A deathbed confession reopens one of Fontana's old murder cases involving a young model, one in which he believed that the father was the killer. Branch and the father want the case to go aw... Read allA deathbed confession reopens one of Fontana's old murder cases involving a young model, one in which he believed that the father was the killer. Branch and the father want the case to go away, but McCoy is bent on going to trial.A deathbed confession reopens one of Fontana's old murder cases involving a young model, one in which he believed that the father was the killer. Branch and the father want the case to go away, but McCoy is bent on going to trial.
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- DA Arthur Branch
- (as Fred Dalton Thompson)
- Nick Zona
- (as Quentin Maré)
- Director
- Writers
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaThis episode appears to feature some elements inspired by the 1996 murder of JonBenét Ramsey.
- Quotes
Jack McCoy: What the hell do you think you're doing, detective?
Detective Joe Fontana: Excuse me?
Jack McCoy: You promised Nick Zona a liquor license? And you didn't tell me about it?
Detective Joe Fontana: First of all, watch your tone. It's a little over the top for my liking. And as far as Nick Zona's concerned, I promised him nothing.
Jack McCoy: That's not what he thinks.
Detective Joe Fontana: I don't control what he thinks.
Jack McCoy: What did you tell him?
Detective Joe Fontana: I told him that if he told the truth, that I would help him out down the line. I also specifically said "I can't make promises."
Jack McCoy: You know I'm required to notify the defense with respect to any promises or inducements.
Detective Joe Fontana: Hey, if I say it's not a promise, how the hell is it a promise?
Jack McCoy: Was Detective Green present?
Detective Joe Fontana: He was on the phone.
Jack McCoy: Congratulations, detective. You just destroyed the credibility of our key witness.
Detective Joe Fontana: Hey, don't lay this crap off on me! I did my job, and I did it well. If you blow this case over some self-imagined half-assed favor, that's your problem, pal, not mine.
- ConnectionsRemade as Law & Order: UK: Haunted (2011)
While Fontana had already come on a long way as a character, he had not really had an awful lot of development prior to "Ghosts". So this story was in a way needed, and on the whole a very good job is done with him and the story. The story, and the episode definitely did the right thing looking on a past case and having a character trying to put things right, has a lot of power, and it really does further Fontana's character while not taking over the case too much. He doesn't come off too well here considering what he did in the past, but it is hard to be too upset with him. "Ghosts" is very good, both for 'Law and Order' and as an episode for anything.
"Ghosts" perhaps starts off on the ordinary side and the episode tries to cram in a little too much towards the end.
However, the character development for Fontana was great, being illuminating and making him a more interesting, more rounded character in a situation that proves that even good detectives can make major errors. It also manages to be a big part of the case, which is a tough subject handled in an unyielding but moving way. Will admit to being in tears at the end. The story is always compelling, though the more complex and emotionally powerful second half is better than the first. McCoy's role is handled very well.
The acting is very good too, with Dennis Farina giving one of his best performances of the show. Raymond J. Barry gives a very poignant portrayal of a father grieving, the character felt most for.
It's well made, intimately photographed and slick with no signs of under-budget or anything. The music didn't sound melodramatic or too constant and the direction is accomodating while still having pulse. The writing doesn't ramble, although as usual there is a lot of dialogue to digest, and really provokes thought, disturbs and brings a lump to the throat. It is especially intriguing and thoughtful in the second half.
Concluding, very good episode. 8/10.
- TheLittleSongbird
- Aug 14, 2022
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