The murder of an abortion doctor leads to the prosecution of a radical pro-life leader, who hopes to use the trial to grandstand against abortion laws.The murder of an abortion doctor leads to the prosecution of a radical pro-life leader, who hopes to use the trial to grandstand against abortion laws.The murder of an abortion doctor leads to the prosecution of a radical pro-life leader, who hopes to use the trial to grandstand against abortion laws.
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaThis episode appears to be based on the 1994 Paul Jennings Hill case. In 1994, Hill shot and killed Dr. John Bayard Britton and Britton's escort, James H. Barrett, because Britton performed medical abortions at the Pensacola Ladies Center. Hill, a former minister, maintained that he did nothing wrong throughout his entire time on death row. He was executed on September 3, 2003. So far Hill is the only person in the US to be executed for the murder of an abortion doctor.
- GoofsAt the end of the scene where Briscoe and Logan confront Bryant outside the abortion clinic, someone can clearly be heard shouting "All right!", most likely a crew member ending the scene for the extras.
- Quotes
Executive A.D.A. Jack McCoy: [referring to abortions] When you were still performing them, would Mr. Seeley have been justified in killing you?
Dr. Rachel Moran: [upset] Yes. I was, in effect, committing murder.
Executive A.D.A. Jack McCoy: [puzzled] In effect?
Dr. Rachel Moran: I was committing murder.
Executive A.D.A. Jack McCoy: All right. Would you please stand up?
[to the bailiff]
Executive A.D.A. Jack McCoy: Officer, arrest this woman!
Judge Daniel Scarletti: Mr. McCoy!
Executive A.D.A. Jack McCoy: We've just heard a confession of murder, Your Honour. Officer!
Judge Daniel Scarletti: I'm not amused, Mr. McCoy!
Executive A.D.A. Jack McCoy: How many counts of murder shall we charge you with, Dr Moran?
Judge Daniel Scarletti: [angry] Mr. McCoy! May I remind you that abortion is legal!
Executive A.D.A. Jack McCoy: [triumphantly] Thank you, Your Honour!
- ConnectionsFeatured in Vulture's the 100 Best Episodes of the 1994-95 TV Season (2014)
This one is filled with great performances. James Rebhorn, who I knew as Carrie Mathison's dad on "Homeland," is awesome as the defense attorney; he's one of those actors who just has a powerful screen presence, even before he opens his mouth to speak. Thomas Schall does a lot of great nonverbal work as a religious zealot with a history of violence, and Ted Kazanoff is also forceful as the trial judge.
And then there's Edward Herrmann (probably most famous for his work on "Gilmore Girls") as a defrocked priest-turned anti-abortion activist. He goes head-to-head with Sam Waterston as Jack McCoy in some absolutely awesome, emotion-packed scenes; both actors are really giving it their all here. Some of the trial scenes feel like a movie - they're that good!
Look out for ADA Claire Kincaid (Jill Hennessy) actually doing some cross-examination in this one; rarely is she ever shown standing up and speaking during trial (the last occurrence I can recall is a brief scene in episode 3 of this season, "Blue Bamboo"). And everyone's favorite smart aleck forensic examiner Elizabeth Rodgers (Leslie Hendrix) takes the stand for a tense face off with Rebhorn; his wily rhetorical strategies are no match for her intellect!
This is the first episode of season 5 that felt, to me, like Sam Waterston was really coming into his own and staking his claim on the L&O series with the Jack McCoy character - kind of a "I'm here, and I'm here to stay" vibe.
I liked this one a lot.
- Better_TV
- May 15, 2018