S19:14 "Rapture" 2009-Feb-18

[annabelleleigh]

Script by Ed Zuckerman and Luke Schelhaas who (IMO) collaborated more successfully this season on "Zero" and "Sweetie."

You can view a clip at
www.nbc.com/Law_and_Order/video/clips/rapture/1025262/

To be fair I gave this episode a second viewing, but there it was again -- the stock L&O story about Christian fundamentalists and a scam. The twist -- if there was one -- is that the (naive) true believers were the victims instead of the victimizers. We also learn that Bernard has a religious streak which (of course) contrasts him with his partner Lupo. Yawn.

There are some feeble attempts at humor that limp from discussion about The Rapture, as well as a character who, on first appearance, practically screams "I did it."

We also see a couple of scenes with candidate McCoy's ward heeler-grade opponent and are reminded (again) that Jack is running against the forces of the state political machine. If I wasn't acutely aware that New York Democrat Al D'Amato served three terms in the U.S. Senate I'd give the D.A. election to Jack right now.

Mr. Zuckerman: I'm truly your fan. And I know you've been forced to acquit your obligations to the mothership while simultaneously riding to the rescue of CI.alt. I bet you're exhausted. However I'm afraid I found "Rapture" just as tired.

About Luke Schelhaas: Zuckerman's writing partner on three L&O scripts, Schelhaas previously wrote for "Smallville" and "Touched By An Angel," among other credits. He started his showbiz career as a background actor.

AL

P.S. BTW, the teaser for "Rapture" opens with a moldy reference to the bitterly divorced Alex Baldwin and his publicly scandalous "fatherly" phone conversation. Much like the teaser for "Zero" which featured a Donald Trump-like buffoon it's a shot too cheap and easy for a series of L&O's caliber. Worse, it isn't funny.

[DonnaJo]

I agree Annabelle, that the "you're a pig" comment in the teaser ala Baldwin with brat daughter didn't fit. Why use it?

I thought the episode was good. Connie rocked at the end...I am loving what the writers are doing with her character more & more. I am also a sucker for smart, professional people who are also people of faith. Refreshing. Of course there has to be a lapsed Catholic (Lupo) who resents the Church...organized religion......why? Maybe we'll find out. It could have something to do with his experiences overseas.

[DonnaJo]

Also, anyone notice the name Corliss used for one of the Rapture - com guys? Same name as the Evangelical Minister from "Brothers Keeper."

Can it really be a coincidence?

[leanonme]

Feb 21, 2009 10:21:51 GMT -5 DonnaJo said:

I am also a sucker for smart, professional people who are also people of faith.

Me too Donna.

Ok, I have to say that I was doing something else while this episode was on, and so it only got my half attention. But, I DID catch the Corliss reference, since I had just watched Brother's Keeper. I thought it was interesting, to say the least.

From what I noticed, I thought it was a fair portrayal of the subject. It was fair to all sides it seemed. Admittedly, I haven't seen a lot of L&O episodes outside of CI, so it may be an old rehashing of faith issues, but I was just grateful that there was more to it than the old," look at those idiot people of faith" story that is common in a lot of mediums. I was surprised because I have occasionally caught an episode ( I think mostly of SVU ) and almost choked on the agenda that was being forced down my throat. I will watch a show on any subject that is treated fairly, which,sorry to say, is a rare thing.

The scene at the end with Connie ( she is also growing on me ) was a good one, with an effective, smart use of the scriptures. It reminded me of Carver's long scripture quoting scene. You know, its life. All types live and work together, and I appreciate being able to see them all treated with respect.

I can't really speak about the quality in terms of the plot, just commenting on things that caught my attention as I was working with it on in the background.

[DonnaJo]

This is so weird.

A poster at TWoP provided this link to a website that must be where the plotline for "Rapture" came from:

You've Been Left Behind

This website seems to be exactly like the one in the episode. I assumed the writers made up the whole thing. I mean, who would think that there existed such a service?

[annabelleleigh]

Thanks very much for the link DJ. Fascinating stuff. And another good example of how the compelling stories on L&O often lead to a desire for more information about their real life origins.

AL