This episode is Sam Waterston's first appearance since his character's promotion to District Attorney, as the season 18 premiere of Law & Order didn't air until January of 2008, two months after this episode aired (season 17 was interrupted by the writers' strike of 2007 which ultimately caused the delay in the return of the mothership).
Visible Equipment: When Stabler is trying to put the suspect in the back of the squad car at 13:45, the boom microphone is visible for several seconds in the door's reflection.
Continuity: There is an error in the dates between this episode and "Fight," which originally aired the following week. According to the information given on the black screens in "Blinded," Elliot was blinded on 10 October. Olivia tells Casey the police surgeon said he can't leave his house until his vision comes back, and his vision is still blurry when he testifies against Picard on 8 November. However, in "Fight," which, according to the black screens, occurred between 17 and 30 October, Elliot was at work and helping Det. Lake review video.
Novak tells Benson that her fiancé, Charlie, died about six months ago.
(Casey is visiting Picard in the NY State mental hospital after his suicide attempt.) Casey Novak: Maybe one day you can forgive yourself when you realize it wasn't your fault. Saul Picard: Wasn't it?
Olivia Benson: Do you think he'll ever get better? Casey Novak: I don't know. I thought Charlie would get better. Olivia Benson: What happened? Casey: I got a call from the morgue about 6 months ago. A John Doe clipped by a passing cab, no ID on him but my business card. It was Charlie. Maybe he'd be alive if I hadn't made him leave. Olivia Benson: You had to save yourself.
Olivia Benson: Oh you're damn right I told the Feds! They have a right to know! Casey Novak: No, you want Picard dead! Louisiana kills him, your hands are clean. Olivia Benson: Those little girls are entitled to some justice. Casey Novak: But what you're talking about isn't justice! It's revenge! Olivia Benson: He's my partner, Casey. Casey Novak: And it's my case! And how I handle it is none of your damn business. (leans into Benson's ear) Because I don't answer to you. (walks out) Olivia Benson (under her breath): We'll see.
Elliot Stabler (to Novak in his living room): You know, I'm gonna have a child in a month. That's scary enough. But the thought that I was never gonna be able to see that child, that terrified me. So Picard? Bring him on.
Saul Picard (to Novak): I don't deserve to live. Don't you understand? If the state thinks that killin' me will stop one pervert from doing what I did to those little girls, then it's worth it. Please let me go home to die.
Dr. George Huang (to Novak): He's not a pedophile; he's a schizophrenic.
Dr. George Huang (about the medication prescribed to Picard): That worked? Saul Picard: Sure did. 'Til it stopped workin'.
Casey Novak: Mr. Picard does have some psychiatric issues. Is it okay if our Dr. Huang evaluates him? Barry Moredock: Can't hurt. I go to war with the Feds, I'm gonna need all the ammunition I can get.
Casey Novak: Just get him back into my custody and I'll have a judge appoint a legal aid attorney and you're out of it. Deal? Barry Moredock: You don't think I'm gonna pass up the chance to beat those sneaky SOB's at their own game do ya?
Casey Novak (enters the squad room): They're charging Picard with interstate kidnapping. Feds faxed me the indictment. Who called them? Don Cragen: Didn't you? Casey Novak: No.
(At Picard's place.) Elliot Stabler: Alright, Picard's alibi checked out. What'd we miss? We missed something. Olivia Benson: He returned the Impala. He walks outta the rental office. (with realization) He saw the keys in the car. Elliot Stabler: He stole the car right back. Oh we screwed up.
Elliot Stabler: Was she raped? Doctor: Yes. No fluids but several hairs and there's significant bruising. She's only 11. Olivia Benson: Don't ask why. It'll just make you crazy.
Officer Tim: Now, are you sure it was a talking car and not a talking fire hydrant? Anna: Don't crack wise with me young man. I'm not some senile old bitch.
(Stabler opens the door.) Casey Novak: It's Casey. Elliot Stabler (laughing): I know, I can see you. Come on in. Casey Novak (sheepishly): I'm sorry. Elliot Stabler: Were you expecting a seeing-eye dog and a cane?
Casey Novak: Why'd you rat me out to the D.A.? Olivia Benson: Because you threw the case. Casey Novak: I had no choice after you sold out Picard to the Feds. Olivia Benson: Look, Casey, I'm as guilty as you are. You were right. I wanted revenge. Casey Novak: For Elliot. Is he okay? Olivia Benson: He'll be back to work next week.
International Episode Titles: Czech Republic "Dočasná slepota" (Temporary blindness)
Original International Air Dates: Australia April 10, 2008 on Network 10 Czech Republic July 27, 2010 on TV Nova
Special billing was given to Sam Waterston (With Special Guest Appearance by) and John Cullum (and) in this episode.
Picard: (to Stabler) "[Alice] swallowed one of the cakes, and she was delighted to find that she began shrinking directly." This is a slightly altered quote from chapter 4 of Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland.
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