In the Season 3 finale "Silence," Eric Stoltz plays Father Michael Sweeney, a priest accused of raping and killing a homeless transsexual. It turns out that Father Michael was once a teacher at a Catholic school, and was moved out of the school after accusations of sexual abuse. The results of the investigation discover a different killer — one of the students at the Catholic school Father Michael taught at. While the detectives charge Father Michael with sex abuse, they eventually discover that Father Michael is actually covering for another priest, whose identity he won't reveal.
Eric Stoltz gives a nuanced, quietly emotional performance as a priest who doesn't want to break his vows. In one agonizing scene when Detective Stabler (Christopher Meloni) is trying to get him to talk about an abusive priest, Stoltz's character quietly cries while asking, "What about my vows?" as Stabler responds "What about the children?" Stoltz's performance showcases what he can do with just a little material.
While still involved in films, Stoltz is now more often behind the camera, remarking in an interview with Metro that "I am a much better director than I was as an actor."
If you or anyone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, help is available. Visit the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network website or contact RAINN's National Helpline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).
