The idea for "Ego" had classic 'Law and Order' written all over it. And this is meant in a good way, being another concept that would have been right home in the early seasons. This is the kind of story that 'Law and Order' and the franchise did well a lot, and there are plenty of meaty and think they're invincible characters in all three major 'Law and Order' shows. These are not subtle characters and can be potentially too overt, but it is always fun to see how their mind works and how they work under pressure.
Despite not being one of the very highest rated episodes of Season 11, to me "Ego" was fantastic and in the top 5 of the best episodes of the season. As has been said, the season left me mixed but it did have some truly fine episodes and "Ego" is one of them. Made even better by one of the most interesting and most terrifying supporting characters of Season 11, matched only by the perpetrator in "Hubris" (another one of the season's best episodes).
"Ego" works brilliantly in so many ways, in fact every way. The production values as ever are slick and with the right amount of muted grit, the photography doesn't try to do anything too fancy or gimmicky while not being claustrophobic and keeping things simple. The music doesn't overbear with the theme tune still memorable. The direction keeps things tight while allowing time to breathe.
Script is tight and intelligent, with nice tension in the exchanges in the second half and Briscoe's one-liners and wisecracks will never get old. It is particularly good when exploring the roadblocks that complicate the case. Conroy's line about that he loved the victim being a surprise is chilling. The story is suspenseful, twisty, crackling in tension in the legal scenes and one of the season's most disturbing. After many ridiculous defense arguments this season, it was refreshing to have one that had some plausibility.
Admittedly, the perpetrator's guilt is never in doubt when put on trial, but the way their mind works and what lengths they go to complicate things for the prosecution that disturbs. As well as their motives. All the regulars are excellent, but Nestor Serrano is unforgettable and gives one of the most unnerving performances of the season.
In conclusion, brilliant. 10/10.