Law and Order
"Deadlock"
L&O, Episode 17.09
Production number: 17009
First aired: 17 November 2006
  th of 456 produced in L&O  
th of 456 released in L&O
  th of 1271 released in all  
Written By
David Slack

Directed By
Alex Chapple

Plot[]

A politically ambitious former prosecutor decides to act as a defense attorney to use a murder case as a referendum on the death penalty, but Jack is worried that her client may not be getting the best advice.

Cast[]

Main cast[]

Recurring cast[]

Guest cast[]

References[]

Quotes[]

Clerk: Docket #48215. People v. Leon Wayne Vorgitch. Charges are 8 counts of murder in the first degree, escape in the first degree, and criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree.
Judge Albert Bryce: How does the defendant plead, Mr....
Leon Vorgitch: Kiss my ass! That's how I plead.
Judge Bryce: Control your client, counselor.
Gavin Edlund: I'll do my best, your honor. He pleads not guilty.
Judge Bryce: And since he's already serving three life sentences for mass murder, bail's not an issue.
Connie Rubirosa: But which cell he's returned to is, your honor. The defendant obtained the tools for his escape while incarcerated at Green Haven. People ask that corrections place him in a federal super-max facility pending trial.
Judge Bryce: Mr. Edlund?
Gavin Edlund: No objection, your honor.
Judge Bryce: So ordered.
[bangs gavel]
Leon Vorgitch: [as the court officers escort him out] You can lock me up wherever you want, bitch.
Judge Bryce: We're done! Get him out of here!
Leon Vorgitch: You can lock me up wherever you want, 'cause that's all you can do. And next time I get out, I'm comin' straight for you, bitch! [to the court officers] Get your hands off me.

[McCoy discusses a plea offer with Leon]
Jack McCoy: Murder-2 on all 8 charges.
Leon Vorgitch: Go to Hell, McCoy. Murder-1, 2, 3. What's the hell's that even mean? I want somethin' real. TV time. Conjugal visits.
Jack McCoy: We're not here to offer perks, Mr. Vorgitch.
Leon Vorgitch: I want one of them flatscreens. That's my price. Take it or leave it.
Jack McCoy: We'll leave it.
Leon Vorgitch: Fine. But every day I get on that bus and go to court is another day I don't have to spend in here. Another chance to escape.

Robert Purcell: I did exactly what you were trying to do. Everyone agreed he should die.
Jack McCoy: I was seeking to have Vorgitch legally executed.
Robert Purcell: And I executed him. How can you come after me for that?
Jack McCoy: Because New York doesn't have a do-it-yourself death penalty, Mr. Purcell.
Robert Purcell: I don't care what the law says.
Connie Rubirosa: That's hardly a defense.

[after Robert Purcell has agreed to a plea deal]
Jack McCoy: Judge Gordon approved a sentence reduction in exchange for Robert Purcell's testimony. Down from 20 years to 10. Eligible for parole in 3.
Arthur Branch: What about Dena Carter? [McCoy shows his boss the headline of the New York Ledger; Carter has been indicted]
Arthur Branch: [satisfied] Now that's justice.

Background information and notes[]

Episode scene cards[]

1 2 3

Apartment of
Nikki Hale
82 Avenue D
Monday, September 7
9:46:35-9:46:38 AM

500 Block
West 50th Street
12:16:02-12:16:05 PM

Home of
Mia Alvarez
Forest Hills, Queens
Tuesday, September 8
10:06:43-10:06:46 AM

4 5 6

Apartment of
Rex Mays
168 West 129th Street
2:38:26-2:38:29 PM

United States
Supermax Penitentiary
Allenwood, PA
Wednesday, September 21

Supreme Court
Appellate Division
Tuesday, October 4

7 8 9 10

Criminal Courts
Building
Friday, October 14

Chambers of
Judge Harold Gordon
Monday, October 24

Supreme Court
Trial Part 68
Monday, October 31

Supreme Court
Trial Part 68
Wednesday, November 2

Previous episode:
"Release"
"Deadlock"
Law & Order
Season 17
Next episode:
"Corner Office"
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