Law & Order (TV Series)
Burned (1997)
J.K. Simmons: Dr. Emil Skoda
Quotes
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Dr. Emil Skoda : [McCoy and Dr. Skoda are discussing Terry Lawlor's interview with the judge] I'm not a mind reader, Jack. 'Hi how are ya' is not a diagnostic question.
Executive A.D.A. Jack McCoy : You can't tell me anything?
Dr. Emil Skoda : He likes rollerblading and Nintendo. So do I.
A.D.A. Jamie Ross : I don't get it. They should have jumped at the chance for the exam.
Executive A.D.A. Jack McCoy : They think they're gonna win.
A.D.A. Jamie Ross : The way things are going, they're probably right. So, now what?
Executive A.D.A. Jack McCoy : We go to trial. If they won't use his mental state to get him acquitted, fine. We'll use it to convict him. He set the fire because he's deluded.
A.D.A. Jamie Ross : If he has a mental disease, he doesn't belong in prison, Jack.
Executive A.D.A. Jack McCoy : Maybe it won't come down to that.
A.D.A. Jamie Ross : What if it does?
Executive A.D.A. Jack McCoy : That's what they pay us for.
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Dr. Emil Skoda : You want me to make a diagnosis based on the word of an amateur?
Executive A.D.A. Jack McCoy : Yeah. You got a problem with that?
Dr. Emil Skoda : OK... uh, he can't relate to others, has low tolerance for frustration, he's unpredictable. So far that's my kid. Now, the fear and suspicion, the whispering through the walls sounds like he's in the early stages of bipolar disorder.
A.D.A. Jamie Ross : Bipolar disorder.
Dr. Emil Skoda : Alternating cycles of depression and mania, periods of feeling better than normal, brighter and more energetic and charming. Hypersexuality and poor judgement. Then, suddenly, irritability, aggression, delusions of persecution, hearing voices.
Executive A.D.A. Jack McCoy : That's what's going on with this kid?
Dr. Emil Skoda : It's a third-hand diagnosis, take it for what it's worth. But, it might explain why the kid's a firebug.