A woman is killed after opening a mail bomb. The investigation leads to the discovery of a bitter research dispute between her ex-husband, a noted physicist, and a younger researcher that he... Read allA woman is killed after opening a mail bomb. The investigation leads to the discovery of a bitter research dispute between her ex-husband, a noted physicist, and a younger researcher that he double-crossed.A woman is killed after opening a mail bomb. The investigation leads to the discovery of a bitter research dispute between her ex-husband, a noted physicist, and a younger researcher that he double-crossed.
- Dr. Elizabeth Olivet
- (credit only)
- Mary Willoughby
- (as Brenda Thomas Denmark)
- Director
- Writers
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- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaThe Ted Kaczynski (a.k.a. "The Unabomber") case. Kaczynski, who was apprehended two years later in 1996, was an American domestic terrorist, anarchist, and mathematical prodigy who, between 1978 and 1995, engaged in a nationwide bombing campaign against people involved with modern technology. He planted or mailed numerous homemade bombs, ultimately killing a total of three people and injuring 23 others. He is also known for his wide-ranging social critiques, which opposed industrialization and modern technology while advancing a nature-centered form of anarchism. He became well-known for sending bombs with false return addresses that belonged to real people and was the target of one of the Federal Bureau of Investigation's costliest investigations. Before Kaczynski's identity was known, the FBI used the title "UNABOM" (UNiversity & Airline BOMber) to refer to his case, which resulted in the media calling him the Unabomber. The FBI (as well as Attorney General Janet Reno) pushed for the publication of Kaczynski's "manifesto", which led his sister-in-law and then his brother to recognize Kaczynski's style of writing and beliefs, and they tipped off the FBI. Kaczynski tried unsuccessfully to dismiss his court-appointed lawyers because they wanted to plead insanity in order to avoid the death penalty, as Kaczynski did not believe he was insane. When it became clear that his pending trial would entail national television exposure for Kaczynski, the court entered a plea agreement, under which he pleaded guilty and was sentenced to life in prison with no possibility of parole. Although Kaczynski was arrested two years after the episode aired, he interestingly shares some similarities with the defendant: both were disgruntled scientific geniuses, had thick beards, lived simple lifestyles, and eventually targeted scientists in bombings.
- GoofsWhen the detectives go to the physics lab to gather information on Weiss, his desk drawer is locked. When the police move to force it open, another lab employee steps in with a key and opens it. Later, Weiss is confronted with what was found in the drawer as proof that he is guilty of murder. Although it might seem that the lab employee's ability to access the drawer would nullify its contents being tied specifically to Weiss, presumably the police later verified that the other worker lacked opportunity and/or motive, ruling out a potential defense for Weiss.
- Quotes
Adam Schiff: If Manning swears that the theory is worthless, you gotta prove that it isn't. Now, what the hell's the theory?
Claire Kincaid: That protons eventually fall apart.
Adam Schiff: Is this something to be worried about?
Claire Kincaid: It means all matter in the universe will eventually disintegrate, in a certain way.
Adam Schiff: Terrific. Now, all we gotta do to win a larceny trial is prove how the universe will end!
Ben Stone: No, all I do is get my own group of expert witnesses.
Adam Schiff: Well, who are you gonna get? The Almighty?
Ben Stone: Physics professors! That's all Manning is.
Adam Schiff: Oh - physics professors. You better get a jury of insomniacs.
Keep your eyes peeled for a scene where Detective Logan (Chris Noth) philosophizes about the meaning of existence, given the universe's tendency towards entropy. Of course, he's brought back to earth by the always lovable Jerry Orbach as Detective Lennie Briscoe.
Excellent television, this is.
- Better_TV
- May 2, 2018