Joe Fontana (Law & Order)

Det. Joe Fontana is a fictional character portrayed by Dennis Farina on NBC's long running drama series Law & Order.

Character overiew

Joe Fontana is a homicide detective in the 27th Detective Squad of the New York City Police Department. Fontana is partnered with Det. Ed Green and, for a brief time, with Det. Nick Falco while Green was recovering from a gunshot wound. He is commanded by Lt. Anita Van Buren.

Fontana was named after Homicide: Life on the Street producer Tom Fontana, a close friend of Law & Order producer Dick Wolf.

Personality

Fontana, from the Little Italy neighborhood of Chicago, was an officer of the Chicago Police Department (as was Farina himself) before coming to New York. He left his posting in Chicago because of conflict with a superior officer, although he refused to elaborate further. He had never been married. Prior to partnering with Green, Fontana worked with a homicide squad in The Bronx.

Fontana is known for his flashy lifestyle — he drives a silver Mercedes-Benz SL500, is fond of impeccably tailored suits, and often carries a 'walking-around' money roll of several thousand dollars. That is initially cause for suspicion with his new coworkers, who wonder how he can afford those expensive things on his salary, but apparently they are later satisfied of his honesty. On multiple occasions he bemoans job-related damage to expensive articles of clothing. In the episode "License to Kill", he says, "Ugh, there goes a perfectly good pair of Gucci loafers" as he tramples through the snow to investigate for evidence. Although Fontana pays a great deal of attention to his appearance, he has his limits; in one episode, for example, he sees a woman who had died after having liposuction, and says he would rather go on the South Beach Diet.

Fontana was originally a very dry character, but this made him unpopular with fans, so he was given a better sense of humor.

Character highlights

Fontana initially has a rocky start with Green, who is still upset about the retirement of his old partner, Lennie Briscoe. Owing to Fontana's manner and apparent wealth, Green wonders if Fontana is a "wiseguy" (mobster) or a cop. Given time, however, Green warms up to Fontana, and the two establish a strong partnership. Fontana compliments Green on his appearance, and alludes to former partners not being "smooth". Green finds himself caught in the middle of a fight between Fontana and Van Buren more than once. On several occasions he also has conflicts with Jack McCoy (e.g. L&O: "Ghosts"). Prior to partnering with Green, Fontana worked with a homicide squad in The Bronx, although the episode "Ghosts" suggests that the Bronx may not have been Fontana's first stop in New York.

In 1995, he starts a two-year investigation into the murder of 12-year-old Sara Dolan. Convinced that her father was involved, Fontana does not let go of the case until another murderer confesses to the crime. Fontana questions his original judgment after extensive investigation, leading to the actuall killer being convicted after Mr. Dolan testifies in court. Publicly, Fontana claims to have no regrets about his original belief in Mr. Dolan's guilt because it was reasonable in light of the facts he had during the original investigation. At the end of the episode, though, he visits Mr. Dolan and tries to apologize only to be turned away (L&O: "Ghosts").

He gets entangled with his department when he repeatedly dunks a suspect's head into the toilet to force him to tell him where his kidnapped victim is (L&O: "Thinking Makes It So"). The evidence thus recovered is nearly thrown out, but thanks to ADA Alexandra Borgia's efforts, Fontana is exonerated and the suspect is found guilty.

Fontana is in touch with his Italian background, keeping a small Italian flag on his desk, next to the flag of Chicago. He mentions traveling to Italy, and is fluent in the Italian language(L&O: "Cry Wolf"). To gain a witness's trust, he falsely claims to have served in Vietnam (L&O: "Paradigm" & "America. Inc.").

Fontana from time to time uses the phrase "We're authorized" or "I'm authorized" when dealing with people from whom he needs something (such as medical records or access into a room) and who are hesitant to give him what he wants. It is usually successful and the term became a popular catchphrase associated with the character.

When questioning witnesses, Fontana insists on respect for his partner and himself. His response to disrespect is an intimidating change of manner, speaking to the person at extremely close range with insults or veiled threats. He considers it insulting to be called a "cop".

Fontana's departure from the show comes when he retires and is replaced by Green as senior detective.