Michael Medieros

When they are given the Social Security number of a teenager who was killed two years ago, Reese and Finch begin to question the infallibility of The Machine. Meanwhile, Finch flashes back to The Machine's origin and how it was developed.

As Alicia defends a husband accused of murdering the babysitter, she and her family prepare for the outcome of Peter's appeal and his possible coming home.

A pickpocket dies of anthrax poisoning, putting Holmes and Watson on the trail of the toxin's source in order to prevent more deaths.

Frank Elliot is a hotshot television reporter who has just returned from an embedded stint in Iraq. He is shot outside the hip bar Lotus, but survives. Briscoe and Green are investigating and it's clear Briscoe isn't fond of the reporter. At first the Detectives think a defense attorney, Barry Boyd, could be the suspect because Elliot exposed him. But he has an alibi, and besides, he says the publicity, even bad, has really helped his business. Boyd also informs them he's representing the families of three soldiers from the 81st battalion who were killed. The families are suing Elliot and his employer because he divulged the battalion's whereabouts on television, making them sitting ducks for the enemy, thus causing the deaths.

When legal aid striker Frank Dresner (guest star Justin Hagan) is killed outside the courthouse, the sand in Dresner's wounds lead Detectives Lupo (Jeremy Sisto) and Bernard (Anthony Anderson) to investigate a greensman at a local golf course. Greensman Ted Sanderson (guest star Brad William Henke), who had already served nine years in prison for the murder of his wife, claims he is innocent once again. Due to the legal aid strike and the shortage of defense attorneys, ADA Connie Rubirosa is ordered to represent the defendant, pitting Rubirosa and Cutter against one another. Also starring: Sam Waterston and S. Epatha Merkerson.

Detectives Briscoe (Jerry Orbach) and Curtis (Benjamin Bratt) try to unravel the mystery of a high-class couple who disappear from their apartment. When their key suspect also vanishes, their only lead is a man cautious about divulging any information before he makes a deal with Ross (Carey Lowell). Facing a choice that could cost Ross her reputation, McCoy (Sam Waterston) and Ross try to honor their informant's request -- and serve justice at the same time. S. Epatha Merkerson and Steven Hill also star. Donna Hanover reprises her role as Judge Deborah Bourke and Tovah Feldshuh reprises her role as defense attorney Danielle Melnick.