"Trial by Jury" rivals the original "Law and Order"

NBC unveiled the third spinoff to its hugely popular "Law and Order" series, "Law and Order: Trial by Jury," on March 3. Unlike the outrageous "Criminal Intent" and the perverted "Special Victims Unit," "Trial by Jury" is the first "Law and Order" in the same league as the original.

While the other "Law and Order"s revolve around crime investigation, "Trial by Jury" centers on cases tried by Asst. District Attorney Tracey Kibre, played by Bebe Neuwirth. The show presents the strategic side of trials from the point of view of both the defense and the prosecution, including witness coaching, jury selection and testing testimony in focus groups. The series also explores the shadier side of trials, such as lawyers' pursuing monetary and political motives, leaking stories to the press and digging up dirt on witnesses.

Another difference between "Trial by Jury" and other "Law and Order" series is the source of the drama. While the other shows focus on developing the characters related to the crime, the most interesting characters on "Trial by Jury" are the lawyers and the prosecution team. Here we see the personal passion and doubt in the prosecution, defense attorneys and judges. The show's emphasis is that trials are not tried by the system but rather by a handful of human beings.

Among the new cast there is a familiar face: DA Investigator Lennie Briscoe, played by the late Jerry Orbach. He retired from his role as a detective on the original "Law and Order" to investigate witnesses for the state. In the second episode, he and his partner Hector Salazar explore the dynamics and loyalties within the NYPD, while investigating the trial of a cop-killer.

Despite its differences, "Trial by Jury" has strong ties to the "Law and Order" we have come to know and love. It has the same format titles at the bottom of new scenes, the same two beats with scene changes, the same cinematography and the same theme music (although with a symphonic remix). The plots aren't outrageous, and the characters are not only believable but easy to identify with. It is less political than the original "Law and Order," but it is also more surprising. "Trial by Jury" adds subtle complexity where the original had only logical zeal.

"Law and Order: Trial by Jury" airs on Fridays at 10 p.m. on NBC.