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Episode guide

S3·E8 Prince of Darkness

Episode
Season 3, Episode 8
Air Date
November 18, 1992
Runtime
47 minutes
Director
Gilbert M. Shilton
Writers
Robert Nathan, William N. Fordes
Score
7.9/10 (9 TMDB votes)
Story Type
Core Character Arc
Core Aired November 18, 1992 47 min ★ 7.9/10 · 9 TMDB votes
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Synopsis

Cerreta poses as a weapons dealer to help Stone build a case against a Columbian hit man, but the deal takes an unexpected turn, resulting in bloodshed.

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Episode recap

In the episode titled “Prince of Darkness,” the investigation centers on a covert operation designed to entrap a Colombian contract killer. Detectives Cerreta and Stone collaborate to construct a prosecutable case by arranging a meeting in which Cerreta assumes the role of a weapons dealer. The ruse is intended to draw the hit man into a transaction that will provide the evidence needed for an indictment. As the exchange unfolds, the situation deviates from the plan; the encounter escalates and culminates in a violent confrontation that leaves participants injured. The unexpected turn forces the detectives to intervene, secure the scene, and preserve whatever forensic material remains. Following the incident, the district attorney’s office assumes responsibility for the legal phase, reviewing the evidence gathered during the sting and determining the appropriate charges against the Colombian suspect. The episode adheres to the series’ established structure, juxtaposing the police procedural elements of the investigation with the subsequent courtroom proceedings that seek to hold the perpetrator accountable. Throughout the narrative, the focus remains on the procedural challenges of undercover work, the risks inherent in attempting to apprehend a professional assassin, and the legal ramifications that arise when an operation results in bloodshed. The storyline underscores the series’ thematic emphasis on the pursuit of justice amid complex, real‑world criminal activity.

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Director & writers

Guest stars

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Frequently Asked Questions

When did Season 3 Episode 8 of Law & Order air?

Season 3, Episode 8 ('Prince of Darkness') originally aired on November 18, 1992.

How long is Season 3 Episode 8 ('Prince of Darkness')?

The runtime for this episode is approximately 47 minutes.

What happens in Law & Order Season 3 Episode 8?

Cerreta poses as a weapons dealer to help Stone build a case against a Columbian hit man, but the deal takes an unexpected turn, resulting in bloodshed....

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