Racial divisions is a very bold topic and also a controversial one. As is the argument of whether a crime was justified or not. On the most part, 'Law and Order' did great at tackling challenging and polarising topics and handling them in a way that's harrowing and thoughtful. There have been times, as seen in the previous three episodes of Season 11, where the subject is approached too heavy-handedly and where it is made too clear what the writer's point of view here.
"Burn Baby Burn" struck me as a very, very good and almost excellent episode until a certain point, with many truly excellent things. It handles the subject with a lot more tact and insight than most episodes approaching similar themes, and did so better than most of the previous Season 11 episodes that had topics that were not as difficult. It is one of the best episodes of the first half of Season 11 and one of the better ones of the season overall, up to this early stage of the season only "Endurance" was better.
Did feel that the final quarter or so wasn't as strong as the rest of the episode. It did suffer from trying to cram in too much information and it did come over as bloated and needed more time for it to be explained. Count me in as another person that didn't buy the reaction to the verdict as well, the verdict is anger inducing but considering that the case was not a particularly strong one it would have in my view been unrealistic for it to be the other way.
However, there is a lot that "Burn Baby Burn" does incredibly well. The production values as ever have slickness and grit, with an intimacy without being claustrophobic. The music has presence when it's used but does so without being intrusive, some of it is quite haunting too. The direction is also understated but the tension never slips, the second half being full of it.
As expected, the script is lean, even with a lot of talk, and incredibly thought provoking and gritty. There is a good deal of tension in the legal scenes, everything with the racial divisions and the moral dilemmas that come with the case are insightful, raises interesting questions and don't feel preachy. The story is continually compelling and manages to make something meaty and complex out of a case where a conviction is very touch and go in probability at best.
While all the regulars are excellent, especially Sam Waterston, the standout is Clarence Williams III giving one of the best guest performances of the season. He really is a powerful presence in his role.
Concluding, very, very good. 8/10.