custody battle between the suspects and the woman's parents, which eventually culminates in tragedy. Meanwhile, Goren continues to deal with the aftermath of having been framed for murder.

NOTE: Inspired by the disappearance of Susan Powell and the murder of Laci Peterson

11. Hostage Crisis (Airdate: 11/30/16)

Bradshaw is faced with a personal dilemma when his brother is among those being held hostage by a disgruntled ex-coworker. Meanwhile, McCoy is forced to deal with the "black rage" defense, which is gaining a lot of traction with the public due to a recent string of controversial police shootings.

NOTE: Inspired by the 1996 Honolulu hostage crisis and the "black rage" defense used by Colin Ferguson

12. Coming of Age (Airdate: 12/7/16)

Goren and Eames investigate the brutal murder of a high school student on her 18th birthday and learn she was a manipulative, sociopathic bully who even tormented the school faculty, thus leaving them with a long list of suspects. Meanwhile, Brennan juggles between trying to celebrate Ritchie's 18th birthday and dealing with mounting harassment from the public.

13. All Aboard (Airdate: 12/14/16)

The PPD gets a lead on the person who hired the hitman who stalked Eames, framed Goren for Stella Hayworth's murder, and tried repeatedly to kill Dorn and Stabler. However, the person who provided the lead turns up dead, leaving Goren and Eames with only the victim's last words to go by. Their investigation eventually leads them to the Dukes Circle VIP, an escort service catering to the rich and powerful.

14. Christmas Break-In (Airdate: 12/21/16)

Goren and Eames investigate the horrific murders of three family members on Christmas Eve. At first, suspicion is placed on the father, the sole survivor, but further investigation leads the detectives to a pair of career criminals. With barely any forensic evidence to rely on, Ryan must make a tough decision to pursue the death penalty against both suspects, even though one of them seems more sympathetic and has made a legitimate claim that he became involved with more than what he bargained for.

NOTE: Inspired by the Cheshire, Connecticut, home invasion murders in 2007

15. Fear Factor (Airdate: 1/11/17)

A stunt/dare game show ends in tragedy when one of the contestants dies during a botched stunt. McCoy initially prosecutes the show's producers for negligence, but further investigating reveals the death may have been intentionally engineered by a former contestant who had been dejected by the loss of her fifteen minutes of fame.

NOTE: Inspired by the often-controversial stunt/dare game show Fear Factor

16. 487 (Airdate: 1/25/17)

Bradshaw and Ryan are called in to join Goren and Eames in the investigation of a string of increasingly violent carjackings in the city. To Bradshaw, the case has an eerie familiarity to him.

NOTE: Inspired by the Devin Moore case and the popular Grand Theft Auto video game series

'''17. Pimp My City! '''(Airdate: 2/8/17)

The PPD continues to crack down on the Dukes Circle VIP escort service. As the investigation progresses, they are shocked to find that Mayor Aylesworth, one of the department's biggest supporters, is among the clients.

NOTE: Inspired by the Eliot Spitzer prostitution scandal

18. Burnout (Airdate: 2/22/17)

The search for a serial arsonist uncovers a larger investigation involving healthcare fraud and money laundering by a chain of nursing and assisted living homes. Meanwhile, the city of Philadelphia continues to recover from the fallout of Mayor Aylesworth's prostitution scandal.

NOTE: Inspired by the Paul Kenneth Keller case and the Esformes Network fraud scandal

19. Take a Chance (Airdate: 3/8/17)

20. Actions Speak Louder (Airdate: 3/22/17)

21. Tainted Love (Airdate: 4/12/17)

King and Bradshaw are assigned to protect an up-and-coming actress from a delusional stalker whose alarming efforts to get her attention are escalating. As the search for the stalker continues, Bradshaw finds himself getting into a relationship with the actress.

NOTE: Inspired by the Robert John Bardo and John Hinckley, Jr., cases

'''22. DY-NO-MITE! '''(Airdate: 4/26/17)

Goren and Eames investigate the bombing of a genetic engineer's apartment, which they believe is the work of a politically-motivated serial bomber who had been inactive for seven years. However, after their main suspect is revealed to have died years earlier in the woods, the PPD's investigation shifts to a fellow scientist with a God complex, who had been slighted by the would-be victim.

NOTE: Inspired by the Ted Kaczynski (a.k.a. "The Unabomber") case and the death of Christopher McCandless

23. Promposal Gone Wrong (Airdate: 5/3/17)

A girl is murdered in a high school bathroom, and a fellow classmate confesses that he killed her after she turned down his request to be his junior prom date. The resulting trial becomes complicated for McCoy when the suspect's attorney argues that he has a mental defect induced by a life of loneliness and rejection.

NOTE: Inspired by the murder of Maren Sanchez

24. An Offer You Shouldn't Refuse (Airdate: 5/10/17)

25. The Law Always Wins (Airdate: 5/17/17)

The trial of Ritchie Brennan begins, and a special prosecutor is hired to handle the case. The proceedings are hampered by a series of events that test the integrity of the entire Philadelphia Police Department, including the raised possibility that Brennan may have suppressed incriminating evidence during the criminal investigation.

NOTE: Inspired by the trial of T.J. Lane

Season 4 (2017-2018)

 * Will premiere on September 27th, 2017, following the season premiere of 'Law & Order: Special Victims Unit'
 * A 2 part crossover with 'Special Victims Unit' is set to air as the mid-season finale
 * Will consist of 25 episodes
 * Alfred Molina will rejoin the cast

1. Trial of the Century (Air Date: 9/27/17)

Brennan uses his experiences with Ritchie and the Franklin High School shooting to his advantage when the trial against George Landman and Albert Alexiadis (the perpetrators of a murder case the PPD investigated in Season 1's "Read All About It") begins.

NOTE: Inspired by the trial of Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb

2. I Pledge Allegiance (Air Date: 10/4/17)

The shooting death of a beloved high school teacher leads to a highly publicized trial revolving around the Pledge of Allegiance.

NOTE: Inspired by criticism and legal challenges towards the Pledge of Allegiance

3. Justice Never Rests (Air Date: 10/11/17)

New information on the disappearance of a young boy in 1993 leads Bradshaw and King to an autistic man who may hold the answer to the boy's fate. When the worst is finally revealed, McCoy is forced to make a decision that would betray his own moral code.

NOTE: Inspired by the murder of Jacob Wetterling in 1989

4. Thou Shalt Not Kill (Air Date: 10/18/17)

'''5. I Ain't Afraid of No Murder! '''(Air Date: 10/25/17)

The Philadelphia Police Department is on edge after a Korean-American police officer shoots an unarmed African-American man, provoking racial tensions between three different communities in the city. West is left to deal with the political fallout of his office having an unusually high conviction rate for African-American suspects.

NOTE: Inspired by the shooting of Akai Gurley and the Black Lives Matter movement

6. Carry On (Air Date: 11/1/17)

With racial tensions still simmering following last episode's police shooting, and Eames off on a sick day, Goren and Bradshaw partner up to investigate the apparent drug overdose of a popular actor whose last years were extremely troubled.

NOTE: Inspired by the death of Cory Monteith

7. Coordinated Assault (Air Date: 11/8/17)

A Black Lives Matter protest over the police shooting of an unarmed African-American man two episodes ago turns into tragedy when a truck plows into the crowd, killing and injuring protesters and police officers alike. The driver, a far-right activist, is arrested, but McCoy must now also try to prosecute a high-ranking police officer who had earlier made an online post aggressively advocating such an attack on the protesters.

NOTE: Inspired by the 2016 Nice truck attack, the murders of five Dallas police officers during a BLM protest, the vehicular attack at the Unite the Right rally by James Alex Fields, and two controversies of police officers advocating vehicular attacks on BLM rallies online in January and June 2016

8. Bitter Reunions (Air Date: 11/15/17)

In the aftermath of last episode's vehicular attack, the Philadelphia Police Department force is fractured over its opinions of McCoy's prosecution of one of their superiors. Goren and Eames find themselves clashing with two detectives from another precinct as they try to work together to solve a quadruple homicide.

NOTE: Inspired by the July 2017 Pennsylvania murders

9. Give Thanks to the Force (Air Date: 11/22/17)

McCoy prosecutes a housewife and her homeless lover for killing the former's husband. However, he meets his match in the form of the woman's attorney, who employs clever tactics that ensure her client receives a lighter sentence. Meanwhile, the PPD and the Philadelphia community at large begin the healing process following the events of the preceding four episodes.

NOTE: Ripped from the pages of The Postman Always Rings Twice and its film adaptation

10. Cybercrime Spree (Air Date: 11/29/17)

11. Shop 'Til You Drop Dead (Air Date: 12/6/17)

12. Rape Kit (Part 1) (Air Date: 12/13/17)

While investigating the kidnapping, rape, and attempted murder of a Penn State college student, the Philadelphia Police Department connects it to a series of murders with a similar M.O. through the Mid-Atlantic states. As a result, the detectives join forces with Lieutenant Olivia Benson and Detective Amanda Rollins of NYPD's Special Victims Unit. All the while, they are forced to deal with the stonewalling of the survivor's influential father, who is more concerned about maintaining the public image of his wealthy family.

NOTE: Inspired by the crimes committed by Jesse L. Matthew, Jr.

13. Rape Kit (Part 2) (Air Date: 12/13/17)

The PPD and SVU detectives continue their pursuit for the Mid-Atlantic Serial Killer, who is continuing to leave bodies in his wake. Their investigation leads them to a twisted motive and a shocking connection to the Pennsylvania State Senate. Meanwhile, Benson grapples with unresolved issues between her and Stabler, her old partner.

NOTE: Both parts will air as the mid-season finale

14. House of Hoarders (Air Date: 1/10/18)

The unusual death of an African-American boy in Harlem leads the detectives to a pair of brothers leading a highly bizarre lifestyle. The resulting trial and media circus leads to raised questions about the brothers' culpability in the killing.

NOTE: Inspired by the story of the Collyer brothers

15. Choices (Air Date: 1/17/18)

The shooting of a pro-life activist is initially believed to be retribution for comments he made about the assassination of a controversial physician who provided late-term abortions. However, the investigation leads the detectives to a man with a traumatic past and a purely personal motive for the killing. Amidst an intense media circus, McCoy must argue against the suspect's defense of post-traumatic stress disorder driving him to commit the murder.

NOTE: Inspired by the murder of Jim Pouillon and the assassination of George Tiller

16. Lurking in the Depths (Air Date: 1/24/18)

A former Army psychiatrist is shot and killed in downtown Philadelphia, and it is revealed that he survived a similar shooting at a military base in Arizona three years ago. The resulting trial brings back to the spotlight patterns of negligence on the part of the Veterans Health Administration.

NOTE: Inspired by the shooting at Fort Bliss in 2015, and the Veterans Health Administration scandal of 2014

17. Trust No One (Air Date: 1/31/18)

Bradshaw and Morales tackle a particularly gruesome case involving dismembered body parts being mailed to offices of various Republican politicians. They are led to a paranoid schizophrenic who believes that a coup d'état of the country by the Republican Party is imminent. As more information is shed on the case, McCoy faces off against a prominent conspiracy theorist who was in contact with the murder suspect.

NOTE: Inspired by the Luka Magnotta case and the recent hysteria regarding fake news stories, with one character reminiscent of conspiracy theorist Alex Jones

18. Jersey Crimes (Air Date: 2/7/18)

The prime suspect in the shooting death of a well-known neurosurgeon in the Jefferson Hospital for Neuroscience is connected to another high-profile murder in his hometown of Newark, New Jersey. As a result, the District Attorney's Office clashes with their Newark counterpart over who gets to prosecute the defendant first. Meanwhile, Ryan learns about her niece Haley's (Addison Timlin) plans for the future.

NOTE: Inspired by the 2016 UCLA shooting

'''19. Fly, Eagles, Fly! '''(Air Date: 2/14/18)

When a Philadelphia Eagles fan is killed by a sucker punch during a game between the Eagles and the New York Giants, Goren and Eames immediately suspect the death to be a result of the decades-long rivalry between the football teams. However, their investigation leads them to an unlikely suspect.

NOTE: Inspired by the assault of Ignacio Castillo during an Eagles vs. Cowboys game at Arlington, Texas

20. A Haunting Mystery (Air Date: 2/28/18)

Goren and Eames investigate after the cameraman of a paranormal reality TV show is murdered during shooting of a new episode. As the show's hosts use the murder as proof to the existence of ghosts, Goren learns that the victim was part of a love triangle.

NOTE: Inspired by the controversial paranormal reality TV show Ghost Hunters and the "Parachute Murder"

21. Thanks But No Thanks (Air Date: 4/18/18)

When a nine-month-old baby boy from Canada disappears from a hotel room, Brennan and Bradshaw begin to suspect the family's nanny, an illegal immigrant from Mexico, of wrongdoing. Meanwhile, Ryan tries to give Haley advice on her potential career path.

NOTE: Inspired by the Louise Woodward case and the disappearance of Madeleine McCann

22. Gravedigger (Air Date: 4/25/18)

23. Courtroom Chaos (Air Date: 5/2/18)

A bitter custody battle in court turns deadly when the volatile husband and two fellow gang members begin shooting, leaving several casualties. They then kidnap his son and several others, including Ryan, thus making it a personal matter for Bradshaw.

NOTE: Inspired by the Tyler courthouse shooting in 2006 and the Marin County courthouse incident in 1970

24. Senior Skip Day (Air Date: 5/9/18)

A teenage boy is killed while skipping school, leaving Goren and Eames with many questions. Meanwhile, Ryan, still recovering from her kidnapping, starts to reconsider her support for Haley's plans for the future.

'''25. College Or Bust? (Part 1) '''(Air Date: 5/16/18)

Ryan juggles between supervising the prosecution of a troubled multimillionaire for the murder of a family friend, and dealing with Haley's inevitable departure for Ohio. At the end of the episode, she receives traumatic news about Haley.

NOTE: Inspired by the Robert Durst case

Season 5 (2018-2019)

 * Will premiere on September 26th, 2018, following the season premiere of 'Law & Order: Special Victims Unit'
 * Will consist of 26 episodes

1. Our Darkest Hour (Part 2) (Air Date: 9/26/18)

With her niece Haley (Addison Timlin) hospitalized and in critical condition following an Islamist terrorist attack at her college on her first day, Ryan is determined to find the ISIS-affiliated jihadist who convinced the assailant to act. As the investigation progresses, she finds herself becoming closer to Bradshaw, which could complicate the case.

NOTE: Inspired by the 2016 Ohio State University attack and the Joshua Ryne Goldberg case

2. 100 (Air Date: 10/3/18)

In this landmark 100th episode of the series, McArthur is arrested on suspicion of raping several women. As the PPD works around the clock to prove his innocence, they realize that while McArthur might be innocent, the real rapist might still be one of their own (Eric Szmanda). Meanwhile, Bradshaw and Ryan continue their secret relationship.

NOTE: Inspired by the Jeffrey Pelo case

3. The Roof (Air Date: 10/10/18)

The apparent suicide of a struggling actress is later revealed to be murder, and Goren and Eames realize it might be connected to her involvement in the production of what is now popularly considered one of the best worst movies ever made. Meanwhile, Brennan discovers Bradshaw and Ryan's secret relationship.

NOTE: Inspired by the cult film The Room and the stories surrounding its production

4. White World (Air Date: 10/17/18)

The stabbing death of a gay Jewish man is linked to a member of an extremely dangerous neo-Nazi group. When the suspect's attorney presents a highly bizarre but credible defense, McCoy struggles to prevent it from becoming a smokescreen to the jury and redirect them back to the crime's true motive: hate.

NOTE: Inspired by the murder of Blaze Bernstein and the Atomwaffen Division hate group

5. Where Greatness Awaits (Air Date: 10/24/18)

The violent death of a pregnant woman and the kidnapping of her unborn child leads Goren and Eames to a strange new religious movement. However, their investigation uncovers a secret cabal within the movement that advocates violence, unlike their mainstream peers, and is planning something larger.

NOTE: Inspired by the murder of Bobbie Jo Stinnett, the Raëlian movement, and the Tokyo subway sarin attack

6. All Hallows' Evening (Air Date: 10/31/18)

With Eames out of town visiting a friend, Goren and King partner up to investigate the seemingly random shooting of a motorist during a prank on Halloween night. Meanwhile, Brennan reminisces about one particular Halloween night he had with Ritchie.

NOTE: Inspired by the murder of Karl Jackson on Halloween 1998

7. Unintended Consequences (Air Date: 11/14/18)

Bradshaw and King investigate a home invasion that left an aerial photographer dead, and find that the robbers stole certain photos. Their investigation into the stolen photos leads them to a famous singer who had been locked in a trivial lawsuit with the victim, with the intent of suppressing the aforementioned photos. Just when Bradshaw and King are about to dismiss the lawsuit as a motive for the killing, the photos are found, and a closer inspection of them uncovers a more sinister crime.

NOTE: Inspired by the original "Streisand effect" incident and the Michael Jackson sexual abuse allegations

8. Triangle (Air Date: 11/21/18)

When a teenage boy kills three armed intruders and injures a fourth during a botched home invasion, Goren and Eames realize that robbery might not have been the intruders' motive, but rather murder. As a result, they focus on the boy's parents, who have good motives for arranging the death of their significant other. Meanwhile, Haley finally wakes up from her coma.

NOTE: Inspired by the failed home invasion in Oklahoma in March 2017, the Charles Stuart case, and the Pamela Smart case

9. Trumped (Air Date: 11/28/18)

The Penn State campus is massacred during a violent protest of the federal government, prompting Bradshaw, Ryan, Goren and Eames to look into the case. When they discover that the victim was a Clinton supporter from the 2016 election, their lead could end up treading into political territory and a grudge stemming farther than just a general election.

NOTE: Inspired by the 2017 Charlottesville riots and the 2017 Congressional baseball shooting

10. Promotion (Part 1) (Air Date: 12/5/18)

Officers Green, Orr and Bradshaw are promoted to Inspectors on the same day. Only minutes after their promotion, they take on their first case as a team when a 16-year-old girl is raped and brutally beaten. With the victim in ICU and the perpetrator still at large, the trio must team up with Bradshaw's girlfriend, newly promoted Jr. District Attorney Ryan, to figure out where the serial rapist will strike next.

11. Promotion (Part 2) (Air Date: 12/12/18)

The hunt for the serial rapist continues as he claims two more victims, both high school students. With the help of Brennan's son Ritchie (Jack Griffo) and his recently reformed girlfriend Danica Maclin (Kira Kosarin), they figure out that the rapist was an old classmate of theirs: Nathan Grimsley (Cory Foglemanis), who was expelled for a series of offenses. Upon Grimsley's arrest, Danica, at the request of Brennan, is enrolled at the police academy, with the hopes of joining the force.

NOTE: Inspired by the Tyler Kost case

12. Sitting in a Tree (Air Date: 1/16/19)

When Haley's therapist dies in a house fire, Bradshaw and King investigate when Haley informs them about a heated dispute the victim had before her death. Meanwhile, King learns about Bradshaw's secret relationship with Ryan and becomes worried about its effects on any of their cases.

13. We're Goin' Hoppin' Today (Air Date: 1/23/19)

Bradshaw and Ryan's date night is interrupted by a shooting at a high school dance. As Bradshaw investigates with Brennan, Goren, and Eames, he realizes that all of the victims were collateral damage and the gunman had been specifically targeting a person. Meanwhile, Brennan tries to bond with the mentally unbalanced shooter to get more information.

NOTE: Inspired by the Parker Middle School dance shooting and the Steubenville High School rape case

14. Rivalry Week (Air Date: 1/30/19)

15. Trespass (Air Date: 2/13/19)

An illegal immigrant from Mexico is killed in a drive-by shooting, and Goren and Eames initially suspect a white nationalist radio host. However, after their suspect provides an airtight alibi, they focus on recent unrest coming from an unlikely ethnic group.

NOTE: Inspired by the Hispanics for Trump group, and a character is reminiscent of white nationalist blogger Hal Turner

16. Without Any Convictions (Air Date: 2/20/19)

17. On the Road Again (Air Date: 2/27/19)

McCoy is faced with one of the toughest cases in his career when he prosecutes a driver for a hit-and-run involving an autonomous vehicle.

NOTE: Inspired by the death of Elaine Herzberg

18. Big Bang (Air Date: 3/6/19)

The PPD finds itself working overtime when one person is killed and thousands of others are injured by the midair explosion of a small incoming meteor. Eames later realizes that the sole fatality had actually been murdered moments after the explosion.

NOTE: Inspired by the Chelyabinsk meteor explosion

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Music
'Law & Order: Philadelphia' will use the theme song from 'Law & Order: Trial By Jury' and 'Law & Order: Criminal Intent' for its opening and closing theme music.