Dignity

Season 20, Episode 5, Aired
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7.0
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A doctor who performs late-term abortions is murdered in church.
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Fan Episode Reviews (11)

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  • What's happened to my favorite, intelligent show? I will try to keep an open mind, but I am profoundly concerned, not only about the shift in the show, but what it says about the changes in society that would cause it...moreless

    1.0
    "Abysmal"
    By roseated, Mar 08, 2011
    I was horrified by this episode, and spent the hour waiting for the many, many thoughtful, potentially convincing arguments that should have been made, and the intelligent, thought provoking dialog that could have - should have - followed.

    For example, when Cutter makes his plea to Jack about the lack of protection for fetus', the context/discussion/argument was a about birth control, NOT about serious birth defects and the many complicated, potentially devastating issues that they entail. OF COURSE late-stage abortions are unacceptable as birth-control, OF COURSE someone could get moralistic about that, but this is not what this show was supposed to be about. Where's the intelligent, interesting rebuttal the brings Cutter (and the audience, and the Jury) back to the issue at hand? I have not had TV this fall, and today watched my first 2 episodes of the season. The first was the one with the 10 kids and the reality TV show. For the last almost 20 years, Law and Order has pinned me to my chair, but I was restless and bored by the episode. With this one as my second try, I am very concerned that the show as a whole has been "dumbed down" and skewed to the right.

    The fact that I have never, ever been even tempted to write a TV show review before, yet tonight I was COMPELLED to find a place to do so, really says something about my frustration with this episod and with the shows (potential) direction... I will try to keep an open mind, but I am profoundly concerned, not only about the shift in the show, but what it says about the changes in society that would cause it...moreless

  • Shallow sentiment trying to pass for thought. Worst episode of the series

    1.0
    "Abysmal"
    By blnsmith, Mar 01, 2011
    Shallow sentiment trying to pass for thought. Worst episode of the series. I am very disappointed in Law & Order, which used to feature incisive arguments for all sides of an issue. I hope this is not a harbinger of things to come. If it is, this may be the last season for a show which was once compelling and intelligent. Why has it decided to dumb down? Is it moving to Fox?

    The true issues surrounding abortion were hardly mentioned. How does one balance the interests and well-being of the mother and the rest of her family against the interests and well-being of an unborn child?moreless

  • THIS is why there is a season 20.

    10
    "Perfect"
    By bluejayfusion, Oct 09, 2010
    Episodes like 'Dignity' are what Law & Order is about... last week's episode was unique and quirky and a show that's been on so long it's entitled to breaking character... but.. this episode was true Law & Order. The touchy emotional issues that underpinned the case united the police and court scenes, filling every scene with energy- the exchange between Bernard and Lupo was powerful, as was the tiff between Cutter and Connie. And what is best of all is that the drama made sense! Cutter's anger and disappointment in what he felt was Connie's betrayal verses Connie being true to her character and standing up for what she believes in- which was completely understandable given the devastating testimony. I hate when shows arbitrarily have characters playing 'devil's advocate' to each other. L&O lets the characters come out of their shells when the situation demands it and it results in powerful television... seriously, who wasn't anxious wondering what Jack would do to Connie? I was more interested in that than the verdict!moreless

  • Anti-choice propoganda -the writers do not trust women to make their own choices.

    1.0
    "Abysmal"
    By kyravon, Oct 09, 2010
    Wow, this was awful, there was no reasoned debate back n' forth. Everyone on the show was mouthing anti-choice and anti-women comments (except Jack).

    Not to mention some outright lies. The majority of people are PRO_CHOICE, not ANTI-Choice like Cutter stated.

    The show tried to claim it was better to let a fetus be born and live in pain & die within a day because somehow that gave it dignity. Their example seemed like nothing but a very selfish parent wanting to have the child no matter the pain and undignity of being born w/out a brain/organs/whatever and then slowly dying that same day.

    That finishing an abortion just because labor had starting during the procedure - somehow made it justifiable to kill a doctor performing a legal medical procedure.

    This show tried to push public opinion in a very unsubtle propoganda. I'm used to the show taking controversial stands - but usually there's some debate. I did not feel this was even handed at all.

    This episode is an insult to George Tiller whose life this was "ripped from the headlines".moreless

  • Worst episode over.

    1.0
    "Abysmal"
    By Foster40, Oct 09, 2010
    It was pure pro-life propaganda. There was no serious debate. Rather than intelligently offering valid points to both sides, it was so embarrassingly one-sided. It was an attempt to brainwash pro-choice Americans with extreme-case scenarios. Contrary to what the writers will have you believe, the majority of Americans are pro-choice.

    It disappoints me that the quality of writing and the storylines of this once great show has completely deteriorated. I am really not sure who is responsible for the new tone of the show, Dick Wolf and the writing team or NBC. As far as I am concerned, NBC has been making some seriously awful decisions which prove how out of touch they are with Americans. First with forcing Leno down our throats 5 nights a week, and then with the cancelation of "Southland".

    If the goal is to win over the coveted 18-44 demographic, this episode has surely failed by alienating them with this non-progressive stance.

    I would give this episode zero stars if I could.moreless
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