Ep 12. Under God

Under God is the twelfth episode of the thirteenth season of the popular television series, Law & Order. The series focuses on the investigation and prosecution of crimes committed in New York City, with each episode following a different case from start to finish.

In this episode, Detectives Briscoe (Jerry Orbach) and Green (Jesse L. Martin) are called to investigate the murder of a teenager named Kirsten, whose body was found in an abandoned church. The detectives discover that Kirsten was a member of a conservative Christian group, and that her death may have been motivated by conflicts between her religious beliefs and her personal relationships.

As the investigation progresses, the detectives interview Kirsten’s friends and family, including her father, a prominent pastor at a local church. They also learn about Kirsten’s religious activities, including her participation in a youth group led by a charismatic pastor named David. David quickly becomes a prime suspect in the murder investigation, as his flirtatious relationship with Kirsten is revealed.

Meanwhile, Assistant District Attorney McCoy (Sam Waterston) and Assistant District Attorney Southerlyn (Elisabeth Röhm) struggle to build a case against David, as they confront challenges related to the religious nature of the group and the legal protections afforded to religious organizations. McCoy, in particular, is forced to navigate the complex legal and ethical terrain of prosecuting a religious leader, as he confronts his own beliefs and values in the process.

As the investigation comes to a head, the detectives and prosecutors face a difficult decision about how to proceed with the case. Ultimately, they must balance the need for justice with the need for tolerance and understanding of religious diversity in a diverse and complex city.

Overall, Under God is a thought-provoking and suspenseful episode of Law & Order that explores complex issues related to religion, crime, and justice. The episode offers a nuanced and sensitive portrayal of different religious perspectives and the challenges surrounding the intersection of faith and the law.