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Friday, November 21, 2014

Law & Order SVU “Pattern Seventeen” Episode Information




Here are the details for a new episode of Law & Order SVU, “Pattern Seventeen”.

Law & Order SVU “Pattern Seventeen”” Air Date December 10, 2014 (9 PM ET/8C Wednesday NBC)

A SERIAL RAPIST STRIKES IN SEVERAL CITIES WHERE THE RAPE KIT BACKLOG STALLS THE INVESTIGATION

When a series of young, petite girls are assaulted in the early morning hours, Detective Rollins (Kelli Giddish) matches the pattern to several rapes she worked in Atlanta. When she finds that the victims’ rape kits were never tested, Atlanta SVU Chief Patton (guest star Harry Hamlin) claims none of the cases were worth pursuing. Intense media scrutiny and the lack of a suspect brings the heat down on Sgt. Benson (Mariska Hargitay), who has to face Chief Dodds (guest star Peter Gallagher) and their commanders in a CompStat briefing. Meanwhile, a family court judge threatens to remove baby Noah from Benson’s care. Also starring Ice-T (Detective Tutuola) and Peter Scanavino (Detective Carisi). Also guest starring Myk Watford (Captain Sam Reynolds), Samantha Futerman (Annie Lin), Lou Martini (Dr. Joseph Conklin), Ebonee Noel (Ashley Miller), Peter Hermann (Counselor Trevor Langan) and Jayne Houdyshell (Judge Ruth Linden).


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My recap and review of Law & Order SVU “Pattern Seventeen” can be found at this link.










Check out my blog home page for the latest Law & Order information, on All Things Law And Order.

Also, see my companion Law & Order site,These Are Their Stories.

Thursday, November 20, 2014

Law & Order SVU “Spousal Privilege” Recap & Review


Law & Order SVU “Spousal Privilege” was ripped from the headlines of the Ray Rice story, and followed that story so closely that the episode was devoid of suspense. This episode WAS full of double standards and a touch of hypocrisy.

Amaro has anger has issues again. This time it is triggered by a phone call with his wife Maria where Amaro hears he won’t get his daughter Zara as promised for Thanksgiving. Just like Stabler, Amaro has learned nothing about controlling his anger. The only improvement (if you can call it that) with Amaro is now he takes out his anger on inanimate objects (a locker, a glass) rather than people. He clearly is a boiling mess of rage inside. His anger issues are far from resolved and they simmer underneath the surface. But, I feel like we’ve been there too many times before. I became tired with Stabler’s repeated anger issues and his inability to improve and I have no desire to go there again with Amaro. I am becoming indifferent to Amaro’s issues.

Rollins appears to be having an inner struggle of her own. She has too much to drink while at a bar with Amaro and goads him by physically pushing him and raising her voice at him. Lucky for Amaro, Rollins' childish and violent provocations don’t work and he smartly exits the bar (after knocking a glass off the bar in anger). One can write off Rollins’ behavior that she had too much to drink, but drinking is no excuse for anyone – men or women – for violent behavior. Does Amaro’s calm attitude towards her the next day mean that he is, in fact, making excuses for her behavior? Rollins could be defending AJ/Paula because she may see a little of herself in them regarding the loss of judgment while under the influence. Also, does Rollins’ lack of control with drink at the bar mean that a return to gambling is not far behind? I don’t mind flawed characters, but if they keep going to the same well with Rollins, I fear I will be bored.

Chad Coleman and Meagan Good were both excellent as AJ and Paula and they made this episode bearable. As always, Raúl Esparza and Elizabeth Marvel bring a real spark to the legal side of the story. Just about everyone else seemed to be phoning this one in. The whole bar scene with Amaro and Rollins was cringe-worthy and seemed forced to me.

Benson takes a bit of a holier-than-thou approach to this case. She is displeased with the fact that original ADA took the arresting officer’s word, and Barba smartly reminds he does the same for her. She also seems annoyed with Fin when he stumbled on a child porn site, but once the detectives spot a possible case of domestic violence with a famous person on that same site, suddenly she’s interested. She was dismissive with Fin and the others, acting as if she thought they were wasting their time. In reality, had Fin not been looking at that site, they may have never seen what happened to Paula until it blew up on the news. It was fitting that Calhoun took Benson to task about for having Amaro back on the squad – with a gun no less - after his episode of violent behavior and subsequent anger management. Benson was acting like domestic violence should be handled differently than violence at the hands of the police. The issue should be violence against all others, and there should be no double standard for police when something happens outside the line of duty. Benson also has to admit that the rehabilitative powers of anger management doesn’t always work, and clearly it is not working for Amaro. Benson may be in denial that her own detectives are just as flawed as the SVU perps she is trying to put in jail.

The hypocrisy: Rollins makes a comment in the squad room in sympathy for Paula, saying this was the worst night of Paula’s life - for their entertainment.  Law & Order SVU takes often tragic “ripped from the headlines” crime stories and turns them into entertainment and the network sells ad time for profit. If Rollins statement was to be some kind of subliminal condemnation of how the media and the internet takes personal tragedies and turns them into huge news stories for ratings or profit, Law & Order SVU should take a really hard look at themselves. Sometimes I think there’s a little too much excitement and glee expressed about salacious news stories that would make good SVU story lines.

Avoiding domestic violence should be as simple as having a rule saying “no person should strike another person, ever”. It’s an easy rule to live by - a lot easier if a person is raised that way. Cultural and behavioral issues can explain part of how domestic violence happens, but it should never excuse it. In reality,  when it comes to prosecuting these cases, things get messy. In this case, the video showed the violence was clearly one sided, but in the privacy of one’s own home where not ever second is recorded for posterity, things may not seem so clear.


Here is the recap:


Cast:
Mariska Hargitay – Sergeant Olivia Benson
Ice-T – Detective Odafin “Fin” Tutuola
Kelli Giddish - Detective Amanda Rollins
Danny Pino - Detective Nick Amaro
Raúl Esparza - ADA Rafael Barba
Peter Scanavino - Detective Dominick Carisi, Jr.

Guest stars:
Meagan Good - Paula Martin
Chad Coleman - A.J. Martin
Elizabeth Marvel - Counselor Rita Calhoun
Jefferson Mays - M.E. Rudnick
Leslie Odom Jr. - Reverend Curtis Scott
Jeb Brown – Officer Denard
Korey Jackson – Brian
Lisa Kron - Judge Robin Schaeffer
David Dinkins - Judge Chet Baker
Hoda Kotb - Herself
Ian O’Malley – League Official
Nik Walker – Former Teammate
Brian Richardson – Jury Foreperson
Sebastien J. Antoine - A.J. Martin, Jr.


In the SVU squad room, Amaro is on the phone with his wife Maria. He loudly argues about custody of Zara for the Thanksgiving holiday. When Amaro hears Zara is not coming and Maria hangs up on him, he punches his locker while everyone in the squad room watches in stunned silence. Rollins tells him to take breath, but Amaro tells her not to tell him what to do. As Amaro walks off, Rollins walks to her desk and tells Fin not to say it. Fin asks, “Say what?” Benson enters the squad room and asks Amaro what happened to his hand. Amaro says it is nothing, he’s fine. Benson sees Fin looking at a web site of celebrity photos in a state of undress and asks if that is work related. He explains someone hacked celebrity nude photos and says some of the celebs are under age which makes it child porn. She tells him to wrap it up and if he finds anything to have TARU trace it. Amaro pipes in and says if you don’t want naked pictures of yourself on the internet, don’t take naked pictures of yourself. Rollins snaps it’s like if you don’t want to get assaulted, don’t wear a short skirt. They glare at each other. Amaro notices a video on the web site Fin is browsing and it is of AJ Martin, a Heisman Trophy winner and 8-time Pro-Bowler, with his baby-mamma Paula Bryant and they are fighting. They then see AJ dragging Paula into the parking lot, unconscious. Benson walks out of her office when she sees them still looking at the web site and testily asks if this is the new celebrity nude task force. They show her the video and Rollins adds it looks like it happened after the Black & White Gala at The Met 6 weeks ago. Benson comments she doesn’t remember hearing AJ was picked up on a domestic, and Amaro thinks they must have picked him up, pointing out a patrolman on the scene in the video. Fin says AJ is a sports hero and you know how this goes. Benson asks them to find if there is any video of what happened in between and when Amaro says he does not see it anyway, he suggests contacting the garage. Benson tells them to call the local precinct and find out what really happened and she will call the Chief. Fin questions that she wants them to investigate, and Benson says after Ray Rice and the others, if it looks like domestic violence, they follow up, before this becomes news.

Amaro and Rollins are at the precinct speaking with an officer and find the couple was arrested at the scene. Rollins argues Paula was woozy and missing a shoe and looked roughed up. They hear that Paula declined medical attention; AJ was polite and Paula was contrite. They were not interviewed separately. Amaro sees a football autographed by AJ and says he gets it. The officer says some low life leaked the video to RedChan and now they want to Monday morning quarterback? Rollins explains they are trying to figure out why no charges were filed. The officer says it was adjourned, contemplating dismissal. He says if they have a problem they can take it up with the DA.

Benson and Fin take the video to Barba, who says that out of context the video is disturbing but it does not contradict the police report sent to the ADA. The ADA is green, but good. They discuss what the precinct did and the outcome and says this is the deal he gave when the victim refuses to cooperate. He asks since they are celebrities should he have given them anti-preferential treatment? Benson counters the ADA should not have taken the arresting officer’s word. Barba says he takes her word all the time. He adds the deal is moot, a deal was offered and a lawyer said no. Fin questions why they turned down a get out of jail free card, and Benson thinks they called the ADA’s bluff and assumed he would get away with it. He is probably worried about PR and doing community service so he gets away with everything. Barba states there is not a lot here, asking if there is any footage from the stairwell. Fin explains Amaro and Rollins are tracking it down, and Benson adds they will know what they are going to see: the same thing they’ve seen before from these guys. He knocked her out. Barba asks with sarcasm why not convict him now? Benson firmly states AJ dragged Paula’s unconscious body out of that stairwell with no concern for her and then she said she slipped and fell? Barba says in certain ways he does not disagree – Benson says she hates it when people say that – and Barba goes on, saying since AJ did not take the offer, the case is still open. He tells Benson to find the video or get Paula to change her story.

At the home of AJ Martin and Paula Bryant on Tuesday, November 11, the couple presents a loving front to Benson and Fin. When their son walks in and tosses a football to Fin, Paula calmly chastises him for coming in while grownups are talking, and when the boy presses on, AJ shouts at him and the boy looks scared and goes to his room. While they talk about their son, Paula interjects a comment an AJ gives her an angry look. Benson makes the excuse to use the rest room to separate Paula and AJ. When they leave, Fin asks AJ if he knows what this is all about, and AJ says he is doing his job. Fin says his Sergeant wants to double check everything and asks AJ to walk him through it. AJ says they had too much to drink that night and had some words, and he loves his girl but even she will tell them she goes off the rails when she’s had a few. He is just trying to make sure everything stays within the hash marks.

Meanwhile, Benson tries to get Paula to give her more information but Paula insists she had been drinking and she tripped. AJ enters and cuts the discussion short, much to Benson’s dismay.


Back at SVU, Benson sees Fin and Rollins looking at video footage from the gala. The garage claims they erase their security cache every 7 days. Benson asks then how did the first video ends up at RedChan after 6 weeks after the event, saying they are lying and tells them to get a search warrant to find out what went down in that stairwell. Fin comments IF something went down in that stairwell. Amaro questions “if”, stating AJ dragged her out with no concern. Rollins counters if he’s ever had to move 100 pounds of passed out drunk, stating it ain’t easy. Benson thinks Paula is covering for him, reminding Fin that he saw it. She adds he was controlling and AJ’s son is terrified. Fin replies he was terrified of his mother and Rollins adds she was raised the same way. Benson questions now they are making cultural exemptions? Amaro says his father went after him with his fist and it taught him you never lay a hand on a child or a woman. Rollins says it is possible AJ could have been fending her off and both Benson and Amaro do not agree. Benson gets a phone call and then tells them to turn on LMZ on the TV now. They see the full video of AJ punching Paula in the stairway, Benson commenting that LMZ paid for the footage. Rollins states this changes everything.

Law & Order SVU “Pattern Seventeen” Promo

Here is the promo for Law & Order SVU “Pattern Seventeen” which will air on Wednesday, December 10, 2014 at 9PM ET on NBC.

My recap and review of Law & Order SVU “Pattern Seventeen” can be found at this link.






Check out my blog home page for the latest Law & Order information, on All Things Law And Order.

Also, see my companion Law & Order site,These Are Their Stories.


Friday, November 14, 2014

Law & Order SVU “Spousal Privilege” Advance Photos

Here are advance photos for Law & Order SVU “Spousal Privilege” which will air on Wednesday, November 19, 2014 at 9PM ET on NBC. The photos feature Mariska Hargitay, Danny Pino, Raúl Esparza, Leslie Odom, Jr. (as Rev. Scott), Elisabeth Marvel (as Rita Calhoun), Chad Coleman (as AJ Martin), and Meagan Good (as Paula).


My recap and review of Law & Order SVU “Spousal Privilege” can be found at this link.





















Photos by: Michael Parmelee/NBC and Myles Aronowitz/NBC
2014 NBCUniversal Media, LLC





Check out my blog home page for the latest Law & Order information, on All Things Law And Order.

Also, see my companion Law & Order site,These Are Their Stories.

Thursday, November 13, 2014

Law & Order SVU “Chicago Crossover” Recap & Review



Law & Order SVU “Chicago Crossover” was the second episode in a three-way crossover with SVU. Chicago Fire, and Chicago PD. It’s been a long time since there’s been a complex crossover story line in the Law & Order universe, so this event was welcomed by fans.

The story arc began in the last few minutes of the Chicago Fire episode “Nobody Touches Anything”. While fighting a fire, firefighter Kelly Severide works to save a man and in the process, the man drops a box of photos. When Severide sees the photos contain disturbing images of young kids, he calls for the police, and in come the Chicago PD squad. While reviewing the photos, Detective Erin Lindsay discovers that one of the photos is of her half-brother, Teddy Courtney, who she believes is now living in New York. Lindsay makes contact with Rollins at Manhattan SVU, which sets up the SVU “Chicago Crossover” episode. The Chicago Fire segment of the crossover felt tacked on to the end of that episode, similar to last season’s SVU/Chicago PD crossover, so this segment of the actual crossover was the weakest. At least it was a believable scenario and good excuse for the Chicago PD and New York SVU team to work together. The Chicago Fire/SVU/Chicago PD may be the most complex crossover ever attempted and, despite the thin intro to the case in Chicago Fire, overall this series was a real treat and very well done.

Benson and Voight working together is initially like trying to mix oil and water. Both are determined and strong minded people but their approaches are miles apart. Benson is attuned to the needs of the victims - sometimes being too empathetic – but overall she has a level headed, structured, and paced approach. She knows what works to get information from both suspects and victims. But to Voight, she’s TOO careful. In my opinion from watching Chicago PD, Voight always has a lit fuse – a SHORT lit fuse. He does have a softer side (if you can even call it that) but for the most part, it’s not obvious. It’s hard to know which Voight you’re going to get – the one who fights for justice the right way, or the one that behaves like a bully and uses force and questionable tactics to get what he wants. (Too frequently, it’s the bully.) This may be the way he does things in Chicago, but that doesn’t mean his approach is right. At least Benson was able to use a simple threat of a violent outburst from Voight to get a suspect to cooperate. Benson was fierce in this episode and she did use force when needed; those were some moves she used to take down a fleeing suspect.(Nice editing of that whole chase scene.)

Benson compares Voight’s tactics to those of one of her partners – He Who Shall Not Be Named. (Okay I’ll say it – Stabler.) But while Stabler and Voight may seem similar, in my mind, Stabler’s intentions were good, while Vought’s motivations and tactics in his Chicago PD role have been shady and often questionable. With Benson not knowing what Chicago PD viewers know about Voight, it is understandable that she would think Stabler and Voight are cut from the same mold.

Thankfully, Detective Erin Lindsay didn’t get shot as some viewers assumed from the promo tease for this episode. Viewers should always take those promos with a grain of salt as more often than not they mislead. (That’s how they rope you in.)

I shared Voight’s disbelief that it’s taken 10 years to bring down this ring of pedophiles. It seemed a relatively simple task once the SVU team got involved – too simple. Did no one else ever check facial recognition on any of the other kids in the videos to track their identities or movements? This would have likely helped to see pattern in where these kids had been. Even more concerning is that they still didn’t have the "head of the snake," which apparently has been operating out of Chicago all this time. We should all hope that the real life Feds aren’t this ineffective.

Lou Taylor Pucci was excellent in his role of Lindsay’s half brother, Teddy.

I can appreciate the hard work that goes into creating a story line that can seamlessly transition from one show to another, not to mention from one city to another (and back again). This was a well written episode which incorporated the characters from Chicago PD so well that they fit in like they have always been there.

(Note: This was Law & Order SVU's 350th epsisode!)



Here is the recap:

Cast:
Mariska Hargitay – Sergeant Olivia Benson
Ice-T – Detective Odafin “Fin” Tutuola
Kelli Giddish - Detective Amanda Rollins
Danny Pino - Detective Nick Amaro
Raúl Esparza - ADA Rafael Barba
Peter Scanavino - Detective Dominick Carisi, Jr.

Guest stars:
Jason Beghe – Sergeant Hank Voight
Sophia Bush - Detectives Erin Lindsay
Jesse Lee Soffer - Jay Halstead
Lou Taylor Pucci - Teddy Courtney
Danny Mastrogiorgio - George Turner
Mark H. Dold - Bob Clinton
Isabel Shill - Jocelyn Cerpaski
Frank Deal - FBI Agent O’Connell
Donnetta Lavinia Grays - Lina Bagley
Sal Rendino - Deputy Warden Barberi
Christian Goodwin - Henry Thorne
J.T. O’Connor - Don
Joshua Warren – CO
Paul Mauriello - Daddy Bear


Previously:
While fighting a fire in Chicago, firefighter Kelly Severide works to save a man and in the process, the man drops a box of photos. When Severide sees the photos contain disturbing images of young kids, he calls for the police, and in comes the Chicago PD squad. While reviewing the photos, Detective Erin Lindsay discovers that one of the photos is that of her half-brother, Teddy Courtney, who she believes is now living in New York. Lindsay makes contact with Rollins at Manhattan SVU and offers to come to New York to help out.

Benson is at the park with Noah and Amaro, who is pushing Noah on a swing. Benson gets a call from Sergeant Voight from Chicago who says his people are on the way. She informs him a contact at Missing and Exploited Children found a link between the images found in Chicago and a video ring that has been sex trafficking kids for over a decade. Voight asks how this is even possible and Benson explains as soon as Detectives Lindsay and Halstead arrive she will brief them. He explains that for Lindsay, this is personal, one of the vics in the photos is her half brother. Benson promises to keep her eye on her. Voight thanks her and says this is a bad one, and Benson counters that they don’t get too many good ones. Benson explains this to Amaro as she swings Noah, and Amaro takes a photos=.

Later, back at SVU, Erin Lindsay and Jay Halstead from Chicago PD are in Benson’s office. As Fin and Amaro head towards Benson’s office, Amaro asks Fin if he worked with those two when he was in Chicago, and asks if Halstead is the guy who hit on Rollins. Fin says that is some other pretty boy. Benson makes the introductions. Rollins rushes in, saying she got stuck in the tunnel.. Halstead explains that the Chicago Fire department caught a fire vic, Andrew Llewellyn, who had a box full of these images which are traceable to this franchise. Rollins adds that Lindsay recognized one of the young victims. Lindsay explains that Teddy Courtney is her half brother; he ran away ten years ago and her mom won’t tell her how she knows but she knows he came to New York. Fin asks if that is who they are trying to locate. Benson replies that NCMEC ran Teddy’s face through the system and they found more images, and he is connected to pedophilia rind. She shows Rollins the file. Amaro explains that this pedophilia club is still active and they have upgraded to live streaming. Rollins asks if the Feds thinks this club streams from New York, and Benson replies they don’t know, but as soon as they find Teddy they are going to ask him. Amaro comments, “Assuming he’s alive.” Lindsay is silent and less than thrilled at Amaro’s comment. Rollins gives him the evil eye, and Amaro apologizes, saying if a kid goes through something like that…and Benson cuts him off. He shuts up. Halstead asks if they haven’t found him in the system, and Fin replies not as an adult. Benson tells them to try all AKAs, misspellings, and to check all juvie databases in the tri-state area and to run those old photos through age progression. Rollins adds to crosscheck against facial recognition against mug shots and DMV. Lindsay adds to check morgue photos of John Does. Benson states they will need Lindsay’s DNA too. She nods in agreement.

At the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children on Friday, November 7, they see a live stream from the site in question with a young boy, Henry, who is about to be victimized. They are not sure from where the stream originated. The photos from Chicago are screen shots from 10 years ago from the same organization, the Chess and Checkers Club. Lindsay is appalled at what she sees, as the agent explains club members are making requests and watching from all over the world. She asks that they Feds know all this and can’t shut it down? The agent explains they are trying but so far, no. Benson says so they will.

Back at SVU, Rollins tries to get Lindsay and Halstead to call it a night, but they still want to work. Halstead goes off to check another data base and Rollins speaks with Lindsay, who admits it is rough and this could have been her. Her youth was chaotic and she hasn’t seen Teddy in a long time. Her family is complicated. Rollins explains she has a sister she hasn’t spoken to in 2 years and it is also complicated. Fin calls out they may have something; Amaro adds they have aged up photos of Teddy and shows a photo of what he would look like at 17. He also shows a mug shot from juvie. Fin adds Teddy Voight was arrested 5 years ago for soliciting. Halstead is surprised the last name is Voight, and Lindsay explains they used to know each other. She confirms that is Teddy. Fin explains Teddy was remanded to a youth center, Amaro adds there were no subsequent arrests and nothing else in public records. Lindsay offers to go to the youth center but Amaro suggests he and Rollins take the first meet.

At the Westway Youth Center on Saturday, November 8, Amaro and Fin speak with Miss Bagley and find that Teddy has run away from the center both times he was there and there less than a week his last stint. The security is there to keep the street out, not the residents in; they are not in a prison. George Turner, who works security, does not remember Teddy. Bagley says all of their kids are damaged but some more than others. When Amaro asks if she has any idea where Teddy is now, she says nowhere you would want to take your wife and kids. Fin asks if there is anyone who may have stayed in touch with him, and she suggests Jocelyn Cerpaski, one of their success stories.

Law & Order SVU “Spousal Privilege” Promo

Here is the promo for Law & Order SVU “Spousal Privilege” which will air on Wednesday, November 19, 2014 at 10PM ET on NBC.


My recap and review of Law & Order SVU “Spousal Privilege” can be found at this link.






Check out my blog home page for the latest Law & Order information, on All Things Law And Order.

Also, see my companion Law & Order site,These Are Their Stories.

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Law & Order SVU “Chicago Crossover” Preview #2

Here is a new promo for the Law & Order SVU “Chicago Crossover” event which will air on Wednesday, November 12, 2014 at 9PM ET on NBC and conclude with the Chicago PD episode “They’ll Have To Go Through Me” which airs immediately after.

My recap and review of Law & Order SVU “Chicago Crossover” can be found at this link.







Check out my blog home page for the latest Law & Order information, on All Things Law And Order.

Also, see my companion Law & Order site,These Are Their Stories.


Monday, November 10, 2014

SVU Stars Appear in Chicago PD “They’ll Have To Go Through Me” Crossover Episode (Videos)

Here are cast interviews, preview clips, and behind the scenes videos from Chicago PD “They’ll Have To Go Through Me”, a crossover episode guest starring SVU’s Mariska Hargitay, Danny Pino, and Kelli Giddish. The episode will air on Wednesday, November 12, 2014 at 10PM ET on NBC (immediately following Law & Order SVU “Chicago Crossover” ). The videos feature SVU stars Mariska Hargitay, Danny Pino, and Kelli Giddish, along with Chicago PD stars Jason Beghe, Sophia Bush, Jon Seda, Patrick Flueger, Laroyce Hawkins, Elias Koteas, and Amy Morton.

Please note: The preview clips have a limited life and may be removed at any time so catch them while you can!












Preview clips

CPD_Eps209_Clip1_16x9 by tvwatchr




CPD_Eps209_Clip2_16x9 by tvwatchr



CPD_Eps209_Clip3_16x9 by tvwatchr


CPD_Eps209_Clip4_16x9 by tvwatchr


Check out my blog home page for the latest Law & Order information, on All Things Law And Order.

Also, see my companion Law & Order site,These Are Their Stories.

Thursday, November 6, 2014

Law & Order SVU “Chicago Crossover” Interviews, BTS, Previews

Here are cast interviews, previews, and behind the scenes video for Law & Order SVU “Chicago Crossover” which will air on Wednesday, November 12, 2014 at 9PM ET on NBC. The videos feature Mariska Hargitay, Kelli Giddish, Danny Pino, Ice-T, and Chicago PD's Sophia Bush, Jesse Lee Soffer, and Jason Beghe.


My recap and review of Law & Order SVU “Chicago Crossover” can be found at this link.


Please note:The preview clips have a limited life and may be removed at any time, so catch them while you can!




Behind the scenes


Interview Danny Pino


Interview Ice-T


Interview Kelli Giddish


Interview Jesse Lee Soffer



Preview clips LIMITED LIFE



SVU Chicago Crossover Clip 2 by tvwatchr


SVU Chicago Crossover Clip 3 by tvwatchr


SVU Chicago Crossover Clip 4 by tvwatchr


Check out my blog home page for the latest Law & Order information, on All Things Law And Order.

Also, see my companion Law & Order site,These Are Their Stories.

Law & Order SVU “Glasgowman’s Wrath” Recap & Review



I was prepared to hate “Glasgowman’s Wrath.” I really was. Any drama series with a story based on a Halloween or “spooky” theme usually offers corny, silly stories.  I was surprised that I really liked this episode. It had a touch of the “Blair Witch Project” combined with the “Slender Man” fictional stories, and involved what seemed like innocent kids out for some scary fun without their parents’ knowledge. It may have been a frightening episode only to the very young, but that doesn’t mean it wasn’t suspenseful for adults. There was something about “Glasgowman’s Wrath” that pulled me in.  I think it was the general unsettled vibe that came from the combination of subject matter, visually interesting locations/sets, camera angles, and the urgency to find the missing girls. A first, viewers wondered if the girls were in danger from the alleged monster the Glasgowman, but later had to wonder if these girls had simply plotted to kill innocent Zoe. Clearly, these two girls were psychos in the making, with the cat-killing Perry seemingly well on her way to the capital of Psychoville. This case was full of people influenced by fantasy and delusion. It all started with one babysitter who was working on a graphic novel fantasy based on a man who has mental issues and paranoid fantasies all his own. Mix in two young girls who used those fantasies to stage a possible murder of one of the girl’s sisters and you have a crime that no one really pays for. This would be one case that would be very interesting to revisit a few years down the road – if SVU is still on the air at that point – and see if Perry or Mia victimize someone else.

The detectives initially work the case of Zoe’s attack without Benson’s involvement, wanting to give her the pleasure of spending her one day off with baby Noah. Amaro smartly involves her once it’s discovered that it isn’t just a case of one girl being attacked, but two additional girls are missing. Benson gets slightly bent out of shape that Amaro didn’t call her immediately. I don’t think it is a power trip with her, but more of her concern that her boss will have issues with her new family getting in the way of work, or have doubts about her leadership abilities.

There is also slight tension between Amaro and Rollins when Amaro tries to protect Rollins from working in the park; she thinks he means she can’t handle herself. There are times Amaro is behaves like a chauvinist, and it annoys me too. Rollins may have wanted to work the park and not be at the hospital with Benson over concern that Benson will give her all the heat for not getting her involved sooner. Amaro and Carisi also seemed to be competing for Benson’s attention; Amaro was less than thrilled when Carisi felt he was the better detective to question Charlie.  (Did Benson ask Rollins for her opinion on the issue as a test for Rollins to see if Rollins could remain objective?) There is no doubt about it, Carisi is a smart detective and Amaro may view him as a threat for the boss’ attention. On a related note, Peter Scanavino is a true scene stealer and I am finding that I am more interested in his character more than the others on the show.



Here is the recap:

Cast:
Mariska Hargitay – Sergeant Olivia Benson
Ice-T – Detective Odafin “Fin” Tutuola
Kelli Giddish - Detective Amanda Rollins
Danny Pino - Detective Nick Amaro
Raúl Esparza - ADA Rafael Barba
Peter Scanavino - Detective Dominick Carisi, Jr.

Guest stars
Will Harris - Charlie Dorsey
Jessica Phillips - Pippa Cox
Chloe Csengery - Perry Gilbert
Mina Sundwall - Mia Harris
Oona Laurence - Zoe Harris
Stephanie Kurtzuba - Joan Harris
Tricia Paoluccio - Robin Thornhill
Jeanine Bartel - Barbara Gilbert
Griffin Matthews - Leslie Connolly
Dashiell Eaves - Officer
Jayne Houdyshell – Judge Linden
Yvonna Kopacz Wright - Dr. Darby Wilder
Joanne Baron - Counselor Diane Schwartz
Toni Campisi – Counselor Steve Roth
Matthew Montelongo - Rick
Jodie Lynne McClintock - Nancy Earnst


At a girls’ sleep over, Zoe is rudely awakened by her sister Mia,  and Mia’s friend Perry films it. The girls are up for an adventure on the night after Halloween and race to the park. At the entrance to Inwood Hill Park, Perry, speaking to the camera, records a video about finding Glasgowman. She tells Zoe that she may not believe now, but he wouldn’t have called her if she wasn’t ready. As they walk into the woods, Mia continues to record them, Zoe says she wants to go, but Perry tells her not to worry, he likes the little ones. They hear odd screeching sounds and they thinks it is him. Mia tells them all to run, and as they do so, she tells them it is him and tells them not to look. As they run off, the camera drops to the ground and Mia yells for help, saying they got Zoe.

The next morning, Rollins and Carisi are at the park while Zoe is being placed into an ambulance on a stretcher. She was found by a birdwatcher. They don’t know who she is. Rollins goes with Zoe in the ambulance while Carisi speaks with the birdwatcher. He finds she has photos of the man who she saw standing over the girl.

Later at the hospital, Rollins flips through those photos of the attacker on her phone, and Amaro comments that the suspect is Bigfoot and their Jane Doe is still a Jane Doe. Rollins comments that Carisi reported her description and local precincts are distributing it now. She asks him how was California, and he says it is confusing. Zara is thriving and she loves it there. The doctor enters and says the girl is lucky to be alive; aside from the head trauma, one of the stab wounds was millimeters from her femoral artery. There was no visible signs of sexual assault but they have to wait for consent to do a rape kit. Amaro asks when can they talk to her. The doctor informs them she is out of surgery but she lost a lot of blood and she will let them know. As the doctor walks off, Rollins asks Amaro if they should call Benson in, but Amaro says it is her one day off with the baby, Two women, Joan and her wife run up and show them a photo of their daughter Zoe, asking if this is the victim. Rollins says it could be, and Joan asks if Mia is with her, Zoe’s big sister. When Rollins doesn’t immediately answer, the women asks to see Zoe now. Rollins explains as soon as she is able they will get them in there. She adds she was hurt in the park last night. Joan becomes very upset and xx tells her to let them answer the question. Amaro asks if they know how their daughter ended up in the park alone, and Joan’s wife says they both went to a sleep-over at a friend’s house, Perry Gilbert. They didn’t answer their cell phones this morning. They called and texted her mom who is not answering. Joan’s wife gives them Gilbert’s address and said no one answered the door and their phone tracker app says the girl’s phones are inside. Amaro tells them he needs them to try and stay calm and to have a seat and look through their phones and find the most recent photos of Mia and Zoe that they can. Rollins worries one girl is attacked and now two girls are missing or worse they are not responding at that apartment. Amaro says “Let’s go… now we call Liv.”

Meanwhile, Benson is at home having quality time with Noah, the room a bit of a mess, when she gets the call. She tells the caller (likely Amaro) she has to get a sitter and will be there as soon as she can.

At the residence of Barbara Gilbert on Sunday, November 2, Amaro and Rollins arrive and hear what they think is a woman being held at gunpoint, but find it is only Barbara and her state police boyfriend fooling around. Barbara thinks Perry is at a sleepover with Mia Harris and her sister, they texted her yesterday. They check the apartment and there is no sign of the girls but they go find the girls’ phones in the hamster cage. Barbara is frantic. Amaro gets a message that Benson is on the way to the hospital. He tells Rollins he told Benson that Rollins would join but Rollins wants Amaro to take Benson at the hospital so she can go to the park. Amaro says they don’t know what they are dealing with her and Rollins is miffed that he apparently doesn’t think she can handle herself. He says this is not what he meant, and Rollins replies good, adding he is better at dealing with Benson and she is going to be pissed when she finds they didn’t call her right away.

Later, at the hospital, Benson comments to Amaro that next time, call her earlier. Amaro explains he didn’t want to bother her on her day off, and she counters that is not his decision, it is hers. She comments there is one girl stabbed, and Amaro finishes by saying there are also two girls missing. They found their phones and sent them to TARU but there were no social media postings yesterday. There is not much to go on with the suspect; Carisi has blurry photos and he and Rollins are cobbling together a search. Benson latches onto the word “cobbling” and Amaro explains today is the marathon and every cop in the city is working. He adds that at this point, nobody matching the description has been found. Benson tells him to call the academy and get cadets out there, auxiliary and scouts. The doctor interrupts and says the little girl is conscious and her mothers are with her. Benson races to the room as Amaro makes some calls.

In the hospital room, Zoe says it wasn’t her idea. Mia took her mother’s phone and texted Perry’s mom saying that she could sleep over the house. Joan says Perry’s mom texted her saying that the two girls were staying with her. Zoe explains that was Perry pretending to be her mom. They made her promise not to tell. Joan snaps as Zoe, asks what was she thinking, and Joan’s wife says “not now.” Benson tells Zoe they are not angry at her, and Amaro adds they just want to know how she ended up in the park last night. Zoe says they were going and they said they couldn’t be left alone. When Joan starts to get upset, Amaro tries to get her out of the room but she says she is not going to leave her daughter alone. Joan’s wife says that Mia is still out there, and, grabbing Joan’s hand, pulls her away, telling her to let the police do their job. The two women leave the room. Benson stresses to Zoe she is not in any trouble but they need her to help her find her sister. Amaro asks why did Mia and Perry want to go to the park at night, and Zoe explains they said it would be scary; right after Halloween, the spirits are out…zombies, fun scary. Benson asks what was the plan. Zoe says they left at midnight and Perry had a camera just in case they saw somebody scary and said they would show it to everybody. Mia and Perry did see something, and they were screaming at her to run but he caught her and knocked her down. She saw his face; it was the Glasgowman.

Back at the park, Carisi and Rollins pass out flyers with info for law enforcement who are doing the search for the two girls. The all fan out into the woods and quickly find Zoe’s backpack under a pile of leaves. Rollins gives the backpack to an officer to get it to CSU as they arrive at a cave with a man inside. The man comes out with a stick and Rollins reminds the officer they want him alive. He does not put it down so the officer uses his taser and the man doesn’t immediately drop to the ground. Carisi orders him to turn the taser off and the man finally drops as Carisi tells him to stay on the ground. Rollins cautiously cuffs him.

Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Dick Wolf Discusses The SVU/Chicago Fire/Chicago PD Crossover Episodes

Here is a short video interview with Dick Wolf discussing the upcoming Law & Order SVU/Chicago Fire/Chicago PD episodes that will air on November 11 and November 12, 2014 on NBC.


Dick Wolf Discusses SVU Chicago Fire Chicago PD... by tvwatchr


Check out my blog home page for the latest Law & Order information, on All Things Law And Order.

Also, see my companion Law & Order site,These Are Their Stories.

SVU Stars Appear in Chicago PD “They’ll Have To Go Through Me” Crossover Episode (Photos)

Here are advance photos from Chicago PD “They’ll Have To Go Through Me” , the crossover episode guest starring SVU’s Mariska Hargitay, Danny Pino, and Kelli Giddish. The episode will air on Wednesday, November 12, 2014 at 10PM ET on NBC. The photos also feature Sophia Bush, Jon Seda, Laroyce Hawkins, Jason Beghe, Jesse Lee Soffer, Patrick Flueger, Amy Morton, Marina Squerciati, and Brian Geraghty.



















Photos by: Matt Dinerstein/NBC 2014 NBCUniversal Media, LLC





Check out my blog home page for the latest Law & Order information, on All Things Law And Order.

Also, see my companion Law & Order site,These Are Their Stories.