Samuel L. Jackson & Philip Seymour Hoffman Crossed Paths In This Brilliant Law & Order Episode

The "Law & Order" episode "The Violence of Summer" (February 5, 1991) came way back during the show's very first season, long before the series became a TV institution. The franchise wasn't yet the new high-water mark for crime procedurals, and years before any of the show's hit spinoffs ("Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," "Law & Order: Criminal Intent") and a dud spinoffs ("Law & Order: Trial By Jury," "Law & Order: Los Angeles"). "Law & Order," we now know, is something of a rite of passage for aspiring actors, as many untested professionals got their start on the show. /Film has even written an article about the famous people who got their starts on "Law & Order" when they were teens or even kids. 

As such, it's exciting to look back on "The Violence of Summer" and see Samuel L. Jackson and Philip Seymour Hoffman, prior to their respective worldwide fame, playing supporting roles. In 1991, Jackson already had numerous credits, having appeared in the 1981 film "Ragtime," and the hits "Coming to America" and "School Daze," both in 1988. Jackson was also on two episodes of "Spencer for Hire" and in a TV movie version of "Uncle Tom's Cabin." He wasn't yet headlining blockbusters, but he had carved out a tidy career by 1991. Hoffman, meanwhile, was an untested twentysomething, who had just made his professional screen debut in Amos Poe's low-budget indie drama called "Triple Bogey on a Par Five Hole." 

"The Violence of Summer" was only Hoffman's second screen credit. In the episode, he played one of the culprits involved in a group act of sexual assault. One of his first lines of on-screen dialogue ever was, "He said we did it? That's a load!" Jackson meanwhile, played a defense lawyer.

The story of "The Violence of Summer" is pretty grim and would later feature the kind of case reserved for "SVU." A reporter is held down and assaulted by three young men. The three apprehended suspects all point their fingers at the other two. Hoffman is one of the suspects. As the case goes to trial, the DAs uncover a possible fourth assailant, throwing a monkey wrench into the case. There is also a subplot exploring how the victims of sexual assault are rarely taken seriously; the victim's case is initially not believed because she was already deemed to be of questionable character. "Law & Order" always dealt with heady material. 

Hoffman's role isn't huge, but it is fascinating to see him committed to the role of an outraged, bratty punk kid. Jackson has a little more to work with as the no-nonsense defense lawyer. There is a scene wherein his clients are caught on audio cassette confessing to the crime. When the Jackson character hears it, he very steadily says that, yes, it sounds bad. But, being on the defense, he immediately points out that the cassette may not be admissible evidence. The Jackson character is not unscrupulous, but he does want to make sure he defends his clients. Jackson's natural intensity as an actor helps sell his character's resolve. 

Because "Law & Order" has been ubiquitous for literally decades, one can easily see "The Violence of Summer." It's available on Hulu, Max, and Peacock. Fire it up and see some fine, fine actors early in their careers. Keep watching, and you'll see dozens of others besides.