A rebellious child dies during an unsanctioned exorcism ceremony. The defendant claims that St. Michael instructed her to perform the exorcism.A rebellious child dies during an unsanctioned exorcism ceremony. The defendant claims that St. Michael instructed her to perform the exorcism.A rebellious child dies during an unsanctioned exorcism ceremony. The defendant claims that St. Michael instructed her to perform the exorcism.
Photos
- Bill Crawford
- (as Melvin Rodriguez)
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaThis episode appears to be based on the 1998 Charity Miranda case. Charity's mother, Vivian, and a classmate, Serena Martin, engaged her in a two-hour exorcism because her mother believed that Charity had a demon inside of her. Charity died during the exorcism process, and to cover her death, her mother placed her in a plastic bag, leaving her at the bottom of the stairs.
- Quotes
Jack McCoy: [in closing summation] What do you make of Rosa Halasy and her calling? I can't answer it myself. Mr. Wade says you can't convict her because she's a good person, maybe even a holy person. I'm not sure I disagree with his characterization, but it brings you right back to the contradiction: can a righteous person commit a wrongful act? What I do know is that Rosa Halasy is flesh and blood like you and me. We can't let Rosa Halasy assert for herself the power we vest in our Supreme Being. She may hear God, but she may not play God! Just because she has a divine mission, it doesn't exempt her from the code of human behavior. When she squeezed the life out of Kira Grayson in the back room of her apartment, she violated that code. Her passion for God, however tangible and heartfelt, rendered her oblivious to the mortality of Kira Grayson. She's responsible for the consequences of her convictions. And just as her God holds her accountable, so should we!
- ConnectionsReferences NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt (1970)
"Disciple" is another very good episode of 'Law and Order' and of Season 9. It is not one of the best outings from Season 9 (nor is it one of the worst), but although there are imperfections there are many truly excellent qualities as well with "Disciple". The subject matter is not easy and any case where religion plays a large part in it has potential traps (as bringing religion into discussing heavy topics can be touchy territory), but although not executed perfectly "Disciple's" handling of it was better than expected.
Like some 'Law and Order' episodes around this point, "Disciple" is a little on the routine side to begin with.
Also felt that while the sentiment was completely understandable and agreed with the whole not wanting the perpetrator out on the streets part was on the heavy handed side.
Everything else is very strong. On a visual level, the episode is solid and the intimacy of the photography doesn't get static or too filmed play-like. The music when used is not too over-emphatic and has a melancholic edge that is quite haunting. The direction is sympathetic enough without being leaden, while having enough momentum to make the drama sing in its atmosphere. The acting is very good, especially in the legal scenes. Frances Conroy definitely unsettles.
Script is tight and has always made me think long and hard after (most 'Law and Order' episodes do), with grit, class and tact. The story is absorbing and hard hitting, with an unforgettable cross examination scene (one of McCoy's greatest). The moral dilemmas of the case are handled very thoughtfully and despite the danger of doing so the religious element of the story isn't shoved too much down the throat.
In summary, very good. 8/10.
- TheLittleSongbird
- Sep 29, 2021