Law & Order (TV Series) Deceit (1996) User Reviews

Dark secrets

[TheLittleSongbird · 8/10 · 4 March 2021]

Season 6 of 'Law and Order' was a bit of an up and down one. Curtis didn't settle straightaway (understandably) and neither did his and Briscoe's chemistry (also understandable), though it was a case of them being fine in some episodes and regressed in others. It was more though to do with the quality of the episodes, there were some fantastic ones but also a few disappointments. None were misfires though and even the weakest episodes showed good intentions.

The topic in "Deceit" is a very controversial one, it was back then and it still is (perhaps even more so). The execution could have gone either way. It could have been dark and intense and also moving and sensitive, so quite emotionally layered as well as thoughtful. Or it could have been heavy handed and too judgemental, it is very easy to take sides on this topic (as is the case with a lot of controversial topics) with strong opinions on both sides. "Deceit" is a very good episode that is an example of the former on the whole in its approach to the topic.

"Deceit" has a lot to like. As usual for 'Law and Order' and its spin offs, the production values are solid and the intimacy of the photography doesn't get static or too filmed play-like. The music when used is not too over-emphatic and has a melancholic edge that is quite haunting. The direction is sympathetic enough while also taut. The acting is a major plus, with Peter Reigert giving a riveting, hauntingly tortured turn and an excellent one from Mary Beth Hurt. All the regulars are without complaint.

Moreover the script is smart and thoughtful that is very careful, but not too much so, at not taking sides. The story is compelling and explores an issue that can be very sensitive ground with tact and no sense of judgement on either side. The policing is entertaining, intriguing and not too routine and the legal scenes as to be expected provoke a lot of thought.

However, for my liking the ending is rather rushed from trying to cram in too much in a short space of time (same with the previous episode).

Will agree too that everything with the Miranda warning was sloppy, uncharacteristically so on the whole for this point of the show.

All in all, very well done. 8/10

A Very Dark Secret

[bkoganbing · 7/10 · 13 August 2011]

Peter Riegert and Mary Beth Hurt play a husband and wife who share a very dark secret at least in their eyes. It's not who killed a fellow attorney colleague of Riegert's, but the fact that Riegert is a closet case gay man who was having an affair with him.

Both men worked in a very conservative white shoe law firm where being gay isn't a real big asset. Viewers of this Law And Order episode should appreciate the fact that it wasn't that long ago that the Bar Association wouldn't even admit you to practice if you were gay. Hard to imagine, but such things existed before the Stonewall Rebellion.

Also in the mix is a female impersonator entertainer played by Robert Sella who also dated the deceased and found his closeted lifestyle way too confining. Most would in this day and age, still there are a lot of uptight closet cases who would react in the same way Riegert does.

Riegert as the closet case gay man who married out of convention because that's what was expected of him and Mary Beth Hurt as his iron butterfly wife who will do anything to protect her marriage really stand out.

This episode should be seen by young gay audiences as Riegert shows just how painful and demeaning a closeted gay life truly is.

Bad law

[stevengourley · 18 March 2016]

I do not know whether this a spoiler or not. However, I use many good Law & Order episodes in classes I teach in middle school and paralegal classes. This episode is, in part, a misunderstanding of Miranda v. Arizona ("You have the right to remain silent..." etc.) In this episode a closeted gay man admits to a police-guided informant that he is gay and that he is willing to pay $10,000 to keep that information quiet. Police want to use this admission (which is partially recorded) to help prove that the closeted gay male (a lawyer) killed another closeted gay male (another lawyer) who had threatened to expose the first closeted gay male.

Defendant's (first closeted gay male) attorney moves to suppress the statement that his client was willing to pay (perhaps to kill) to keep his secret. Judge finds that police failed to give defendant his Miranda warnings. Throws out the evidence. Dismisses the case against defendant.

Miranda warnings are only necessary when defendants (or other witnesses) are in CUSTODIAL interrogation, like in the interview room at the police station. As this statement-confession took place in a public restaurant, defendant was not in police custody and was NOT required to be Mirandized. It is not even a close call. Statement made to a police informant at a public restaurant can be used against defendant. Motion denied.

"In the fudge up to your chin"

[evony-jwm · 2/10 · 11 May 2021]

Episode is either gay bashing or gay defending, go figure.