A false kidnapping claim leads to the prosecution of a married couple after detectives discover that three of their infants have died under mysterious circumstances.A false kidnapping claim leads to the prosecution of a married couple after detectives discover that three of their infants have died under mysterious circumstances.A false kidnapping claim leads to the prosecution of a married couple after detectives discover that three of their infants have died under mysterious circumstances.
- Director
- Writers
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaThis episode appears to be based on several cases/incidents:-
- The 1994 Joseph Bales/Helene Lemay case. In which Bales and Lemay, a Canadian couple claimed their baby disappeared and was stolen in central park in New York city.
- The 1985 Marybeth Tinning case. Marybeth is thought to have killed at least 8 (and probably 9) of her children over a 14-year span. Most of the children had not yet reached the age of one year when they were killed. The deaths were originally thought to have been due to a genetic disease (Reye Syndrome) or SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), but suspicion increased after their adopted son Michael died too. Noted pathologist Michael Baden was involved in the initial investigation and subsequent trial. Tinning is still incarcerated at the Bedford Hills Correctional Facility for Women (Bedford Hills, New York) and has been denied parole four times since 2007.
- The 1965-1971 Waneta Hoyt case. Waneta Ethel Hoyt was an American serial killer who was convicted of killing all five of her biological children.
- The debate over compulsory sterilization in the U.S.
- GoofsDA Adam Schiff refers to Jack McCoy's hypothetical next wife as "Mrs. McCovey."
- Quotes
Eileen Willick: I'm not a good mother.
Lennie Briscoe: Why do you say that?
Eileen Willick: My babies cry all the time. Other people's babies don't cry.
Lennie Briscoe: What did you do when your babies cried?
Eileen Willick: I want to go to the bathroom.
- ConnectionsFeatured in Vulture's the 100 Best Episodes of the 1994-95 TV Season (2014)
Featured review
Cradle of death
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.
'Law and Order' is not at its best with its seventh episode "Precious", other episodes had more tension and emotional impact and had guest stars in the memory longer. The episode is still very good with a lot of great things, if not up there with the Season 5 (up to this point a bit of a rollercoaster quality-wise) high points. So there is nothing disparaging in my critique here, just saying that Season 5 did better (i.e. "White Rabbit").
"Precious" did strike me as somewhat over-heated in parts.
Despite being well played, the character of Marty was a little on the bland and passive side at times.
Having said all of that, there is a huge amount to admire with "Precious". 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. Nice use of locations too. The music doesn't get over-scored or overwrought, even in the more dramatic revelation moments. 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 it doesn't feel long-winded.
Although not perfectly executed, "Precious" deals with another tough topic and while it did lack subtlety (especially the character of Eileen) its gutsy pull no punches approach was appropriate and appreciated. Making for a good deal of emotionally powerful moments in the latter stages. The moral dilemmas of the case, as was often the case with prime-'Law and Order', are done sensitively. All the regulars are strong, while Julie Boyd is genuinely frightening later on. Kevin O'Rourke is fine but his material is not very meaty in my view.
Concluding, very well done. 8/10
'Law and Order' is not at its best with its seventh episode "Precious", other episodes had more tension and emotional impact and had guest stars in the memory longer. The episode is still very good with a lot of great things, if not up there with the Season 5 (up to this point a bit of a rollercoaster quality-wise) high points. So there is nothing disparaging in my critique here, just saying that Season 5 did better (i.e. "White Rabbit").
"Precious" did strike me as somewhat over-heated in parts.
Despite being well played, the character of Marty was a little on the bland and passive side at times.
Having said all of that, there is a huge amount to admire with "Precious". 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. Nice use of locations too. The music doesn't get over-scored or overwrought, even in the more dramatic revelation moments. 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 it doesn't feel long-winded.
Although not perfectly executed, "Precious" deals with another tough topic and while it did lack subtlety (especially the character of Eileen) its gutsy pull no punches approach was appropriate and appreciated. Making for a good deal of emotionally powerful moments in the latter stages. The moral dilemmas of the case, as was often the case with prime-'Law and Order', are done sensitively. All the regulars are strong, while Julie Boyd is genuinely frightening later on. Kevin O'Rourke is fine but his material is not very meaty in my view.
Concluding, very well done. 8/10
helpful•81
- TheLittleSongbird
- Nov 18, 2020
Details
Contribute to this page
Suggest an edit or add missing content