With the episodes from 'Law and Order's' middle period and from its later seasons airing so often, it is very easy perhaps to overlook the early seasons. Meaning in my view pre-Season 7. That is a shame, because 'Law and Order' in its early years was more often than not good to fantastic with some truly fine episodes in each of the seasons in question. Wasn't blown away by every episode but when the show was at its best it was brilliant, and there were obvious good things in lesser episodes too.
"Switch" to me (along with "White Rabbit", "Rage", "Cruel and Unusual" and "Bad Faith") is one of the best episodes of Season 5. It is also a special one, complete with one of the standout guest turns of the season and one of Season 5's (and the early seasons' for that matter) most psychologically fascinating characters, the type that is very difficult to pull off well. "Switch" is an outstanding episode in every way and classic 'Law and Order'.
It is shot with the right amount of intimacy without being claustrophobic and that the editing has become increasingly tighter over-time has been great too. The music doesn't get intrusive or overwrought, even when the episode gets more dramatic. The direction doesn't try to do too much and is understated but never flat or unsure.
The writing is intelligent and although, like the show in general, there is a lot of talk (as always for the 'Law and Order' franchise) it doesn't feel like there is too much or too loose. The story sounds ordinary at first but actually very quickly becomes quite twisty and intricate, with some clever revelations and nice tension. It has a gritty edge but also flashes of class. Megan is a fascinating character psychologically, her personality traits are many and complex and trying to figure out her character is the primary reason for the episode's tension and twisty nature.
All the regulars are excellent but it is the truly unforgettably tremendous performance of Francie Swift that makes "Switch" special. She shows no signs of being taxed by a very difficult character and embodies every single personality chillingly and affectingly with no signs of hamminess (not an easy feat as the character is one so easy to overact).
Summing up, brilliant penultimate episode. 10/10