Law & Order

When it’s really good, Law & Order can grapple with a theme that’s floating in the media air — for example, the persecution of gays in organizations like the military or, as here, in the police force — emphasizing complex human drama instead of hammering you over the head with a moralistic message. This episode, written by Robert Nathan and entitled ”Manhood,” is Law & Order when it’s really good. Featuring a brief, superlative performance by Philip Bosco (Tribeca) as the attorney for a group of murderously bigoted cops. A