Ep 20. Bad Faith

In Law & Order season 5 episode 20 titled "Bad Faith," the storyline follows the investigation of a religious cult after a member is found murdered. The episode deals with themes of faith, belief, and power and highlights the dangers of blindly following charismatic leaders.

Detectives Briscoe and Curtis arrive at the crime scene, where the victim is discovered with a gunshot wound to the head. The detectives quickly discover that the victim was a member of a religious cult called the "Church of the New Creation." As they begin to investigate the case, they soon realize that this is no ordinary murder.

The Church of the New Creation is led by a charismatic figure named David Lang, who claims to have the ability to heal people with his touch. Lang is known to have a loyal following who believe that he is a prophet sent by God. Lang is also known to be financially savvy, and the Church has amassed significant wealth under his leadership.

As the detectives dig deeper, they discover that the victim had been trying to leave the Church but was afraid for her life. They also learn that Lang has a history of financial impropriety and has been accused of sexually assaulting a female member of the Church in the past. It appears that Lang will stop at nothing to protect the Church's secrets, and the detectives must tread carefully as they try to gather evidence.

The episode also shows the impact of the cult on its members, many of whom have given up their jobs, families, and personal lives in service to the Church. The detectives interview several current and former members who provide insight into the inner workings of the Church and the hold that Lang has over his followers.

Throughout the investigation, Lang is defiant, insisting that he is innocent and that the Church is being persecuted for its beliefs. His lawyer, a former member of the Church himself, takes on the case with zeal and tries to discredit the detectives at every turn.

As the trial begins, the detectives present their evidence, including testimony from former members of the Church and financial records that show Lang's questionable transactions. However, Lang continues to maintain his innocence and tries to paint a picture of himself as a victim of a biased justice system.

In the end, the trial leads to a shocking conclusion that highlights the power and danger of blind faith. The episode is a thought-provoking exploration of religion, belief, and the complexities of the justice system. It serves as a reflection of the dangers of blindly following charismatic leaders and the importance of questioning authority and making informed decisions.