Ep 7. In Memory Of

In Memory Of is the seventh episode of the second season of the American television drama series, Law & Order. The episode was written by Robert Nathan and Michael Duggan and directed by David Hugh Jones. It was first broadcast on NBC on November 5, 1991.

The episode opens with the murder of a young woman, Karen Jergenson (portrayed by Elizabeth McGovern). Detectives Lennie Briscoe (Jerry Orbach) and Mike Logan (Chris Noth) are assigned to the case. Their investigation leads them to Karen's estranged husband, Dr. Richard Jergenson (portrayed by David Dukes), a prominent psychiatrist who is known for his controversial treatment methods. Dr. Jergenson is a suspect because of his ongoing legal battle with Karen over custody of their children.

As the detectives dig deeper into Karen's life, they begin to uncover a web of lies, betrayal, and secrets. Karen had a history of mental illness and had been hospitalized several times. Her husband, who was treating her, had allegedly made sexual advances towards her during one of her hospital stays. This revelation leads the detectives to believe that Dr. Jergenson may have had a motive for killing Karen.

Meanwhile, Assistant District Attorney Ben Stone (Michael Moriarty) and his team begin to build their case against Dr. Jergenson. They subpoena his patient records and discover that he had been involved in an experimental treatment program that had resulted in the deaths of two patients. Dr. Jergenson's unethical behavior and disregard for human life paint him as a dangerous person, capable of murdering his own wife.

As the trial begins, the defense team argues that Karen's mental illness was the cause of her death, claiming that she had taken her own life. The prosecution, on the other hand, presents evidence that points to Dr. Jergenson as the culprit, including a recorded conversation in which he admits to killing his wife.

The trial takes an unexpected turn when Dr. Jergenson takes the stand and gives an emotional account of his life and his relationship with Karen. He explains that he had been trying to help her and had even been planning to reconcile with her. He denies any involvement in her death.

The jury ultimately finds Dr. Jergenson guilty of Karen's murder. The episode ends with Stone reflecting on the tragedy of Karen's death and the justice that has been served.

In Memory Of is a thought-provoking episode that delves into the complex issues of mental illness, ethics in medicine, and the consequences of one's actions. It brings to light the dangers of relying on untested and potentially harmful treatment methods and the devastating impact they can have on patients and their families. The episode is a prime example of Law & Order's ability to tackle difficult and controversial topics with sensitivity and nuance.