| "Happy Family" | ||
|---|---|---|
| ← | CI, Episode 3.09 | → |
| Production number: E4508 First aired: 23 November 2003 | ||
 | ||
| Teleplay By Marlane Gomard Meyer Story By Marlane Gomard Meyer & René Balcer Directed By Frank Prinzi | ||
Goren and Bishop investigate the murder of an investment banker who was about to be divorced.
Plot[]
Detective Goren and Bishop are called to examine the murder of a wealthy patriarch who was bludgeoned to death.
The investigation is focused in a family list of suspects which includes the victim's soon-to-be ex-wife, the nanny who cared for the couple's adopted Romanian sons, as well the suspicious aunt and uncle of the children.
After Goren goes deeper into the family's past, his only hope of sorting out the clutter of possible killers is to call for a family reunion which takes place in a court room. Eventually he figures out that the older son, Jason was the killer. The mother, who tries to confess as she's dying of terminal cancer, frightened her children about what would happen if the father got custody in the divorce: that he would send them back to the orphanage which was basically hell for anyone living there. Jason finally confesses that he did it out of fear and that all his father did as he killed him was ask why and Jason never answered him. Jason's horrified by his actions and is arrested for the murder of his father. Goren, Bishop and Carver all hope that whoever is given custody of Sam when the mother dies does a better job of it.
Cast[]
Main cast[]
- Vincent D'Onofrio as Detective Robert Goren
- Kathryn Erbe as Detective Alexandra Eames
- Jamey Sheridan as Captain James Deakins
- Courtney B. Vance as A.D.A. Ron Carver
Recurring cast[]
Guest cast[]
- Angelica Page as Paula Connors
- Anna Katarina as Helen Reynolds
- Reiley McClendon as Jason Connors
- Josh Pais as Ralph Friedman
- Camilla Scott as Brenda Friedman
- Zach Galligan as Eddie Malloy
- Chris J. Kelly as Sam Connors
- Michael McCauley as Detective Lawson
- Wendy Barrie-Wilson as Mrs. Sinclair
- Stephanie Sanditz as Josie Martin
- Elizabeth West as Hester Laddimore
- Dennis Rees as Russell Connors
- Michael K. Weiss as Larry Rothman
- Julie Fain Lawrence as Ms. Blake
- Denise Cormier as Elizabeth
- Bobby Daye as Stanley
- John Cariani as Frank
- Bryant Fraser as Dry Cleaning Clerk
- Joe Wissler as Concert Patron (uncredited)
References[]
Quotes[]
- G. Lynn Bishop: What you said was he late and you weren't sure where...
- Paula Connors: That's not true. I called him at his job. His partner said that he was on his way. And then he arrived. It's no mystery.
- Robert Goren: Well, the mystery is that, uh, the reception in the recital hall cleared up because a moment ago, you said it was like a tomb.
- Paula Connors: My sons will be home for lunch soon. It would be so nice if you weren't here.
- Forensics Technician: They were in a dumpster off 65th. Uh, blood belongs to the victim. No fingerprints on the hockey stick. Shirt's chambray, size large.
- Alexandra Eames: Well, that fits Eddie Malloy.
- James Deakins: Fits me, too.
- Alexandra Eames: Yeah, but you're not dating a widow with $40 million.
- Eddie Malloy: I don't mess with collectibles. Check my rap sheet. Strictly TVs and toasters.
- G. Lynn Bishop: But you knew about the Connors' stamp collection.
- Eddie Malloy: I know they keep money in banks, but I don't break in and take it.
- G. Lynn Bishop: Well, that's admirable. You were late to the recital.
- Robert Goren to Eddie Malloy: She pooched your alibi.
- Dr. Friedman: I...I was just making conversation. I don't know anything about her condition.
- Robert Goren: Lucky for us, Dr. Friedman, you're a-a terrible liar.
- Robert Goren: Well, Solomon threatened to split the child. This time, maybe we should let the child decide. We should go find a pair of gray flannel pants.
- Ron Carver: From a Romanian orphanage to an American divorce. I hope New York State will prove a better guardian for these children.
- Robert Goren: Well, from your lips to God's ear.
Background information and notes[]
- This episode seems to be one of three Law & Order franchise episodes (the other two being "Hitman" and "Mammon", both from Law & Order seasons 13 and 15, respectively) based on the Ted Ammon case. (Ted Ammon at Wikipedia)
Episode scene cards[]
| 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|
|
Home of |
Fiesta Wigs Galore |
Home of |
| 4 | 5 | 6 |
|---|---|---|
|
Secure Key Company |
County Clerk's Office |
Office of |
| 7 |
|---|
|
Criminal Courts Building |
| Previous episode: "Sound Bodies" |
"Happy Family" Law & Order: Criminal Intent Season 3 |
Next episode: "F.P.S." |