Spoilers ahead for Law & Order: Organized Crime season 5, episode 7
Warning! This article contains mentions of drug trafficking and drug use.
Law & Order: Organized Crimeappears to be heading toward a tragic season finale, with one character likely facing the worst consequences. TheLaw & Orderspinoffhas had an intense season 5 so far, but the reintroduction of Eliot Stabler’s youngest brother, Joe Jr., in episode 7 has increased the stakes for his family and for himself. Joe Jr.’s return, in combination with the tense air that surrounds the Stabler family, seems to be foreshadowing disaster.
With only a few episodes left inLaw & Order: Organized Crimeseason 5, there have still been no updates about the possibility of a sixth season. With the direction of season 5, there is some hope for redemption for Stabler’s family. Unfortunately, time is running out to save them from tragedy.
Law & Order: Organized Crime Seems To Be Setting Joe Jr. Up For A Tragic Ending
Joe Jr.’s Return Is Suspicious
Joe Jr.’s return inLaw & Order: Organized Crimeseason 5, episode 7, came as a major shock after he last appeared involuntarily boarding a plane to Cuba in the season 4 finale. His return to his family, but more so his sick mother, seems to reveal a change in heart for the character, as he may want to move past his criminal days. However,his past criminal involvement is something that he still needs to answer for, which may lead to a dark ending for his character.
Since his first appearance,Joe Jr. has constantly been plagued by tension and crime, making his return suspicious. He may have returned on good terms so far, but his appearance always means something bigger is coming. As such, his reappearance inLaw & Order: Organized Crimeseason 5 seems to foreshadow a dark future for the Stabler family’s youngest son.
Joe Jr. Is In Too Deep With The Crime World To Make A Clean Break
Joe Jr.’s Past Will Always Haunt Him
From what we last saw of Joe Jr., he was in way over his head, having moved past his associations with drug trafficking and drug use and into a much more dangerous realm: transporting chemical weapons. In the season 4 finale, it was not even clear whether Joe Jr. would survive the ordeal, as he was transporting the weapons while they were handcuffed to his wrist.His deep connections to the crime world and to crime boss Julian Emery mean it is far too dangerous for him to make a clean breakfrom his past life.
Joe Jr. may want to return to normalcy and be redeemed in the eyes of his family and his sick mother, but his past is too big to ignore.
Joe Jr. may want to return to normalcy and be redeemed in the eyes of his family and his sick mother, but his past may not let him go so easily. As much as Stabler and the Organized Crime Control Bureau could help Joe Jr. separate himself from Emery,Joe Jr. was way too involved to be able to distance himself on good terms. It is this significance that worries me about Joe Jr.’s future.
Law & Order: Organized Crime Season 5 Needs A Memorable Ending
A Great Ending Could Encourage A Sixth Season
With all the storylines surrounding Stabler and his team inLaw & Order: Organized Crimeseason 5, there are many different avenues that the season finale could explore. However, whatever the showrunners choose, the ending has to be big, as it could be the thing that pushesLaw & Order: Organized Crimeinto the approval of a sixth season.A big and memorable ending would also continue the trend of helpingLaw & Order: Organized Crimestand outas a spinoff from the rest of theLaw & Orderuniverse.
Law & Order: Organized Crimeairs Thursdays on Peacock.
While a major confrontation between Joe Jr. and his past would be exciting to see, it would also be devastating to Stabler and his family. They have already gone through so much, and if the writers decide to kill Joe Jr., there will likely be dark consequences for everyone in the aftermath. The finale could also shed more light on Stabler’s relationship with Olivia, or reveal a major incident regarding Eli’s career in policing. Either way, theLaw & Order: Organized Crimeseason 5 finale is something that will hopefully propel momentum forward into a season 6.
Law & Order: Organized Crime
Cast
Law & Order: Organized Crime follows the detectives of the Organized Crime Control Bureau as they strive to dismantle New York City’s most vicious and violent illegal enterprises, providing a deep dive into the complex and intricate world of organized crime. Released on June 30, 2025, it extends the Law & Order franchise.
