A child's collapse in school from mortal injuries leads to an investigation that uncovers a family steeped in horrific abuse.A child's collapse in school from mortal injuries leads to an investigation that uncovers a family steeped in horrific abuse.A child's collapse in school from mortal injuries leads to an investigation that uncovers a family steeped in horrific abuse.
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- TriviaThis episode is based on the 1987 Lisa Steinberg case. Joel Steinberg, a disbarred New York criminal defense attorney, attracted international media attention when he was accused of murder and then convicted of manslaughter in the November 1, 1987, death of a six-year-old girl, Elizabeth (Lisa Steinberg). He and his live-in partner Hedda Nussbaum had illegally adopted the girl. Steinberg had reportedly been hired by a single mother to locate a suitable adoptive family for Lisa, but he instead took the child home and raised her with Nussbaum. Having never filing formal adoption papers, Steinberg and Nussbaum were therefore never scrutinized as adoptive parents.
- GoofsThroughout the trial, objections aren't handled properly. Whenever an objection is raised, the judge must make a ruling on its validity before testimony can continue--unless the questioner withdraws the question. If the judge overrules an objection, the question must be answered. Many questions remain unanswered even after the judge has overruled the objections.
In addition, throughout the trial, the judge allow ADA Stone to make arguments (rather than ask questions) after the defense has objected to a specific question. A judge isn't likely to allow either side to make arguments until the judge has ruled on the validity of the objection in question. An appeal to the defendant's conviction could be made based on the judge's mishandling of Mr. Stone--while objecting to more than one objection, Mr. Stone makes arguments that belong in opening or closing arguments, not the presentation of evidence.
- Quotes
Executive A.D.A. Ben Stone: I didn't hear you knock.
Shambala Green: That's 'cause I didn't. If I'd have knocked, you would've heard it.
Executive A.D.A. Ben Stone: I don't doubt that.
- ConnectionsFeatured in The 43rd Annual Primetime Emmy Awards (1991)
Featured review
Hardly indifferent
With the Briscoe (though not the very early episodes, more from Season 7 onwards) and post-Briscoe episodes tending to be aired much more, hence there is more familiarity with them, it is very easy to underrate or forget 'Law and Order's' pre-Season 7 years and especially the first three seasons. Although they are hardly prime-'Law and Order', they still shouldn't be forgotten, with there being a lot of great things, interesting cases and good handling of very heavy subjects.
"Indifference" is not one of those episodes to be indifferent to. In my mind actually, it is one of Season 1's best episodes, the first truly outstanding one and the best since the very first episode "Prescription for Death", even better than that actually. Here the pace is tighter than the previous episodes and the characterisation is some of the season's meatiest, and in this case especially in support with the defendants. It also has one of Season 1's most powerful stories, regardless of the beginning disclaimer, and two of its (and the early seasons' too for that matter) best guest turns.
As with the previous episodes, "Indifference" is well made in the production values. Slickly photographed throughout, a perfect match for the gritty tone, and New York looks both striking and atmosphere-filled. The music is only used when necessary and when it is used it does stick in the mind and not done so ham-handedly. Both the main theme and opening voice over are memorable. It is directed with a confident and sympathetic edge.
The writing provokes a lot of thought and the writers were clearly enjoying writing the dialogue for Stone, ever the juicy character. This heavy subject matter is handled with intelligence and dark poignancy without being dreary or preachy, going into more depth than the previous episodes with their subjects thanks to two very strongly written supporting characters. In particular Carla.
Michael Moriaty fares the best of the regulars and George Dzundza and Chris Noth's chemistry is getting stronger all the time, their hard boiled performances still shining. It's the two main supporting performances that manage to steal the episode from under them. David Groh is one chilling reptile but even better in the more complex role is Marcia Jean Kurtz, both frightening and moving.
Summing up, superb episode and the best up to this point of the season. 10/10
"Indifference" is not one of those episodes to be indifferent to. In my mind actually, it is one of Season 1's best episodes, the first truly outstanding one and the best since the very first episode "Prescription for Death", even better than that actually. Here the pace is tighter than the previous episodes and the characterisation is some of the season's meatiest, and in this case especially in support with the defendants. It also has one of Season 1's most powerful stories, regardless of the beginning disclaimer, and two of its (and the early seasons' too for that matter) best guest turns.
As with the previous episodes, "Indifference" is well made in the production values. Slickly photographed throughout, a perfect match for the gritty tone, and New York looks both striking and atmosphere-filled. The music is only used when necessary and when it is used it does stick in the mind and not done so ham-handedly. Both the main theme and opening voice over are memorable. It is directed with a confident and sympathetic edge.
The writing provokes a lot of thought and the writers were clearly enjoying writing the dialogue for Stone, ever the juicy character. This heavy subject matter is handled with intelligence and dark poignancy without being dreary or preachy, going into more depth than the previous episodes with their subjects thanks to two very strongly written supporting characters. In particular Carla.
Michael Moriaty fares the best of the regulars and George Dzundza and Chris Noth's chemistry is getting stronger all the time, their hard boiled performances still shining. It's the two main supporting performances that manage to steal the episode from under them. David Groh is one chilling reptile but even better in the more complex role is Marcia Jean Kurtz, both frightening and moving.
Summing up, superb episode and the best up to this point of the season. 10/10
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- TheLittleSongbird
- Aug 19, 2019
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