Barba quotes from Law & Order: Special Victims Unit

He was shot once in the chest, once in the groin?

Benson

Well, the M.E. thought that the shot in the groin was first.

Of course it was. Somebody wanted Alvin to have a couple seconds to think about who shot him and what his life would be like without his pecker. [Benson looks confused] Vonnegut? [Benson shrugs] Slaughterhouse-Five.

This girl didn't realize she was raped until she saw it on live TV?

Benson

I know, I know.

I get the "she said". What's the "he said"?

Barba, you don't know me or who I am, but we know a lot about you. Things people would want to know.

Is that a threat?

A threat? No. A threat would be, right here, right how, I push you down these steps, get your skull cracked open, bleeding to death.

Really? In front of all these people? Maybe they wouldn't be able to save me, but they'd sure as hell catch you. Alright, amigito, tell you what - you wanna murder a DA right here, surrounded by all these cops and cameras? Spend the rest of your life in prison? Here. Here's my home address. You come by anytime you want.

Benson

Hey. Everything all right?

Not really. Someone just threatened to kill me.

Benson

What?

Who was it?

Just a face in the crowd. Tell the squad to watch their backs. This is just the beginning.

The rape claim has nothing to with the terrorism charges. It could make her more sympathetic in the eyes of the jury. Raise the question of whether she was really a willing participant in the crime.

Put the brakes on the rape investigation for now, 'til the trial is over. Let the defense claim rape all they want.

Benson

I understand that there is something bigger at play here, I really do. I get it. But I'm not sure that should matter.

Are you serious?

Benson

With all due respect, Chief, I can't not do this. I'm just trying to do my job.

With all due respect, you doing your job cost my son his life!

He didn't mean it.

Benson

Sure he did. He's not wrong, either.

Justice sure isn't pretty some days.

Benson

Damn ugly this time.

Benson

I'm doing the right thing.

I know. That's what worries me.

He lied to save your ass. In my world, that gets you disbarred.

Benson

Yeah, in my world, it gets you a promotion.

[about Luke] Poor kid doesn't know whether to hate her or love her.

Benson

It's hard to give up on your mother, no matter how sick she may be.

I know that this is hard to accept, but it is her life. Her decision.

Benson

She's not making a decision. The girl is being extorted!

Does she feel that way? Maybe this job, this money, will help her heal. Will give her closure.

Benson

I don't believe that for a second. And neither do you.

Of course not. So let's go find another way to bury this prick.

Okay, so Eli's self-interested coke dealer witnessed the rape.

Benson

Okay, so he's not a perfect witness.

Even if he's telling the truth, he's practically useless.

Benson

So... let's use him outside the courtroom to gather more evidence.

You think he's willing to wear a wire?

Benson

I think he's willing to wear a clown suit.

Not the ruling I was hoping for.

Benson

So where does that leave us?

Two witnesses. Heidi Sorensen and George Thanos.

Benson

Is that enough to go to trial?

If I'm willing to go out on a very high, very shaky limb.

Benson

I assume that's a yes?

Damn right it is.

Benson

These people really think that nothing criminal happened.

Never underestimate the power of faith. Regardless of where it's placed.

Let's go over Ann's testimony one more time. Make sure she's consistent.

Benson

Okay.

You know, he said/she said/God said, you don't want God to get the last word. [checking his phone] Spoke too soon. Defense filed a motion to dismiss based on First Amendment protections.

Benson

So they're saying that rape is okay if it's done for religious reasons.

Huh. I don't remember reading that in the Bible.

Man plans, God laughs.

Benson

No, there's nothing funny about Reverend Gary. Or rape in the name of religion.

Benson

Listen, two people were killed and you're deporting the one person that can ID the men that did this?

I don't wanna get into politics, so I think it's time for y'all to leave before things get unpleasant.

Benson

No, no, they already are unpleasant.

I agree. Now get the hell outta here.

Or what? You're gonna deport me to Cuba? [gestures to Carisi] You gonna take him to Italy?