Abortion is a very sensitive subject and still is one of the most controversial ones out there, with extreme opinions on both sides (more so than a lot of other controversial topics). Will always admire anything film and television related that explores it, regardless of how the execution fares. There are times where it is explored tactfully, movingly, intensely and insightfully, there are other times where it is handled heavy-handedly and with too much on one side. Which has been true for any subject tackled on 'Law and Order'.
"Progeny" is in the former category, in a near-return to form for Season 5. The original 'Law and Order' was no stranger to the subject of abortion, Season 1's "Life Choice", will agree with that being an excellent episode and a better and slightly more insightful one, explored it too and it was explored more than once throughout the whole 'Law and Order' franchise since. "Progeny" handles the subject just as effectively for similar reasons and while not quite a show high point it's one of the best episodes of Season 5 and one of the more powerful ones. Complete with one of the early seasons' standout guest stars and legal scenes in a different league to those of the rest of Season 5's episodes.
Like "Life Choice", maybe it could have gone into slightly more depth and done more with more fanatical elements of the subject. The closest it gets to doing that is Thomas Schall's character.
However, also like "Life Choice", "Progeny" handles the subject of abortion with both force and tact, and brings a good deal of insight into the subject in particularly in its moral dilemmas. To me it wasn't heavy handed and it was not obvious really whose side the writers are on. Evident in the scenes between McCoy and Seeley, absolutely agree about the trial scenes, some of the best of the season and of the early seasons, being incredibly executed and cinematic-worthy (even doing it better than a good deal of films set in the courtroom). The tension and emotion is edge of the seat in quality.
Couldn't have asked for better performances. Sam Waterston fares best of the regulars and while James Rebhorn and Schall are excellent the performance of the episode for me belonged to Edward Hermann, especially in the chemistry between him and Waterston. He was seldom more despicable (chillingly so) as a character that is a far cry from loveable Richard from 'Gilmore Girls', doing it without being hammy or making the character too obvious. The script is tight and intelligent, coming to life thrillingly in the trial scenes.
The episode is 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.
Overall, terrific. 9/10
"Progeny" is in the former category, in a near-return to form for Season 5. The original 'Law and Order' was no stranger to the subject of abortion, Season 1's "Life Choice", will agree with that being an excellent episode and a better and slightly more insightful one, explored it too and it was explored more than once throughout the whole 'Law and Order' franchise since. "Progeny" handles the subject just as effectively for similar reasons and while not quite a show high point it's one of the best episodes of Season 5 and one of the more powerful ones. Complete with one of the early seasons' standout guest stars and legal scenes in a different league to those of the rest of Season 5's episodes.
Like "Life Choice", maybe it could have gone into slightly more depth and done more with more fanatical elements of the subject. The closest it gets to doing that is Thomas Schall's character.
However, also like "Life Choice", "Progeny" handles the subject of abortion with both force and tact, and brings a good deal of insight into the subject in particularly in its moral dilemmas. To me it wasn't heavy handed and it was not obvious really whose side the writers are on. Evident in the scenes between McCoy and Seeley, absolutely agree about the trial scenes, some of the best of the season and of the early seasons, being incredibly executed and cinematic-worthy (even doing it better than a good deal of films set in the courtroom). The tension and emotion is edge of the seat in quality.
Couldn't have asked for better performances. Sam Waterston fares best of the regulars and while James Rebhorn and Schall are excellent the performance of the episode for me belonged to Edward Hermann, especially in the chemistry between him and Waterston. He was seldom more despicable (chillingly so) as a character that is a far cry from loveable Richard from 'Gilmore Girls', doing it without being hammy or making the character too obvious. The script is tight and intelligent, coming to life thrillingly in the trial scenes.
The episode is 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.
Overall, terrific. 9/10