Written by Michael S Chernuchin
Directed By Alex Chapple
A father kidnaps his mitochondrial DNA depletion syndrome-affected infant and upon being aprehended claims he only did so because his wife would rather see the child dead as a sort of Mercy Kill. As SVU takes sides in the infant's right-to-die, Barba's own interference in the case leads to the entire DA's office being in jeopardy, and DA Jack McCoy getting involved and sending Barba to trial for murder. While Barba is ultimately found not guilty, he is heavily traumatized and resigns as ADA, being replaced by former Chicago ASA Peter Stone (Philip Winchester), who has recently lost his father Benjamin Stone, a former ADA previously assigned to the NYPD's Homicide Unit.
Tropes
- Artistic License – Traditional Christianity: Catholic teaching is referenced in discussing the morality of withdrawing life support from a baby. However, in the episode, the baby is incapable of breathing on his own, and this condition is permanent. Under those circumstances, Catholic teaching defines a ventilator as "extraordinary treatment", and would counsel allowing the boy to die naturally.
- Mercy Kill: Drew has a condition that leaves him unable to see, hear or breathe. Barba does this which sets off the second act.
- Retcon: When Barba's father was initially mentioned, he'd been dead for 15 years. In this episode, Barba says he died 7 years ago.
- What the Hell, Hero?: Benson gives Barba hell when he terminates Drew's life.
