Ep 11. Purgatory

In Law & Order: CI season 7 episode 11, titled "Purgatory," Detectives Robert Goren (Vincent D'Onofrio) and Alexandra Eames (Kathryn Erbe) are called to investigate a fire at Saint Jerome Catholic Church in New York City. When they arrive on the scene, they find out that a parishioner was burned alive inside the building.

The detectives discover that the victim, Father Leonard Calligan (John Cullum), had a controversial past. He was accused of sexually abusing several boys in his parish over the years, but the charges were dropped due to lack of evidence. Goren and Eames wonder if there is a connection between this past and Father Calligan's murder.

The investigation leads them to an unusual suspect, a young woman named Lila Fleischer (Kristen Bush), who claims to have had a vision of the Virgin Mary. She tells the detectives that the Virgin Mary instructed her to burn down the church and kill Father Calligan in order to purify the parish. Goren and Eames are skeptical of Lila's claims, but they can't ignore the evidence against her.

As they delve deeper into Lila's background, they discover that she had a troubled childhood. Her father is an abusive alcoholic, and her mother died from cancer when she was a child. Lila turned to religion as a way to cope with her pain, and she became obsessed with the idea of purifying the world, even if it meant committing violent acts.

Goren and Eames also uncover a web of secrets and lies surrounding Father Calligan's past. They discover that he had a close relationship with a powerful bishop who may have helped cover up his abuse allegations. The detectives begin to suspect that Lila may have been a pawn in a larger conspiracy to protect the church's reputation.

As the case unfolds, Goren and Eames must navigate the complex relationships of the church hierarchy and unravel the truth behind Father Calligan's murder. They must also confront their own thoughts and feelings about faith, forgiveness, and justice.

Law & Order: CI season 7 episode 11, "Purgatory," is a gripping and thought-provoking episode that explores themes of religion, abuse, and power. The episode features strong performances by the cast, particularly Vincent D'Onofrio as the brilliant and enigmatic Detective Goren. The plot twists and turns will keep viewers on the edge of their seats, and the philosophical questions raised will linger long after the episode's conclusion.