Three Observations

One thing the episode brought to my attention is the different perspectives on justice from two groups or individuals on the same side of the law. The view of the FBI agent regarding whether pursuing the Bomber guy for a murder was worth publicity for the IRA is valid and rational. At the same time, the desire to pursue trial for the murder of even a drug and weapon peddler is also valid, due to the sanctity of the human life in America. This situation adds considerable complexity to my consideration of legal matters from an enforcement perspective.
Similarly, the different perspectives of the IRA presented from members and from the public/government shows a conflict between different perspectives. While I cannot understand how a conflict between two different sects of the same religious group could come to armed combat, I can understand why it would be worth it to others. Religious fanaticism has existed for the same amount of time as religion. I cannot understand the bombing of innocent individuals, or chalking up such an incident as a necessary accident, and as such I would offer that it is not only the job of moderate individuals to attempt to view things from the perspective of radicals, but for radicals to attempt to view things from more moderate perspectives as well. If this were possible, I doubt there would be many radicals in the world.
Finally, the level of racial tension displayed within the show was very prevalent to me. The show was made in a different era, but I cannot imagine that as recently as the Law and Order's creation, there was so much casual disparagement of individuals of different religions or cultures. I know it existed, but the casual nature with which the cops in the opening scene bantered back in forth about "Micks" and "WOPs" struck me as odd. I may just have limited experience in these kinds of situations or with individuals from these backgrounds, but this scene stuck with me.