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)
"Progeny" is in the former category, in a near-return to form for Season 5. The original 'Law and Order' was no stranger to the subject of abortion, Season 1's "Life Choice", will agree with that being an excellent episode and a better and slightly more insightful one, explored it too and it was explored more than once throughout the whole 'Law and Order' franchise since. "Progeny" handles the subject just as effectively for similar reasons and while not quite a show high point it's one of the best episodes of Season 5 and one of the more powerful ones. Complete with one of the early seasons' standout guest stars and legal scenes in a different league to those of the rest of Season 5's episodes.
Like "Life Choice", maybe it could have gone into slightly more depth and done more with more fanatical elements of the subject. The closest it gets to doing that is Thomas Schall's character.
However, also like "Life Choice", "Progeny" handles the subject of abortion with both force and tact, and brings a good deal of insight into the subject in particularly in its moral dilemmas. To me it wasn't heavy handed and it was not obvious really whose side the writers are on. Evident in the scenes between McCoy and Seeley, absolutely agree about the trial scenes, some of the best of the season and of the early seasons, being incredibly executed and cinematic-worthy (even doing it better than a good deal of films set in the courtroom). The tension and emotion is edge of the seat in quality.
Couldn't have asked for better performances. Sam Waterston fares best of the regulars and while James Rebhorn and Schall are excellent the performance of the episode for me belonged to Edward Hermann, especially in the chemistry between him and Waterston. He was seldom more despicable (chillingly so) as a character that is a far cry from loveable Richard from 'Gilmore Girls', doing it without being hammy or making the character too obvious. The script is tight and intelligent, coming to life thrillingly in the trial scenes.
The episode is slickly photographed throughout, a perfect match for the gritty tone, and New York looks both striking and atmosphere-filled. The music is only used when necessary and when it is used it does stick in the mind and not done so ham-handedly. Both the main theme and opening voice over are memorable. It is directed with a confident and sympathetic edge.
Overall, terrific. 9/10
- TheLittleSongbird
- Dec 3, 2020