Law & Order - Sobriety Test in Court

[@fletchercastoria2338]

A marvelous acting moment when Stone says, "My father...every day at lunch...." the detectives change of demeanor. Wow. Very real.

[@quizzical130]

But what does it mean?

[@slopcrusher3482]

Kathleen Gower his father was an alcoholic, and would get drunk at lunch every day, leaving Stone to do what had to be done around the house

[@smcmary1757]

The original Law and Order had some of the best closing scenes. This one and the one where a family was murdered after one of its members was going to testify against a drug cartel. Robinette had asked about the daughter and Schiff had answered that her uncle had picked her up at school. Stone's reply of "she doesn't have an uncle" and the look of horror on Steven Hill's face was unforgettable.

[@SylverMage]

I love the way the smile falls off Max's face when Stone tells him. I very much enjoyed Max Greevey in the first season and his relationship with both other cops and the prosecutors.

[@alexisgrunden1556]

It hit you right in the feels for the guy, even knowing that he's acting.

[@antmagor]

If you’re representing a drunk and the crux of your defense is that he isn’t a drunk the worst possible thing you can do is let him leave the courthouse before happy hour has ended...LOL 😂

[@EvilLoynis]

Actually if the Defense Lawyer had any conscience then everything worked ok for him. He did nothing wrong. The worst thing his client can accuse him of is not warning him NOT to drink during the lunch break, lol considering your phd this should be obv when your on trial for murder duh.

[@maxmustermann-zx9yq]

@@EvilLoynis actually a lawyer doesnt call his client on the stand almost never for exactly what you just saw

[@Positivemotivation662]

@@maxmustermann-zx9yq ✍🏼😂

[@boobyhill6921]

OMG LOOOL Thanks for the laugh .

[@paulcolburn3855]

Exactly. If I was the attorney, I'd take him to lunch where there is no booze. I'd never let him leave my sight.

[@slantos2668]

The confused look on the doctor's face when he fails the sobriety test... he realizes with horror what he's become and done. Till that point he was denying it to himself most of all.

[@daynechastant]

People are seldom more gifted than in the practice of self-delusion. "I can quit any time..." "I'm in full control..." "Only one drink/joint/pill/snort..." "I can drive while drunk/stoned..." "Everyone else is doing it, too..." And then they look so baffled when they get put in handcuffs and read their rights.

[@Bojack727]

That's how great an actor Harris Yulin is.

[@KaristaSwiss]

@@daynechastant yea like their boss... "Mind your own Business..... Im a social drinker...."

[@Gargatul0th]

@@Bojack727 Harris Yulin isn't in this clip

[@notimportant3932]

i work with alcoholics, kinda a last stop sort of place. some deny it til the end

[@phan-2187]

the fact that ben knew the doctor was drunk because he saw the same behavior in his father breaks my heart :(

[@growlinghands4696]

But it explains a lot about Ben Stone. To clarify, L&O came out when I was a 19yo woman and even though Michael Moriarty was my dad's age, I had a huge crush on him due to his moral code, intelligence, and compassion. I respected the character of his character.

[@roguejester4986]

Also relatable to anyone with similar memories.

[@phan-2187]

growlinghands agreed. i’m 18 now but i can definitely see the appeal of 80’s and 90’s michael moriarty haha, but especially as ben. there’s something just so comforting about him and it makes me feel safe somehow :)

[@phan-2187]

Rogue Jester my father used to have a drinking problem when i was very very young, and if i thought his anger issues were bad now, they were even worse when he drank. you had to practically walk on eggshells around his temper (i still have to) to make sure nothing ticks him off.

[@roguejester4986]

@@phan-2187 I know the feeling, my former stepfather did the same.

[@Mimi-cq4bg]

I am not an alcoholic. Literally the one thing every alcoholic has said.

[@TheBatugan77]

Except one... Jackie Gleason said he was a drunk. "Alcoholics go to meetings..."

[@dionlindsay2]

And a lot of people who aren't alcoholics have said it too.

[@jakekerr7399]

Yer right, am alcoholic. Can confirm I’ve said that, it sucks,

[@jeffmiller5709]

Except for those who aren't and don't drink lol

[@BNails]

I've said that too. Because I'm not. It isn't a catch-all. The women accused of witchcraft at the Salem trials also said they weren't witches. By this logic, I guess they were?

[@c.w.simpsonproductions1230]

I love that Stone reveals his father is an alcoholic, because over two decades later, his son Peter Stone also had a huge problem with alcoholism. That is such a well connected tie-in that probably flew over most viewers’ heads.

[@amartyaroy3754]

No he wasn't alcoholic he was just grieving because his sister was murdered, he went off the rails for a little while with booze and hookers but he was back on track.

[@video2000ification]

Ironically Moriarty had alcohol problems too...

[@gbonkers666]

Also, Jack McCoy had a drinking problem too..

[@AlexKS1992]

Cragen had a drinking problem as well.

[@macman85602]

Don't Forget Det. Brisco that is how ADA Claire Kincade was killed

[@kesharaa2355]

Imagine denying you're an alcoholic and going out to get drinks ....

[@jonclarkson5911]

STFU.

[@cati896]

@wowalinbie not when their being accused in court of being an alcoholic lmao

[@MrUndersolo]

You get cocky, you get stupid...

[@actioncom2748]

It's called 'Not hitting bottom.'

[@shihoblade]

I can imagine it. I convince myself Im doing well on my diet even though Im pigging out on a ehole box of pizza. Any addiction, whatever it is, justifies itself. Your brain calls for it and it tells you whatever required to stay in control.

[@Profile__1]

I would say it's pretty heartbreaking to see the guy legitimately shocked to discover that he was drunk. Just the idea that you have no idea about this horrible addiction to something.

[@Zerpersande]

He knew he was drunk. It was no surprise. Having such demonstrated in court will cause the same reaction.

[@Preppergirl10]

I see it in people because my mom is an addict and she sometimes will play sober but I know different

[@MsTinkerbelle87]

@@Zerpersande stop repeating yourself

[@mickywanderer8276]

Jack McCoy was great but Ben Stone was superb. Usually the only time you could tell that he was pissed is when he started using 'Sir' instead of the guy's name.

[@sdstewart1962]

No one could make the word "sir" drip with more revulsion and contempt than Ben Stone.

[@HermioneSharman15]

Both of them are amazing!!! Personally I am a Jack McCoy fan but Ben Stone had a different aura in his seasons.

[@JLee-rt6ve]

That's when he got downright sir-ly.

[@WobblesandBean]

I'm definitely a Jack McCoy fan, but Ben Stone was no slouch.

[@KaristaSwiss]

I never noticed that !

[@battlespace13]

"How did you know?" "Um...SIX bourbons 45 minutes ago!?! The whole courtroom could smell that guy. Why do you think the judge allowed the in-court sobriety test?"

[@jimboa20]

He meant at the end, how did he know the doctor would go drinking during the lunch break? How did he know to ask Greevy to follow him?

[@buxadonoff]

Not always, i had a drunk brother and not always did he had the smell of alcohol..

[@buxadonoff]

And sometimes you really couldn't tell if he had been drinking or not

[@buxadonoff]

@@randallflagg3700 i really tried to understand but its tough, its very hard not to feel resentfull. He is still alive, but we dont live in the same house anymore. I tried to help, but real treatment is expensive as hell where i live. The church offers help, but its not really treatment. Today i actually feel sorry for him, but just want distance.

[@randallflagg3700]

@@buxadonoff - I understand, drug/alcohol addiction can be really, really hard for people who are close to the addict. And indeed treatment is expensive in most places, I live in France, and it's not a perfect country but we lucked out in the healthcare system department. Help and medication is "free", and there are plenty of centres that offer programs to help getting sober. But it's, of course, not fair for the family/partner of the addict; they shouldn't have to shoulder all of that, it's not what they "signed up" for. (well, for mariage it's supposed to be a "you take the good and the bad" deal, but for brothers/sisters, you didn't agree to anything) I'm sorry about your brother, I'm sure you did all you could. Me, it's my job, it's what I like to do. But the amount of family members/children who suffer from their parent's addiction is really heart-breaking. Very often, alcohol addiction comes from self-medication for depression and anxiety, gone very wrong. I hope your brother gets the help he needs, I'm not a huge fan of the Alcoholic Anonymous, but I must admit that they do get results. Bon courage, I hope 2020 will be a good year for you and your brother...

[@mollysanders9757]

6 burbons in 45 minutes??? That's why his personal physician said he'd be dead in 5 years!! Wow😳😳😳

[@junesilvermanb2979]

en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physician

[@inspectorspinda]

alcohol abuse so bad, the burbon's filed a restraining order and moved out of state.

[@TomLiberman]

Yeah, it's shocking but I've seen alcoholics. Met a cute girl once at the bar, pounding the drinks I bought her and drinking from her reusable coffee go cup which was filled with vodka. Bartender tipped me off as she was a regular, damned good looking too, great store-bought body. Another guy I knew could pound ten beers from the time he got home from work, night after night. Could drink a case a day on weekends. It's nuts but it's not unrealistic to have 3 doubles in 45 mins at lunch. Very doable.

[@mynameisnotimportant2854]

@@inspectorspinda 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@dmadd4643]

@@TomLiberman Used to be a bartender myself - had a couple of regulars just like that. High function drunks too, but smart enough to know when they shouldn't be driving/working once they'd finished their booze. Some people know their limits, some refuse to see it.

[@Murchad99]

"Did he say he wasn't an alcoholic?" "Yes." Oh, well case closed, then. That's not something you lie about.

[@intldawn]

Or would be in denial about.

[@bartvandewalle4253]

Wouldn't you ask then how many patients enter saying they aren't?

[@cpmenninga]

He was also adamant he doesn’t have a gambling addiction. Well, if he’s adamant... And he strongly denies ever using heroin. ....hhhhm.

[@olanordmann1252]

as an addict, that made me laugh out loud.

[@jaypegtv]

NO QUID PRO QUO, PERFECT

[@Deborahtunes]

Substance abusers never want to admit they have a problem. So just because the good doctor won't say it, don't mean he doesn't have a drinking problem...

[@RexTheDinosaur1]

That's why they say that the first step is to admit that they have a problem because if they can't even admit that then they'll never be able to truly get help. Because I'll be in a constant state of denial but they don't need the help and they'll fight against any bit of help that you try to get them.

[@Deborahtunes]

@ ~ True. Also, some will admit they have a substance abuse problem, but it's as if they are only doing it to shut everyone else up. They really have no intention of doing anything about it, because they just don't care...

[@flowonthego]

@@Deborahtunes Which is why you go through processes for them to realize there is a problem rather than slamming them in the face saying they have one.

[@Deborahtunes]

@@flowonthego ~ That's only good if they want to acknowledge their problem. Otherwise, they will not be bothered with getting help...

[@pcwkid76]

I think the look of shock on his face when he fails the test is the last bit of his denial crumbling.

[@geneac1]

6 bourbons during lunch? Was lunch 4 hours?

[@marshaloiscamillephilpotts9608]

That is shocking to drink 6 Bourbons during lunch and how long is lunch 1-2 hours, that is a true alcoholic and suppose to be a doctor who is operating on people plus he is old too.

[@pirobot668beta]

45 minutes.

[@amberlance3221]

If lunch was an hour long, that would mean he polished a bourbon every 10mins.. that is a LOT to drink

[@animalm4st3r]

@@amberlance3221 not for an alcoholic

[@amberlance3221]

@@animalm4st3r 😂😂😂

[@giorgiogazzola5972]

All he had to do was not drink until after court was done for the day. Great show.

[@drjwilber]

>> thought he had won - plus that six of - - not in the hospital - and celebraiting - look at student after the exams closed

[@michaelabercrombie7698]

I had to go to DUI school and the very last day of our class this guy shows up drunk and failed.

[@RexTheDinosaur1]

You say it like it's easy but when you're a raging alcoholic like that old dude was you can't go without drinking. My father knew an elderly man that drunk all the time. He said he never saw that man without a beer and when he died his they weighed his liver and it weighed 50 lb. That's one of the reasons why my father quit drinking and he used to drink quite a lot as well. A lot of people would consider him a functioning alcoholic. Who lived in a lot of denial that he would literally drink for hours on end and get behind the wheel of a car and say it's okay I wasn't drunk. And you know damn well that he was it was just in his mind he didn't believe that. But since I grew up around a whole lot of people that drunk like crazy their whole lives they literally can't go without it. You'll literally see those alcoholics in small towns don't go to the gas station and literally buy a case of beer every day they drunk a whole case of beer in one night.

[@wongsifu460]

When you're an alcoholic, you can't wait that long without booze and ADA knew that

[@BACW25]

That's real

[@BanjoLuke1]

Gosh.... I was brought up (with love, care and duty) by a father who was rarely sober on the afternoon or evening. Horrible wartime experiences (Normandy), loss of a brother in the war, loss of many friends. Twice widowed. Brought three children up alone, though quite untrained for that rôle. A magnificent human and a loving person, but broken. Self-anaesthetised with alcohol. Died in his mid-70s as a direct result of the damage. But... A wonderful man. Loved and loving. Honest. Aware. A heroic sense of duty. Sometimes on the night there would be a crash downstairs and he had awoken, drunk, still on his chair, at 2am.... stood up and gone straight over and hit his head. We would dab the blood and guide this stumbling wreck to his room. The next day he was 100%. A different breed. He never missed a school concert or a sports event for any of his three kids. Remarkable beyond my understanding. I choose not to drink, but I salute him despite his terrible need to do so.

[@deckgun31]

He loved you all enough to not let his past interfere in your present. Unfortunately, his method stole the present from both of you. May God bless him for remembering his responsibility to his children. And may God also have mercy on his soul for letting him experience the horror of war, and not be able to provide the treatment to properly deal with that horror. He was truly a brave man.

[@DarthDestructusTheSithLord]

I may not be a praying man, but I do hope he found peace, and more, in the end.

[@scottspooner6070]

Your post brings clarity to the many reasons people become alcoholics. Many are legit. Thank you.

[@mdpurple]

You we're lucky. That outcome doesnt happen that often.

[@SamBrickell]

That is a mature way to look at it. You are beyond both idolizing your father (like most children do), or despising him (like some teens do), you simply understood your father as a human.

[@illbuyourniknak]

The doctor was his own worst enemy. Not having the kind of control to show back up to court sober? Come on man.....

[@karazor-el6085]

If he couldn't handle the stress of a courtroom, then he has no business dealing with the stress of having a person's LIFE in your hands and dealing with a case of alcohol-induced butter-fingers...

[@brigidvanparys2062]

We lost our Mom because of a drunk surgeon

[@LaughingJokerProd]

@@brigidvanparys2062 Jesus, sorry to hear about that

[@brigidvanparys2062]

Thank you

[@coyotetrickster5758]

It is hard to understand someone who is egotistical, but you know some of the lies and the underlying confidence. He got away with this so many times before. It was going well for him yet again. To trick people one more time is a given to such people. He might have left with confidence and looking to celebrate, not to settle his nerves. Of course they are wrong. They are a danger to society when in life and death decision making, from doctor, to a bartender judging if someone had enough to drink before serving them again. I am glad that 6 drinks in 45 minutes just doesn't happen anymore for the most part.

[@alcd6333]

The original - and best - series from the Law & Order franchise. Excellent episodes showing police and attorney engagement. RIP Jerry Orbach, Dennis Farina, Fred Thompson, Steven Hill, and Arthur Penn (great film director who was one of its producers).

[@MrUndersolo]

Didn’t know that Penn was producer. Thanks!

[@gawainethefirst]

I think they did the show in extreme disservice when they changed the formula.

[@WobblesandBean]

I miss Jerry Orbach 😢

[@Dascorpio36]

I wish I could find the classic episodes

[@EvilLoynis]

The part where the defense strenuously objects, reminds me of the Jim Carrey movie Liar Liar. When the judge asks Jim why he objects he says, because it really hurts my case. LOL

[@maxcardun]

Overrulled!

[@dnasty312]

@@maxcardun Good call!

[@Afalstein]

This show could have hardly had a more on-point first episode. Real issues, smart manuevering, and a personal last-minute twist. Those last four minutes are perfect--genius move by the lawyer, with heartbreaking experience behind it.

[@alexh8613]

And completely unrealistic

[@PR--un4ub]

@@alexh8613 How so?

[@cazia9]

The défense attorney asking if ‘have you had a drink today’ is relevant is hilarious - the whole point of the case is to prove that the doctor was practicing medicine while drunk and as a result a patient died bc his judgement was impaired by intoxication

[@EvilLoynis]

It sadly reminds me of the movie Liar Liar with Jim Carey. At one point when some evidence was being presented he objects, judge asks why. Because it's really really bad for my case.... 🤣😋🙄

[@jonathancampbell5231]

The defence attorney is technically right- whether or not the doctor was drinking during the trial looks bad, but doesn't by itself mean he was drunk on a previous occasion, and there are rules about bringing in new evidence that both sides haven't seen. He was doing his job. The judge could have decided not to allow it.

[@EvilLoynis]

@@jonathancampbell5231 I agree that in a normal case that makes sense. However when part of what you're being charged with has to do with being a drunk, which you vehemently deny, and you go out drinking right before being cross examined by the prosecutor...🙄🙄🙄 Even if it was only 1 or 2 drinks it goes towards personal judgment. In this case the number of drinks and if he seemed drunk or not were highly key issues.

[@jonathancampbell5231]

@@EvilLoynis I agree that it WAS relevant, and the doctor was extremely dumb here, but the point is that the defence attorney was still right to object. That's how the law works. Even if you suspect your client is guilty as sin, you are still expected to fight for them tooth and nail.

[@EvilLoynis]

@@jonathancampbell5231 Understood however in this specific case that defense attorney could have skipped objecting for the reasons he was easily shot down. There is a difference between doing what is legal and ethical vs making a useless objection. In fact by making the objection he kind of brings more attention to just how important the answer was and could look bad to the jury. In fact this may even be a situation where objecting did more harm, and secretly helped convict his own client. While being able to justify it lol.

[@sgtlaughter]

Exactly the way law and order was meant to be viewed. Eight minutes at a time.

[@BeautifulEarthJa]

Lol

[@edwarduzumakielric]

Oh man, the face of the defense attorney when the doctor admitted to drinking was so hilarious

[@liquorgunsandrhetoric]

"I told him, that if he didn't stop drinking, he'd be dead in 5 years." CUT TO: Leo McGarry.

[@anywaythewindblows8912]

THE FUNHOUSE NEVER STOPS I noticed that

[@SweetChuckPi]

John Spencer's own problems with addiction made him an excellent person to play a alcoholic in recovery. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gp2ZeKuPi6-Wq9E

[@michaelvidal1971]

I was about o ask if that was John Spencer in the background,

[@veramae4098]

My Dad. But "...in 2 years." He quit immediately, AA. There's more, but it's too ugly.

[@MsAlequin]

😭😭😭😭

[@yesterdayitrained]

This clip is INTENSE. There are meaningful revelations about several characters- and you learn the painful truth about high-functioning alcoholics... You may not think you are impaired, but damn you are. Great episode.

[@MMuraseofSandvich]

6:35 Attorney: I object! Judge: Objection overruled. Attorney: I _strenuously_ object! Judge: Oh, well, all right, then. I remember Stone trying this before _A Few Good Men_ made it a meme.

[@griffinsutich1067]

I was looking for this comment--hoping I could be the first to say it

[@dnasty312]

Why the two orders? ✌🏼

[@smirkingdevil]

Good learning episode. I was shocked to hear that a coworker I had lunch with for almost a year was released for failure to do his job after being relocated to a remote job site. I defended that guy for months to upper management, even though he was no longer employed on the project. After becoming a manager myself, I saw exactly how bad alcoholics can be about lying. Worse, I came face to face with my past self, seeing how others around try and defend them.

[@slopcrusher3482]

Working in remote areas really tests a man, I’ve seen countless people loose their future because they don’t know how to deal with it and turn to drugs and drink

[@jonclarkson5911]

STFU a hole.

[@Rosy2468]

@Natasel its kind of disgusting that you think that way. Honestly boomers are so creepy with their joking around about hating their wives.

[@Rosy2468]

@Natasel - i don't pay for my partner to be with me so i don't see the need for your incredibly ignorant and sexist advise, but thanks anyway pal lmfao

[@Rosy2468]

@Natasel buddy im not as sexist as you. I don't have these insane hangups. I'm not even married. Im only with a person because i want to be. Unlike you i dont get with a woman i am seething with hatred for.

[@sirtanon1]

"Did you have a drink today?" Me: hey, now, nothing wrong with a little bourbon at lunch "six bourbons on the rocks" Me: Oh.. yeah.. that's at least one too many.

[@TheWebAdict]

John Mulaney: There's another recurring character called JUDGE WHO ALLOWS ANYTHING!

[@dirdib69]

In the fine tradition of Judge Mills Lane

[@JustNo420]

Its always so so so funny when the defendants attorney realizes he's about to lose and they are starting to act like little children having fits and throwing silent tantrums.

[@dobiedude7479]

I was in court for a traffic ticket not long ago. A person was ahead of me and was there to enter a plea on a DWI/DUI charge. He smelled of alcohol. This was brought to the judges attention. The judge revoked his bail and had the police called in to transport him to lockup. Others were there in sweat pants and tank tops. I was dressed up just a bit and stood straight, replying to him as sir and your honor. I got a slap on the wrist.

[@gene8172]

If you respect the court, the court will respect you back. Learned that from a lawyer-friend who advised to always dress nice for court.

[@michaelabercrombie7698]

Yes for minor problems this dress code will work, but murders and rapists wearing suit and tie? I call bullshit.

[@NiceTryLaoChe]

In some ways, that's an illustration of the exact type of thing that nearly let this suspect get away with murder. He's a famous and gifted surgeon, about as respectable and high-status as you can get. He's not slurring his words or acting out. He's doing everything right. But he's still an alcoholic who couldn't help drinking six bourbons in one hour.

[@ErikCartman]

only in america you are forced to go in front of a judge for a traffic ticket, need to dress up, stand straight and call it justice. don t firget that if you get a traffic ticket in vermont and you are from florida one year later you have to go back or you will have a warrant. 20 years later you get stopped there and can go to jail.

[@dobiedude7479]

SigFletcher thank you for the comment. I will consider it. One more story if I may. When I was in high school we took a trip to the big city and observed the court. A homeless man was before the court and had missed his previous date. He told the judge that all he had to eat was a bag of oranges that were thrown out. This caused digestive problems. The judge understood that this was a reason not an excuse. We all felt for him and things were dismissed. It was such a minor offense. Again thank you for something to think about.

[@JoeyVSupreme]

A lot better than the current iterations of Law and Order. They’re good but this is well crafted. Not just a police show.

[@davidsilvera7436]

That was my exact thought. That was some good lawyering!!!

[@sarahabc4557]

The original law & order episodes were equally divided where the 1st half is police work & investigation and the 2nd half is the court & lawyers. I’ve been a fan since I was a little girl.

[@RexTheDinosaur1]

If it's a lot better than you wouldn't have to compared to the other ones. Let it stand on its own. It's so funny to me that people don't realize when they have to tear down other things to make what they like sound better that it actually makes it sound worse. Because you have to tear down something else like I said to make it sound or look better. If it was that great you would need to do that. The original Law & Order is fantastic but so are the other Law and Orders. They're great as our own standalone shows.

[@Squiglypig]

@@RexTheDinosaur1 Plan 9 from Outer Space is a horrible movie when compared to Casablanca. So now Casablanca, by your definition, looks worse just because I said that. Where's the sense in that?

[@wongsifu460]

For the love of God, can't understand why they cancelled L&O but renewed shitty show SVU

[@Salisbury2015]

Love me some old school Law & Order.

[@jimboa20]

Bring back the original Law and Order!!! There's plenty of cop shows on TV, and a few legal dramas. There's not really any shows on that combine the two each and every episode.

[@ianbettley1925]

TOTALLY AGREE

[@naran_naran]

I liked the nuance of the doctor's character: sympathetic character, great reputation, but with a serious flaw that would cost him his career (not to mention the life of a patient).

[@BlueGangsta1958]

When the lawyer asks to reply in yes/no fashion you just know he's come to bury all sense of nuance, sense and context in order to mislead the jury.

[@SamBrickell]

I thought that was bullshit too, this lawyer has a good take on it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jGfUfJaod8mqiac (it's a long video, you don't have to watch; but suffice to say you can flat out tell the judge that you are unable to answer the question in a "yes" or "no" manner) Personally I would just counter with, "So you want me not to tell *'the WHOLE truth'* and violate my oath that I took? Your honor am I correct in understanding that I am still under oath at this time?"

[@Wolffen51]

I loved how Stone nails this doctor for being drunk…good writing and even better acting from Michael Moriarty

[@Orion3741]

SO ironic. In real life, the actor ( Michael Moriarty ) portraying Stone had a drinking problem. After being clean and sober again, Moriarty found comfort in playing a grand piano.

[@jexelbur6872]

The mother was unsurprised because she always knew the doctor was drunk, but the father is too shocked to have any reaction.

[@PointyTailofSatan]

"I am not an alcoholic." lol If I only had a dime for every time someone said that in an AA meeting.

[@xmvziron]

Oh it's you again, my friendly neighborhood Bach organist!

[@ShmuckOnWheels]

KZbin-tied 0 seconds ago This calls to mind an episode of Law & Order SVU, in which the story was about a man who blacked out drunk and killed a woman, and the prosecutor was butting heads with Captain Cragen about how alcoholism is a convenient excuse for wrong behaviors, and then the prosecutor herself shows up late for court the next morning because she is hungover and still fucked up from the night before. The defendant even recognizes her condition and calls her out on it. The judge orders a breathalyzer right then on the spot. Benson conducts it and the lawyer is indeed cocked and ordered to rehab.

[@PointyTailofSatan]

@@ShmuckOnWheels Interestingly, if you ask most lawyers who appear in court what is the legal limit for a appearing lawyer, most have no idea.

[@IoEstasCedonta]

"Mr. Stone, could you hold your cross-examination until after lunch?" Stone: "Keikaku doori."

[@gotch09]

i miss the original Law & Order

[@jenniferdrake3321]

@R. H. Kingpin whwt does SJW stand for?

[@jenniferdrake3321]

@R. H. Kingpin thank you

[@bobbilly7750]

I liked SVU until like the 17th season. All my favorite characters were gone and the episodes weren’t very compelling anymore. I wish I got to see more of the original law and order before they canceled it.

[@RexTheDinosaur1]

@@bobbilly7750 agreed I really liked SVU too and I don't want stapler left it just felt Hollow you know Olivia and him works so well together. And it just wasn't the same without him being there.

[@dylan3017]

The original WAS New York for all money...the cops had attitude..so did the city. It stunk and would sell you out for hotdog and a smoke. It was dark and musty. Look at SVU now, its not New York anymore, you can put the entire cast in LA and it would be the same. Sonny is just a way for writers to compensate for the loss of taste in what New York is supposed to be about.

[@KOHF34]

That music that plays after he fails the sobriety test is so haunting.

[@jessicastiner2123]

He was drunk on the job of course the music would be haunting 👻👻👻👻

[@mortalclown3812]

I recall this episode. The first one. Awesome

[@edwardgarea7650]

One thing about these early episodes was the excellent work by George Dzundza as Sgt. Max Greevey.

[@johnbeatz380]

The fact that Stone had the manual on him means he long anticipated having to use it in court.

[@abuzzmochamichi3678]

The very first episode.....such a masterpiece that started it all.... Great job :)

[@charlesbronson2926]

I'm flabergasted the judge heard that he drank 6 bourbon on the rocks and still asked "what is going on, mr. Stone"

[@entertainment-knone9344]

Watching this clip was very personal to me. When I was growing up, my brother and sister don't remember, my dad used to work construction, on bridges throughout Michigan. He would always stop by the neighborhood bar and get a few drinks before coming home. ON his way home, the bar was about two and a half blocks from our home, a black guy in a Cadillac forced my dad's car off the road and he lost control, jumped the curb, and plowed into the neighbor's, porch. My mom, my 2-3 year old baby sister was on the neighbor's porch with the neighbor and my dad came extremely close to hitting my mom and potentially killing my sister. The next day, my mom waited until he had sobered up, gave him a choice, give up the drinking or lose his family. I was very young at the time and my dad chose his family He quit cold turkey because he realized he nearly killed my mom (his wife) and his daughter. This is why I have no sympathy or compassion for drunk drivers or for people who drink. People who drink don't consider what their actions have on other people, or their families and they won't quit unless it affects them on a deep personal level. My family was fortunate and my dad quit cold turkey and that my mom and sister weren't injured by it.

[@zvipatent]

My grandfather was killed by a drunk driver. Hit and run. My grandfather was with my dad on the way to visit my mom who was very sick in the hospital after giving birth. Insurance didn't cover her bill. I am near tears just writing this. My relatives all chipped into pay the hospital bill. The baby died of a rare disease unrelated to the problematic birth. My father had to lie to my mom about my grandfather (her father), so as not to upset her.

[@marshalastovall4270]

@entertainment-knone What did the race of the man who was driving the Cadillac have to do with your comment? I’m just curious.

[@intldawn]

Old school Law and Order is the best.

[@nikolaikarpovich1128]

I love how the court gallery in the early episodes of L&O all reacted with aww and surprise at every little revelation.

[@thobiem]

"Did he say I am not not an alcoholic?" "Yes, he did." Audience gasps, because no junkie or alcoholic has ever denied having a substance abuse problem. Pillars of the community, they would never lie.

[@tiisetsothato9082]

Akere

[@spyone4828]

It's a bit of a double-edged sword. Everyone, alcoholics and not, has said "I am not an alcoholic". Much rarer is the person who isn't one but has said they are. Fun fact: saying "I'm not having a heart attack" is one of the symptoms of having a heart attack. Again, most of the people who deny having a heart attack are actually right.

[@Frizzo2000]

This was a GREAT episode, as were the majority of the first 2 seasons. In reality, though, Stone would have been better served calling in a member of the NYPDs Highway Patrol Unit to administer a Field Sobriety Test. No reading from a manual would have been necessary.

[@chrismcqueen3920]

Frank Rizzo in a way reading from the manual solidified the administration of the test and removed doubt

[@mduralia]

The original Law and Order series will always be the best...always well written and great content...

[@Gustarx]

There aren't voices like the edward auster actor's anymore. love that sound of voice

[@l.salisbury1253]

A similar moment happened in an SVU episode where a judge ordered a DA to take a breathalyzer in court.

[@matthewgillies7509]

My grandfather once told me that, "an alcoholic can be anyone who simply must have a drink at a specific time every day." He said that ironically, as someone who liked having a scotch on the rocks at 4pm during the summer, but usually nothing else for the rest of his day. Never saw him drunk or drink to excess once, but it was his way of saying that all it takes is to lose that sort of self control.

[@jamesdrynan]

Very savvy of Ben to know the good doctor would have a liquid lunch from experience. Paul Sparer was excellent as the doctor. Also Greevey's gleeful expression change when Stone tells how he knew. I liked Moriarty and missed him when he left the show. This was the first episode of season one, FYI.

[@Stokedhavok]

James This was the FIRST episode of Season ONE?! Wow! They found their stride immediately!

[@kidpagronprimsank05]

@@Stokedhavok technically this is not the first episode, episode six of this show is the real first episode

[@bernlin2000]

What an incredible classic, Moriarty is so underappreciated.

[@dcg509]

What kind of attorney allows the client to get soused when alcoholism is an issue at trial!?

[@fatfreddyscoat7564]

Any lawyer who has a client who’s trying to deny he has a drink problem and lets him drink at lunchtime needs sacking.

[@nicholasmaude6906]

Interestingly the actor who played the victim's father, John Spencer, went on to play Leo McGarry in "The West Wing" unfortunately he died from a heart-attack in 2005; he was a great actor.

[@leonandrews7180]

Six bourbons at Chance’s Pub for lunch in the middle of the city. Sounds wonderful.

[@steamcanuck]

From the pilot. Damned good show, some truly amazing television that's sorely lacking these days.

[@calanon534]

Actually, the show's pilot was broadcast as Episode 6 "Everybody's Favorite Bagman." It was filmed in 1988, two years before the show was green-lit. It's notably different from the rest of the series, as a result. This was simply the first episode chosen to be aired.

[@stonefly69]

Michael Moriarty was the best!!!! Hands down. It was sad when he left the show, but he was "clear as a bell."

[@ianknight5120]

Leo McGary sitting in the public gallery thinking, "That's not an alcoholic"

[@dorkmax7073]

0:53 Objection, Your Honor. On top of blatantly insulting my witness and making erroneous implications of perjury, he intends to take the witness' testimony out of context before it begins. The witness is required to tell the whole truth, not an abridged version best suited to the prosecution 2:27 Objection, Your Honor. Medical advice sought, even in passing, during what begins as a friendly lunch, is between a doctor and his patient. That privilege is inescapable and the setting should not be a factor in deciding whether that privilege applies. The only metric by which we judge whether privilege applies is by the advice sought and the relationship of the parties. If I have a heart attack in public and my doctor is present, he is still my practicing physician regardless of the setting or whether I am billed.

[@NiceTryLaoChe]

Sounds like the defendant didn't seek medical advice, however. It sounds from the context as if the medical advice was unsolicited and, in fact, resented.

[@yesterdayitrained]

NiceTryLaoChe Agreed.

[@yesterdayitrained]

Coda Mission : Point 1- The witness said it was a social lunch; Point 2- The doctor never asked for any medical advice during the lunch (I guess you missed that part); and Point 3- The witness, admitting to be a friend of the doctor, gave him completely unsolicited advice, which the doctor do not ask for nor appreciate- in the capacity of a FRIEND who cared about the doctor.

[@AlyssMa7rin]

@@yesterdayitrained Only after the DA bulldozed through 'My interactions are privileged.'

7:59 How did you know? Ummmmm, my father. Every day after lunch, he would get drunk, come home and beat my mother with his fists and grab a broomstick and beat all of his children for no god damn reason....no reason...at all.

[@epramos6800]

05:00 about a decade ago, the Fresno Ca police would have UC officers inside popular bars to see who drank and radio their description to Motor Officers outside. One of the officers was asked in court where he got the idea to do this and they stated this Law and Order episode. They were ordered to stop the practice.

[@realBaronFletcher]

Leave it to the FPD and Chief Dyer.

[@epramos6800]

@@realBaronFletcher Yeh, they're still doing it. When he's mayor, he will win, he'll be doing some really, really creative shit with that PD.

[@nopejoeandangie]

I remember this episode differently. I thought he called Dzundza's character to the stand with a receipt for the drinks or something. I totally forgot the sobriety test. I'm dumb

[@TNTITAN]

Nope Offmate That's just the way memory plays with you. I recall thinking that it was the cop character who had the drunk dad that made him check the bar during lunch.

[@carlaivey9806]

My favorite original season episode!!

[@frankmachin5438]

I really dug Stone, he was a very well developed character and superbly acted by Michael Moriarty. Interestingly he himself at the time of filming ‘Law and Order’ was a self described very bad drunk.

[@koryglover3237]

Lawyer: Did he say that he wasn't an alcoholic? Doctor: Of course he did, all addicts deny their addictions

[@phobos258]

hands down one of the best shows to ever grace the screen.

[@LittleDebbie187717]

I bet the show won some Emmy awards.

[@jonclarkson5911]

A rat lovers program.

[@assumptionisthemotherofall2402]

Wow the very first episode, damn I’m old 😳

[@mrs.herculepoirot7763]

I loved Ben Stone, he was the moral center of the show.

[@heyysimone]

"he said i am not an alcoholic" Yeah, the same way someone would say they didnt murder that person.

[@fameasser123]

The best part of this is that the thing that really won this case for the da was the doc's lawyer letting his guard down by thinking he had won right before breaking for lunch. And because of that he celebrated a little bit too early. And because of that he thought he was in the clear and he did what any addict would do and had way too many drinks (I can definitely confirm this cause i was an addict and have done/know what i am talking about). Lol I sure if he had just waited until he got back home he probably would've won. I haven't seen this episode so i am judging the case based only on this clip solely.

[@MHWM2014]

🤣🤣I keep rewinding for the eye touch😂😂not drunk at all

[@jasonluong3862]

So clear. Must be a digital remaster.

[@rickb.284]

Great show and series...from Michael Moriarty to Sam Waterston, to the cops to the ADA's..just a great show...sorry to see it end..

[@DeHirvilammi]

I MISS THE OLD LAW AN ORDER

[@melissadavis225]

This is and was my favorite law and order episode

[@edwardlenovo3240]

It's unfortunate Michael Moriarty left the show, Ben Stone was a ruthless D.A.

[@petergray7576]

By his own admission, Moriarty was himself an alcoholic.

[@bethanybee4601]

Always nice to see Leo McGarry taking a break from his duties of Chief of Staff!

[@jackknopf5974]

Wow! Rough day in court! Let's go have a drink to cool off....

[@nbrikha]

What a way to open a legendary series

[@michaelabercrombie7698]

7:29 "she's got Betty Davis eyesssss"!!

[@thebookwasbetter3650]

I got called for jury duty when I lived in NYC. Didn't serve but got to sit in the giant waiting room all day. They specifically told us, do not drink over lunch. Always thought that was oddly specific.

[@davidf2244]

The only part that seemed egregiously unrealistic was that the test would need to have been performed by somebody certified to perform it.

[@jetcitysinatra7300]

Every Law and Order Show has used this theme song. All of the spin off as well. Some jazzed up some slowed down but the same song. I guess nothing beats a classic.

[@TMANN-jo1ps]

At 7:38, the guy on the left in the courtroom? Was that the same guy that was played by that actor in as one of the FBI Agents in The Rock?

[@robertforster8984]

This had to be the first or second episode of Law and Order ever.

[@cubefarmerhkc9105]

The best show on TV during its day. Stone was a force of nature. Jill Hennessy too! Can't believe they killed her off.

[@milart12]

I liked Sam Watterston but Michael Moriarty was better . Watterston didn't have the Manichean worldview that Ben Stone had.

[@hazeleyees]

She wanted to leave so they gave her the McLean Stevenson treatment. Meaning she thought she was to big for the show and to make sure she didn’t return they killed her off. She later regretted it I think.

[@physicalgrafiti12345]

I really feel like if a lawyer tells you to answer his questions in an extremely specific manner, you don't have to.

[@scottmatheson3346]

6:38 this poor lawyer never watched A Few Good Men.

[@ianmcpherson2171]

So good. Intelligent writing.

[@LP-ss3fg]

6 shots over less than 2 hours? Yall tripping

[@Tygearianus]

Fyi no one can force you to answer yes or no except a judge. You are entitled and obliged to speak the truth.

[@sandrajackson4732]

I love Ben Stone such a good Prosecutor.

[@junesilvermanb2979]

en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prosecutor

[@Sigma0283]

The moment he admitted to having a drink at lunch, his defense got compromised. As soon as he admitted to having more than one, his defense began to crumble, it finally blew up when he failed the sobriety. Note how before going to lunch, he says to his lawyer "Good job. I think we did it." had he not had and drinks during lunch, he would have gotten away with it.