Who Do You Blame When Justice Goes Sour?

You’ve heard the metaphor before about our justice system becoming a revolving door. Criminals are arrested. They plea bargain, walk and return to the courts again up on new charges. Then the whole process starts all over again.

If the prosecutors on “Law & Order” (NBC at 10) could have seen the future a few months ago, they would have figured out how to slam the door shut on a schizophrenic named James Smith (Denis O’Hare). But hard-working prosecutor Claire Kincaid (Jill Hennessy) was overworked with some 47 cases.

He was in court charged with attacking a woman. Kincaid plea-bargained the case and returned dangerous Smith back to the streets. He then attacked a clothing store clerk and killed her colleagues.

So, who’s to blame? Kincaid, who puts a human face on her generally cold, stilted character, tries to cope with her guilt. Eventually, she considers leaving the profession. (Hennessy, by the way, is leaving the series after this season.)

As a schizophrenic, O’Hare is effective and frightening. When he starts to take medication, he becomes a lucid, seemingly normal person with a law degree.

Strong court scenes ensue when Smith decides to take charge of his own defense. It’s an intelligent look at flukes in our justice system.

Highlights

“Ellen,” ABC at 8: Although it makes her feel like a fish out of water, Ellen (Ellen DeGeneres) agrees to be maid of honor for Paige’s wedding. Her task isn’t an easy one in this two-parter, especially when a convention of dummies (literally) appears during prewedding preparations and a passed-out mother of the bride needs her pantyhose put on.

Adding to the humor is Ron Palillo (“Welcome Back, Kotter”) who plays himself in this manic half-hour full of slapstick wedding jokes.

“JAG,” NBC at 8: This fast-paced hour is a teeth-clencher. Lt. Rabb (David James Elliott) is abducted in Hong Kong and taken to a Chinese prison. Drugged and tortured, Rabb begins to believe that in the cell next to him is his MIA father.

“Beverly Hills, 90210,” FOX at 8: The writers try to lighten the load with a humorous look at how Brandon and Susan react to losing a winning lottery ticket. Still, the suds are nearly over-the-top when Colin jumps bail and pays Kelly a visit. Also, Donna and David agree to direct a music video.

“The Drew Carey Show,” ABC at 8:30: The blue-collar, male-bonding sitcom signs off for the season with a bit of cleverness. Drew, convinced he’s about to lose his job, sets up a beer-brewing business at home.

“Our Son, the Matchmaker,” CBS at 9: The unknown entity is this feel-good drama about a beauty shop owner’s search for the son she gave up for adoption 28 years ago. She (Ann Jillian) finds him, her former lover (David Andrews) and peace of mind.

“Dateline,” NBC at 9: A palimony case involving $150 million receives attention in a Court TV report. The couple were never married, but during their 23 years together they built a successful business.

“Grace Under Fire,” ABC at 9: Ugly money problems surface once again for Grace in this emotion-packed half-hour. She realizes that her dire financial situation is what’s causing Libby (Kaitlin Cullum) to have an ulcer.

Cable Calls

“Blue Steel” (1990), TBS at 5:05: Jamie Lee Curtis plays a rookie cop and Ron Silver is a Wall Street psycho in this slow-moving thriller. There’s little chemistry between the two stars and not much of a plot. This one can give you the blues.

“The Blue Knight” (1975), TBS at 9:05: George Kennedy stepped into the role of Joseph Wambaugh’s veteran cop Bumper Morgan for the sequel to the 1973 miniseries. (William Holden played the character in ‘73.)

This movie, a pilot for a short-lived drama series, traced Morgan’s efforts find the killer of a colleague.

Talk Time

“Tonight,” NBC at 11:35: Actor Charlie Sheen, former presidential candidate Steve Forbes and magician Melinda.

“Late Show With David Letterman,” CBS at 11:35: Actor Dean Cain and musician Elvis Costello.

“Late Night With Conan O’Brien,” NBC at 12:35 a.m.: Fabio, actress Ming-Na Wen (“The Single Guy”) and stand-up comedian Margaret Smith.