Ep 19. The Serpent's Tooth

The Serpent's Tooth is the 19th episode of the first season of Law & Order, a popular crime drama series. The episode, which originally aired on March 21, 1991, was directed by E.W. Swackhamer and written by Michael Duggan and Richard Sweren.

The episode revolves around the murder of Dr. Mark Berger, a dentist who is found dead in his office. The detectives, played by Jerry Orbach (Detective Lennie Briscoe) and Chris Noth (Detective Mike Logan), investigate the case and soon discover that Dr. Berger's death is linked to his troubled family life.

The investigation leads the detectives to suspect Dr. Berger's son, Elliot, who has a history of drug abuse and has been estranged from his father for years. Elliot, played by actor Michael Stuhlbarg, is portrayed as a troubled young man who is desperate for his father's attention and approval.

As the detectives delve deeper into the case, they uncover a web of lies and secrets within the Berger family. Dr. Berger's wife, Judith, played by Cynthia Harris, is revealed to have had an affair with a neighbor, and Elliot's younger sister, Amy, played by Jessica Lundy, is revealed to have been dealing drugs.

The detectives are forced to navigate the complexities of the family dynamics as they try to piece together the events that led up to Dr. Berger's death. They must also contend with a defense attorney, played by Richard Masur, who uses every trick in the book to protect his client, Elliot.

The episode is notable for its exploration of the themes of family dysfunction and the lengths people will go to protect their loved ones. It also features strong performances from the cast, particularly Stuhlbarg, who gives a nuanced portrayal of a troubled young man.

Law & Order is known for its realistic portrayal of the criminal justice system, and The Serpent's Tooth is no exception. The episode shows the painstaking and sometimes frustrating work of the detectives as they gather evidence and build their case.

Overall, The Serpent's Tooth is a gripping and thought-provoking episode of Law & Order that explores the complexities of family relationships and the devastating consequences of a breakdown in communication.