When esteemed ear surgeon, Dr. Jack Mallory (guest star Jack MacGruder) is found murdered in his office, Detectives Goren (Vincent D'Onofrio) and Eames (Kathryn Erbe) suspect a prescription pusher. After further investigation, the detectives learn the doctor had testified in a controversial case involving another doctor -- Dr. Strauss (guest star Timothy Carhart) -- who had performed a cochlear implant on a baby. The baby got an infection and died as a result of the surgery, leaving the deaf community with strong opinions about the procedure. Detectives Goren and Eames race to uncover a tangled web of beliefs in a community they're not members of.
