A late-term abortion doctor is killed, which leads to the emotionally-charged trial of a pro-life advocate, and threatens to drive a wedge between Cutter and Rubirosa.A late-term abortion doctor is killed, which leads to the emotionally-charged trial of a pro-life advocate, and threatens to drive a wedge between Cutter and Rubirosa.A late-term abortion doctor is killed, which leads to the emotionally-charged trial of a pro-life advocate, and threatens to drive a wedge between Cutter and Rubirosa.
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- Blair Morton
- (as Jessica Varley)
- Director
- Writers
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaRipped from the headlines about the shooting of Dr. George Tiller, a doctor who specialized in late-term abortions who was murdered in church.
- Quotes
Executive A.D.A. Michael Cutter: I'd like to show you something... People's 32 this is the wallet that Walter Benning was carrying when he was shot. And I want to show you these photos of his children and grandchildren. Photos that are stained with... I can't, I can't do this there's, there's been too much heartbreaking testimony. Just too much. We're dealing with an issue here that goes to the very mystery of our existence. What is life? When does it begin? At conception? At viability? At birth? And in good faith, we seek guidance from our moral leaders, from scientists. And we want so much to do the right thing, you know, the-the just thing. And we want reason and empathy to lead us to an answer, and-and we struggle so much to find that answer. Why? Because... because despite all our differences, we are joined in one belief that every life is special and unique and imbued with inalienable rights, and that belief compels us to reject the violence... and the unreasoned chaos that Wayne Grogan's act represents. Thank you.
With "Dignity" comes the first disappointment of 'Law and Order's' generally solid final season, and it is a lesser episode of the season. Abortion is no stranger of a subject for 'Law and Order'. It was done too particularly notably in Season 1's "Life Choice" and Season 5's "Progeny". Both of those episodes handled the subject with much more force, more sensitivity, more meat and more complexity. As well as more insight. Didn't think that "Dignity" is that bad, but it could have been a lot better considering that one of the toughest topics has been done well before.
"Dignity" has a good number of good things. It is as ever shot with the right amount of intimacy without feeling too up close, even with a reliance of close up camerawork. That the editing has become increasingly tighter over-time is great too. The music isn't over-scored, manipulative or used too much. There is intimacy and tautness in the direction.
To me actually the acting was fine, had no issues with any of the regulars and Lupo and Bernard's chemistry has come on a good deal. Some of the writing is thought provoking and it intrigues. The story is very flawed but is intriguing and isn't too obvious or over simple while also not being convoluted.
However, this reviewer does agree with that the subject could have been explored much better. It really lacks depth, with the supporting characters not being fleshed out that well and there is too much of one viewpoint going on. There is not enough insight either, with an over-reliance of one liners that say nothing and it doesn't say anything other than what is known already.
Really didn't like at all the preachiness in the writing, which was like the writers had settled on one side of the argument and rammed down the throats in a condescending manner while practically disregarding the other, if they had not done that it would have been a potentially complex and insightful episode on par with "Life Choice" and "Progeny". Absolutely agree too regarding the simplistic, over generalised and unnecessarily judgemental portrayal of EDS, which is going to make those that have it or know people that do feel guilt.
Overall, not that bad but far from great. Was very conflicted in whether to give it a 5 or 6 but gave it a 5.5 rounded up to 6/10 due to not wanting to sound too negative. 5.5-6/10.
- TheLittleSongbird
- Feb 22, 2023
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