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"The Faithful"
CI, Episode 1.04
Production number: E2104
First aired: 17 October 2001
  th of 195 produced in CI  
th of 195 released in CI
  th of 1271 released in all  
Carver The Faithful
Written By
Stephanie Sengupta

Directed By
Constantine Makris

A murder takes place in a church, leading the detectives to unravel a complicated web that spans back a couple of decades.

Synopsis[]

SPOILERS! Before he became a priest, Father Michael McShale accidentally fathered a son with one Melanie Grasso years ago. The son's name was Kevin Donovan. Kevin grew up in foster homes until he was of age because neither Melanie or McShale wanted to come to terms with their unplanned son. McShale promised to take care of him, to the point of skimming church funds so Donovan wouldn't be homeless, as he was a drug addict.

One day, Kevin is caught stealing from the church box by the church sexton, Morris Abernathy, but he blames it on a homeless man nearby. Abernathy tells both of them to leave. After getting arrested then bailed out for buying drugs, Kevin returns to the church to kill Abernathy in retaliation for confronting him about stealing from the church box. Later, Kevin Donovan is found dead.

When the trail leads to McShale, McShale first lies to the police that Kevin is his lover and he feared for his life because Kevin would beat him during his drug rages. It comes to light however that Father McShale feared for what Kevin might do to Melanie Grasso if Kevin found out about her as he found Melanie Grasso's address in Kevin's wallet. Wanting to protect Grasso, he killed Kevin and gave him his last rites. Goren convinced McShale to take the plea of 25 years to life to ensure a trial needn't be necessary so Melanie's family wouldn't find out about Kevin Donovan. However, Carver is displeased to find out that Goren spoke to McShale without his lawyer and promises dismissal if Goren ever goes behind his back again.

Detail[]

Plot

Cast[]

Main cast[]

Recurring cast[]

Guest cast[]

References[]

Quotes[]

ADA Ron Carver: Kevin Donovan was given the last rites?" (pause, then realization) "By the priest who killed him.

Kevin Donovan: I don't like when you talk to me like that Morris.
Morris Abernathy: I don't care what you like or don't like. You're a good for nothing junkie.
Kevin Donovan: I'm just one of God's children.
Morris Abernathy: You're a sickness.

Alexandra Eames: (Picks up book on Goren's desk.) Liturgy of the Catholic Church. You thinking of converting? 'Cause I think Father Capanna would love to baptize you.
Robert Goren: Too late. You're speaking to a lapsed altar boy.
Alexandra Eames: Ah, I should've known. The disregard for authority, the fascination with bad behavior.

Kevin Donovan: You're way too hot to be a cop.
Alexandra Eames: You're way too smart to think I'm gonna fall for that.

Ron Carver: Detective... If you try and run one by me like that again, I'll have your badge.

James Deakins: (Deakins and Eames watch Goren shouting and cheering bravo to a homeless man in the Interrogation room.) Great. The Goren Show's back in town.

Alexandra Eames: You know us. We're the NYPD. We lie all the time. And we're good at it.

Alexandra Eames: After 18 years in foster care, Kevin turns up an uncle.
Robert Goren: Touching, isn't it?

James Deakins: What about you? Any dazzling insights you'd like to share?
Robert Goren: Uh...no.

Attorney: This is pure harassment.
Alexandra Eames: You have no idea how many times a day we hear that.

Alexandra Eames: (to Goren) Listen to you. What did you think you were doing here? A catch-and-release program?


Background information and notes[]

Episode scene cards[]

1 2 3

Saint Justin's Church
209 Avenue B
Tuesday, February 6

Home of Morris Abernathy
411 East 145th Street
Thursday, February 8

Office of the Treasurer
Saint Justin's Church
Friday, February 9

4 5 6

Office of the Rector
Saint Justin's Church
Tuesday, February 13

Saint Justin's Church
Friday, February 23

Rikers Island
Correctional Facility
Tuesday, February 27

Previous episode:
"Smothered"
"The Faithful"
Law & Order: Criminal Intent
Season 1
Next episode:
"Jones"
Seasons 12345678910
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