Directed by Rene Balcer
Written by Dick Wolf & Rene Balcer
Lupo and Bernard believe they are in race against time to find a student threatening to blow up a school but only to find they are looking for a disgruntled teacher.
In a subplot, Lupo and Bernard throw a 10-14 (officer in need of assistance) party to help raise funds for Van Buren's medical bills, and she needs convincing to accept their generosity.
Last episode of the original series, before the 2022 revival.
Tropes for the episode:
- Roaring Rampage of Revenge: The suspect in the episode, frustrated of being continuously taken advantage of by his spoiled and disobedient students and spending his career in limbo for trying to discipline them, finally loses it and goes on a shooting spree.
- Surprisingly Happy Ending: In spite of the usually gloomy tone of the series, the ending shows that Van Buren's cancer is in remission and the characters all join together for a celebration to help pay for her medical bills. Van Buren even gets to introduce her boyfriend AND his promotion to fiancé. The shooting also occurs, but the shooter is apprehended before anyone is killed, near-fully averting a Bittersweet Ending for the case itself beyond trauma for the students.
- Tears of Joy: The end of Van Buren's cancer arc. At the party, she excuses herself to take a call from the doctor. She whispers, "Thank you, thank you" but needs a moment to wipe her eyes and compose herself before returning.
- Villain Has a Point: Rick Benson's actions were extreme, but considering the obstacles teachers have to face regarding unruly students, uncooperative parents and teacher's union, and a board of education that's more concerned with maintaining their image than actually addressing the root problems; and you can't blame him when he finally snaps.
