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Monday, February 29, 2016

Law & Order SVU “Unholiest Alliance” Episode Information


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

Law & Order SVU “Unholiest Alliance” Air Date March 23, 2016 (9 PM ET/8C Wednesday NBC)

When one of their own is implicated in a cover-up, the SVU struggles to unravel a sex trafficking operation deeply-rooted in government offices, the police department, and the Catholic Church. Starring Mariska Hargitay, Ice T, Kelli Giddish, Raúl Esparza and Peter Scanavino. Guest starring Andy Karl, Michael O'Keefe, Robert John Burke, Jonathan Cake and Peter Gallagher.


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My recap and review of Law & Order SVU “Unholiest Alliance” 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, February 26, 2016

Law & Order SVU “Manhattan Transfer” Sneak Peek

Here is a preview clip from Law & Order SVU “Manhattan Transfer” which will air on Wednesday, March 2, 2016 at 9PM ET on NBC. The video features Mariska Hargitay, Kelli Giddish, and Raúl Esparza.


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


Please note: this video has a limited life and may be removed at any time, so catch it while you can!



SVU_17017Clip_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, February 25, 2016

Law & Order SVU “Manhattan Transfer” Photos

Here are advance photos for Law & Order SVU “Manhattan Transfer” which will air on Wednesday, March 2, 2016 at 9PM ET on NBC. The photos feature Mariska Hargitay, Peter Scanavino, Kelli Giddish, Andy Karl, Robert John Burke, Joniece Abbott-Pratt (as Marissa), Abigail Savage (as Nina Kelly), Yainis Ynoa (as Danielle Backerly), Rebecca Gruss (as Natalia Diaz), Maggie Borlando (as Margaret Kenswick),  John Ales (as Det. Tom Russo), J.D. Williams(as Det. Anton Jefferson), and Camila Perez (as Cara Gutierrez).


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













Photos by: Michael Parmelee/NBC 2016 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.

Law & Order SVU “Star-Struck Victims” Recap & Review


“Star-Struck Victims” was one of those situations when video documentation actually hurt a case. When a vlogger intent on partying with celebrities is raped, her frequent misstatements and her own vlog documenting her exploits (except the one that mattered) is used against her. It appears to the jury that her behavior is intended to get more traffic to her site and more hits on her videos, making her accusations of rape far from credible and likely contributing to the not guilty verdict.

Adding fuel to the fire is a major misstep by Rollins, who goes rogue and, going undercover without approval, tries to get the accused rapists on video. Had she bothered to check with Dodds or Benson first as is procedure, she would have learned that the suspects have already lawyered up, and her video is not only inadmissible but could possibly mean a lawsuit against the NYPD. Despite having a nanny to take care of baby Jesse, Rollins shouldn’t be running an unsanctioned undercover operation by herself where she could find herself in grave danger. Benson had every right to chastise Rollins for her behavior; the only thing that was missing was any mention of an official reprimand, which Rollins deserves. Benson is also right to mistrust Rollins, not for leaking the video (as Benson now realize Rollins didn’t do) but for going undercover without approval. I think Benson was too easy on Rollins.

There was a discussion between Dodds and Rollins where Rollins mentioned Kristi’s ego and wild streak, and Dodds referred to is as Kristi’s crazy streak. Rollins thought Dodds felt it was because Rollins has a blind spot for her sister, but I think that it’s Rollins herself who is a bit on the wild and crazy side. She still seems too quick to take risks. Dodds wasn’t forceful enough with her when he suggested she clock out and go home. Her response “Why don’t you stop telling me what to do – Sergeant?” borders on insubordination. If it were me, I would have reminded Rollins I was her Sergeant and her going home was an order. She likely would have ended up in the bar anyway, but at least Dodds would have further established himself as her Sergeant. (Sometimes I think that both Benson and Dodds run a very loose ship.) Rollins also took liberties with Dodds’ comment that if they didn’t catch these two in the act they were going to walk. Clearly he didn’t mean that Rollins should go do it herself, and Rollins was foolish to think that, despite her trying to blame Dodds for her actions, that Benson would not know the truth.

Repeat offender Craig Bierko – who appeared in the SVU episode “Escape” from season 5 – was one of two creepy perps who tag team their victims. Even though his character in this episode is a TV star, he and his buddy aren’t very bright, going right back to assaulting women despite being barely out of legal trouble. The fact that Rollins threw herself at D’Amico didn’t set off any warning bells, either. D'Amico thought he was untouchable.

I found Barba’s behavior to be mildly funny in this episode. I enjoyed his comment that “sarcasm is the weapon of the weak” which is especially amusing coming from someone who has mastered the art of sarcasm. Extra points to Raúl Esparza for that look on his face when Buchanan ruined his chance at trapping the defendant(s) and getting Rollins’ video admitted. Carisi sounds hopeful that he passed the bar exam and is very thankful to Barba for his support. Meanwhile, Barba is acting like he has a target on his back.  Barba has experienced some high profile failures and it's understandable that he acts like the end is near.

Fin was missing in action again with no explanation.

Two nitpicks:
When Deputy Chief Dodds decides they won’t be pursuing the case, Benson asks him what does he propose she say to Kristi. Benson has been working at SVU long enough that she shouldn’t have to ask this question.

Benson also tells Kristi that the case will stay open, then right afterwards, tells the detectives the case is closed. The detectives were being told not to work it, so it seemed the case is closed. Was Kristi being misled?





Here is the recap:

Cast:
Mariska Hargitay - Lieutenant Olivia Benson
Ice-T - Detective Odafin “Fin” Tutuola
Kelli Giddish - Detective Amanda Rollins
Raúl Esparza - ADA Rafael Barba
Peter Scanavino - Detective Dominick “Sonny” Carisi, Jr.

Guest stars:
Andy Karl – Sgt. Mike Dodds
Peter Gallagher – Deputy Chief William Dodds
James Madio - Noel Panko
Craig Bierko - Bobby D’Amico
Vivien Cardone - Kristi Cryer
Delaney Williams - Counselor John Buchanan
Ami Brabson – Judge Karyn Blake
Nadia Gan - Sheila Lin
Madeline Lodge – Tara Browne
Rachel Deacon – Jen Burrows
Ngozi Anyanwu – Officer Perlina Edozi
Alexander Blaise - Louis-Alexandre Berthier
Timo Schnellinger – Director
Jeanine Ramirez – News Anchor
Rachel Alana Handler - Jury Foreperson
Lauren Noble – Carmen


On her phone, vlogger Kristi Cryer documents her experience in the Bellevue ER as she claims she has been raped. She complains about her experience in the ER. The SANE nurse (stands for Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner) tells her she can’t record in the exam room. But she turns the phone back on after the rape kit is done,  and she props the phone up when she hears the detectives have arrived. Rollins and Carisi enter the room and begin the standard questioning. When Kristi begins to describe her attacker, she explains she has his picture on her phone. When she picks up the phone, Carisi asks if she is recording this. She explains she is a vlogger and her followers want to know everything that happens to her. She points the phone camera at Rollins and Carisi, and asks them what they said their names were. They look stunned..

At SVU, Deputy Chief Dodds is in Benson’s office. He has a copy of the New York Ledger with Hank Abraham’s photo on the cover with the headline “So Long Hank.” Dodds says if you ask anyone at One PP, Hank was a political appointee and was never one of them and no one is losing any sleep over him. Benson counters that THEY all did; she doesn’t think she has known anyone so compartmentalized. Dodds comments it is the lies they tell themselves to get them through the day. He says his son has learned a lot under her, and Benson explains that he works hard and is a good cop. Dodds comments then she agrees it is time he took on a more high profile role. She says Sgt. Dodds mentioned the Joint Terrorism position, and DC Dodds states that all he is asking is when the time comes for Benson to give him her best recommendation. Benson stands up and says he doesn’t need to ask.

They walk out of her office and the detectives are standing around Rollins’ desk watching a video on her computer, DC Dodds asks his son how is his first day back so far, and Sgt. Dodds says he is right in the thick of it. DC Dodds recognizes the man on the video as Bobby D’Amico, and Rollins replies “The TV actor, yeah.” Benson said the girl in the video was assaulted at his club last night. DC Dodds asks that she recorded it at Bobby D’s Hideaway, and Sgt. Dodds says it was at the beginning of the evening, explaining she is a vlogger. DC Dodds asks if she accused her date, and Rollins explains no, she accused the bar manager Noel Panko. Rollins states that their vic says he followed her into the bathroom and raped and sodomized her. DC Dodds comments he will put in a call to Bobby to see what he knows about this. Carisi questions DC Dodds that he knows Bobby D’Amico, and he replies that he is a friend of the department. Sgt. Dodds translates that be bought the brass a lot of Nobu dinners when he was researching his part for Jack Burns. Carisi says that was the morally conflicted DA turned bad-boy rouge cop. DC Dodds laughs and says Bobby is good people, and anytime there is a benefit for the widows and orphans he is on that podium. Benson says that is good to know but for the meantime, why don’t they hold off on calling him. DC Dodds tells her to keep in mind people look at a celeb and see an easy payday. DC Dodds walk off. Carisi comments “That was subtle” and Rollins tells Sgt. Dodds that Bobby was a friend of his father’s and asks if he was his too. Dodds replies that he knows him, but he’s not a fan. Benson states that Kristi was at the bar with a friend, and Rollins says yes. Benson asks if the friend disclosed to her, and Rollins replies no, it was the girlfriend’s birthday and Kristi didn’t want to ruin her night. Benson states it is the morning after, and to find out what the friend saw.

At Furry Rascals at 3915 Broadway on Saturday, February 20, Rollins and Carisi speak with Sheila who says she stayed at Bobby D’s until after 3 and put Kristi in a cab. She did go out for a smoke, once after 2. Kristi did not seem different and they were both very drunk. Carisi asks if there was anyone making eyes at her or getting grabby, and Sheila says there was no one creepy; they were mostly at the bar. She suggests the manager, Noel, might be able to help them. She said he was attentive and when you go to a bar with Kristi you never pay for drinks, and even Bobby D’Amico was flirting. Kristi danced with him and made out a little.


Later, on the set of the show “Napoleon in America,” Dodds speaks with Bobby who is clearly proud of his show. Dodds explains the possible trouble at his club and he asks about Noel. Bobby says they have been friends and Noel has been at the bar since it has been opened. When Bobby asks for details and when Dodds seems reluctant to explain, Bobby reminds him he played a cop for 10 seasons and not to dance around. Dodds shows him Kristi’s picture and Bobby confirms she was at the bar and it was her friend’s birthday. He seems very open about it, saying Kristi is a freak, they danced and made out and made love in the bathroom for three minutes and it was consensual. Noel came in looking for him and Kristi took care of him too. She is a big fan and this was definitely not her first tag team. He thinks if she is complaining now, it is a shakedown.

Back at SVU, Benson comments to the detectives it was one happy consensual three-way in the bathroom. Dodds says Bobby wasn't shy about it. Rollins thinks Bobby is covering for his childhood buddy Noel. Carisi thinks she is leaving out a big part of her story, adding Bobby is not a dummy and would not put himself in the bathroom with her if he wasn’t there. When Rollins doesn’t seem to by this, Carisi goes on to say Kristi’s own friend said she was dancing after she claims to have been assaulted. Benson tells him to hold on, saying they know her affect afterwards doesn’t mean anything, and even if she did have consensual sex with Bobby – Carisi reminds Benson that Kristi left that out – Noel still could have assaulted her. Benson states she and Dodds will talk to him and Carisi and Rollins should bring Kristi in and find out what else she isn’t telling them.

At Bobby D’s Hideaway on 184 East 33rd Street on Saturday, February 20, Benson and Dodds speak with Noel. He suggest that with three people in a small tile bathroom that wild things can happen to wild things. He says Kristi was into it and Bobby is catnip to the ladies. Benson asks how much will the girls do for him, and Noel says he gets his share of the runoffs. He admits he went looking for Bobby and when he saw he was busy that Kristi invited him to stay. When Benson asks what she said exactly, Noel waffles and says maybe Bobby said it. Bobby tells his fans to go down and they say how low. Dodds and Benson bring up the security cameras and Noel is very cooperative to get them all the footage. He says Kristi was there till last call, twerking the entire night.

Back at SVU, Rollins and Carisi show the footage to Kristi who admits she went into the bathroom with Bobby but didn’t tell them so they wouldn’t think she was a slut. Rollins reminds her to be honest and Kristi says she is sorry. She admits to consensual sex with Bobby but that Noel came in like he knew they were there but she wasn’t really okay with that. Benson, Barba, and DC Dodds are observing from her office, Kristi said Bobby asked if Noel could join them and she said no. Then Bobby said to look at those puppy eyes, she hurt his feelings. Barba comments to DC Dodds that comment was too cheesy to make up. DC Dodds says how do they know that, he is not sure this girl has a grip on reality at all. Benson quiets them and we hear Kristi explain she was pretty drunk and doesn’t remember everything but she heard the door open and Bobby was gone. She was rinsing her face and Noel pushed her onto the sink and raped her from behind. She sees the looks on their faces and worries they don’t believe her. Rollins explains they need to make sure the timeline is clear. The video shows Bobby left the bathroom first, and Carisi adds the problem is 10 minutes later Kristi is on the dance floor with her friend, acting like nothing happened. She sees the video and explains she told them it was Sheila’s birthday and she did not want to bum her out. With a quivering voice, she says Noel raped her, she swears to god. There is a knocking sound and Carisi and Rollins get up to leave, Rollins asking Kristi to give them a minute.

Carisi and Rollins walk into Benson’s office, and Rollins tells Benson, DC Dodds, Barba and Sgt. Dodds that she knows this looks bad. DC Dodds says Kristi is a train wreck. Benson says Kristi is not the most credible victim but she definitely thinks something happened to her. Barba states dryly “Probably a lot of things. It’s a they said, she said.” He adds she changed her story and went on dancing after the alleged assault. Rollins states emphatically that none of that means she wasn’t raped. Benson counters to Rollins that nobody is saying that, be Rollins says the Chief is, actually. DC Dodds asks Barba if the jury sees an attention-seeking vlogger pull a TV star into the bathroom and then sees her partying 10 minutes after she was supposedly raped, how would that play? Barba states not well. Rollins argues they have taken on tougher cases, but Barba counters they have to pick their battles. Carisi adds that Kristi’s story is compromised. Sgt. Dodds tells them to hold up; what if they find a pattern? Barba explains it is up to the Lieutenant. But DC Dodds states, “Actually, it is up to me.” Benson looks annoyed. DC Dodds says there is a difference between proactivity and harassment. Benson asks him what does he proposed she say to this girl? DC Dodds states to tell her we are sorry but the DA won’t move forward – and get her a ride home. Benson looks stunned, as do the other detectives, and DC Dodds leaves her office.

Afterwards, Benson delivers the news to Kristi. Kristi is upset, saying she was raped and doesn’t she believe her? Benson says yes she does but the question is, can they prove it beyond a reasonable doubt. Kristi says she never should have said anything at the hospital, but Benson says her rape kit stays on file and her case stays open and they can provide her with medical treatment and counseling. Kristi says she was so stupid and was so excited to have a big star interested in her. Benson says she didn’t deserve what happened to her and none of this was her fault. Kristi comments “If you say so.” Benson sighs.

Law & Order SVU “Manhattan Transfer” Promo

Here is the promo for Law & Order SVU “Manhattan Transfer” which will air on Wednesday, March 2, 2016 at 9PM ET on NBC.


My recap and review of Law & Order SVU “Manhattan Transfer” 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, February 18, 2016

Law & Order SVU “Collateral Damages” Recap & Review


“Collateral Damages” lived up to its name, with one high powered official, Deputy Commissioner Hank Abraham, getting caught with a massive amount of child porn. As Hank isn’t very well liked, his troubles don't bring much sympathy. But his family is hit hard with the collateral damage. Hank’s wife – revealed as SVU favorite Pippa Cox –  is now on shaky ground with her job and their children must live with the shame and embarrassment for years to come. Yet Hank, the slime ball that he is, is initially more worried about saving his own guilty skin. Somewhat predictably,  he attempts suicide, and Pippa finds him in time, saving Hank’s sorry life. It’s only after this event that Hank gets some sense and cuts a deal with Barba to plead guilty. This was an excellent, well-written episode with plenty of drama, taking two unrelated characters and crafting a tragic story line for both. Playing out in the background were interesting stories for the main cast as well.

Sergeant Dodds is still recovering from his gunshot wound, and his father, the Deputy Chief, was putting pressure on him to take a position with the joint terrorism task force. While his father is pushing him higher up the ladder, Dodds sounds unsure he wants to climb any further. He likes working with the SVU. The question:  as Andy Karl will be playing the lead in the stage musical version of “Groundhog Day” and will likely not have time for SVU at some point, how will Dodds leave the squad? Will he eventually take his father’s advice, or will he have an unhappy ending?

In addition to  the secretive marriage of Pippa Cox and Hank Abraham, we find that Benson and Tucker’s (likely secret) relationship has progressed. As Benson and Tucker head into a bar, Benson sees what looks like a crowd of younger people having fun, and decides to go somewhere else. I don’t think there was anyone in there that she recognized; I think she may have wanted to be somewhere quieter, more relaxing, and maybe more intimate. As they walked off to find another place to get a drink, Benson hooks her arm into his. I am not sure if I am happy for her or revolted over this relationship. Tucker (AKA "Mother Tucker") has been such an ass to her in the past, but I know their relationship has changed over time. Even though I know we’re talking fictional characters here, I never had any desire to see these two people have a romantic relationship as I never felt that kind of chemistry between them. But I’m willing to go with the flow here and see what happens.

Jessica Phillips, who played Pippa Cox, was exceptional in this episode. As usual, Raúl Esparza was fantastic in portraying  Barba’s disgust and frustration with Hank Abraham.  Josh Pais has always done a fine job as the annoying Hank Abraham, and he's done it so well that I'm happy to see his character get his comeuppance.





Here is the recap:

Cast:
Mariska Hargitay - Lieutenant Olivia Benson
Ice-T - Detective Odafin “Fin” Tutuola
Kelli Giddish - Detective Amanda Rollins
Raúl Esparza - ADA Rafael Barba
Peter Scanavino - Detective Dominick “Sonny” Carisi, Jr.

Guest stars:
Andy Karl – Sergeant Mike Dodds
Robert John Burke – Captain Ed Tucker
Jessica Phillips – Pippa Cox
Josh Pais - DCPI Hank Abraham
Peter Gallagher - Deputy Chief Williams Dodds
Danny Johnson - Teddy "Brown Sugar" Hawkins
George Morfogen – Mr. Marcowicz
Susie Essman - Counselor Arlene Heller
Sarah Mezzanotte - Amber
Ned Eisenberg - Roger Kressler
Stephen Bradbury – Judge Colin McNamara
Mayank Saxena – CCS Officer
Peyton Lusk - Jordan Abraham
Jadyn Tattoli – Lia Abraham
Alexander Driscoll - Daniel Pullman
Adam Lim - Guo Chang
Jessica Sharples – Naomi
Bill Kochs – Reporter #1
Dawn Yanek – Reporter #2


Teddy "Brown Sugar" Hawkins is taking photos with fans and selling his barbecue sauce. Rollins arrives, working undercover as “Crystal” with her “niece” Amber. Teddy thinks Amber is a bombshell and Amber seems amazed it is famous boxer Teddy Hawkins. Benson and Fin are monitoring nearby, and when Benson worries if “Amber” knows what she is doing as she looks young, Fin explains Amber is from the academy and that Rollins prepped her and primed Teddy. Fin radios to Carisi, asking if he “has eyes” and Carisi says he thinks Teddy is not wasting any time. Teddy offers “Crystal” and “Amber” long island ice teas and when Amber asks if she needs an ID, he says not when she is with Teddy. While they drink, we can see that Rollins’ necklace includes a camera and Fin and Benson can observe and record. Amber is enamored with Teddy’s boxing belts, and he comments the ones displayed are replicas and offers to show them the real ones. They agree to follow Teddy downstairs to see them. Carisi worries to Benson and Fin that if they go downstairs he will lose sight of them, but Fin assures him they still have visual on Rollins’ cam.

Rollins walks in with Hawkins, and Amber is amazed at the place and his boxing awards. He tells her she has the face of an angel and a body for sin. While Rollins stands in the background, he tells Amber to sit, asking how old is she again? She says she is almost 16. He says she is so young, asking if she ever thinks about modeling. He adds he has a friend that runs an agency, asking if he can take some photos for him. She says that would be amazing. He gets his camera and asks her to smile for him. She laughs and he takes some photos. He asks her to stretch a little, and she giggles and lays back. He says she is so pretty and she giggles more. Benson and Fin continue to observe from the camera feed. He suggests she open her blouse a little more, and she complies. He asks if she take her top off, and Amber looks to Rollins, who says “If that’s what Teddy wants,” so Amber removes her top as Teddy snaps photos. He asks her to turn around and unhook her bra, and she takes more photos and says he is starting to get other ideas. He moves to undo his belt and asks her to get on her knees. Rollins pulls her gun and announces she is NYPD as Amber moves away, covering herself with her arms. Teddy asks what is this, saying nothing happened, as Benson, Fin, and Carisi arrive. They arrest him for attempted rape. He is outraged. As they remove him from the room, Fin tells Rollins and Amber “nice work.” Rollins comments that if you stay in the job long enough, all your heroes die. Amber has a blank look on her face as she and Rollins walk off.


In SVU interrogation, Counselor Heller, representing Teddy, says this is harassment and that Hawkins was set up. Carisi counters that he didn’t hear him say no. Hawkins says when the woman approached him with her foul come-ons, he decided to gather evidence. Rollins asks if this is why he asked her niece to get on her knees. Hawkins replies he wanted to see how far they would go before he made a citizen’s arrest. Carisi laughs. Meanwhile, along with Benson in her office, Barba is watching the interrogation and he turns off the sound, asking dryly who is this exemplary human being? Benson says it is Teddy “Brown Sugar” Hawkins, the former boxing champ and the current face for all those shopping mall barbecue joints. Barba asks if he realizes how much trouble he is in, and Benson says not yet; he’s been doing this for so long he thinks he is bulletproof. Deputy Commissioner Hank Abraham enters and claps, saying, “There they are, my two favorite people!” He says he has good news for a change. Barba takes a breath and says word travels fast. Abraham comments they have Hawkins on attempted rape and asks what else, what about child porn? Benson states that TARU tossed his home computers and this is clean but they did find some bad sites on his restaurant service but they can’t prove that he accessed them. Abraham comments that still Hawkins is a big get, and that One PP wants him schlonged, perp-walked, cuffed, and his punim on every cable news show in the country. He tells Benson well done and he leaves the office. Barba stares forward and when Benson comments with sarcasm that she got an attaboy from Hank Abraham, Barba adds with a blank face, “Cue the apocalypse.” Benson turns the audio back on, and Rollins and Carisi continue to question Teddy who claims entrapment. Benson enters and tells Heller to get her client camera ready as it is time for his perp-walk. She tells Teddy he is about to trend world-wide, and she points to the front entrance, saying the press is en route. But Teddy caves, and whispers to Heller. He says they have Teddy all wrong, he is a hero and will get them the real bad guys. Heller says Teddy will expose an on-line pedophile ring, and to tell Barba to stop admiring himself in that glass and come in and do his job.


At the Physical Therapy Clinic at Mercy Hospital on Wednesday February 10, Dodds is undergoing therapy when his father Deputy Chief Dodds arrives, who complains his son is not returning his father’s calls. Sgt. Dodds says he is doing better, rubbing his arm, asking how is he? His father said he just had breakfast with the head of the joint terrorism task force and suggests Sgt. Dodds switch gigs, saying everyone knows about his heroism. Sgt. Dodds says he got shot, but his father reminds him it was in the line of duty and the word is he took a bullet for that rogue detective from Chicago. Sgt. Dodds questions who is spreading that word, and his father says to never mind that, this is his ticket up and out. When Sgt. Dodds says he just got to SVU, his father says that was just a stepping stone, part of the 5-year plan, and if he wants his lieutenant’s bars, to go JTTF, that is where the juice is now. But when Sgt. Dodds says he is just getting comfortable, his father tells him to never get comfortable, and as soon as his shoulder is better, back on the ladder.

Back at the SVU, Teddy is talking about himself in the third person, and says he wants to do the right thing, stating  people offer him videos all the time and he can help take those guys down. Heller says Teddy does not view this material, he just knows people who do. Barba asks if she is saying her client doesn’t download this stuff yet the people that do trust Teddy implicitly? She says right, and comments since they have less than a flawless case – undercovers drinking and stripping – the smart move is to go after the real creeps: the distributors in the act of uploading. Barba sighs, and tells Teddy the charges aren’t going away but the more he cooperates, the more generous Barba will be with sentencing recommendations. Heller asks him to hold off on the arraignment; it is better that the people he is reaching out to don’t know he has been arrested. Teddy explains these guys don’t post the juicy stuff until after midnight.

Later, the police knock down an apartment door and Carisi enters and nabs a man uploading. Fin does the same in another man’s apartment. Fin calls Benson and Barba who are at the SVU squad room and says Pullman is in custody and is crying like a bitch. Barba makes the two men off the board and Benson tells Rollins that Carisi is on his way to her. Rollins says they should have saved him the trip; it’s almost 1AM and maybe the person with the ID “babybanger” on the “cradlerobberz” web site took the night off. Carisi arrives and he and Rollins are ready to call it a night when suddenly they see activity. Carisi comments that is bad luck for him, in another minute they would have been out of there. Inside, Carisi breaks down the door to find an old man inside, not online, and confused about why they are there. The detectives see no computer as they explain why they are there and Rollins asks where is his modem. The old man seems clueless but Carisi sees a box which Mr. Marcowicz says his neighbor said he put in for his cable. Carisi sees it is emitting the signal going next door. Marcowicz says a nice family with two kids live there. Rollins and Carisi step into the hall and the door from the apartment next door opens, and Pippa Cox is shocked to see them there, saying she heard something. Rollins and Carisi are just as surprised to see her, and Rollins asks if they can come in, saying their cells are down and asks if she has a computer they can use. Pippa lets them in, saying her husband is still up and in his office and is sure he won’t mind. Carisi asks is her husband has his own home office, and Pippa says he needs it, adding :you know him, always working.” Rollins whispers this is a police matter, then she and Carisi open the doors to find Deputy Commissioner Hank Abraham there, on his computer. He tries to close out the screen and asks what are they doing here? Carisi says they were just about to ask the same questions, and orders him to step away from the computer. He complies. Rollins looks back at the computer which now shows a photo of his family.

Rollins accesses the computer while Carisi is on the phone with Benson. Pippa asks what is going on, and Hank says nothing, it is departmental business and to stay out of this. She backs away. Hank tells Carisi he assumes Benson told them to walk out of there, and Carisi states that she is on her way. Hank claims this is an innocent mistake, he clicked too many buttons. Carisi raises his voice and counters that they caught him in the act of distributing child porn. Hand says he has a secure modem from the NYPD, and Rollins stands up and states this is why he caches Wi-Fi from his 80-year- old neighbor. Hanks says this gets crazier and crazier, but Rollins seems sickened by him and says she is going outside to wait for Benson. She leaves, and Hank tells Carisi that he doesn’t want to put the two of them in a bad position, he knows they are just the messengers, but this could go wrong in a lot of ways. Carisi says he hopes that is not a threat, and Hank just glares back at him.


Outside, Benson arrives. Fin is there waiting with another Sergeant and Benson asks that Sergeant to turn off his flashing lights on his car.  He complies. Fin says he was halfway home when he got Rollins' call and figured Benson could use the back up. She thanks him and says they are still in the apartment.  Fin asks if computer crimes is there yet, and Benson says almost, asking for time to get Pippa and the kids out.


Law & Order SVU “Star-Struck Victims” Promo

Here is the promo for Law & Order SVU, “Star-Struck Victims” which will air on Wednesday, February 24, 2016 at 9PM ET on NBC.

My recap and review of Law & Order SVU “Star-Struck Victims” 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, February 17, 2016

Law & Order SVU “Star-Struck Victims” Photos

Here are advance photos for Law & Order SVU, “Star-Struck Victims” which will air on Wednesday, February 24, 2016 at 9PM ET on NBC. The photos feature Mariska Hargitay, Kelli Giddish, Raúl Esparza, Andy Karl, Peter Gallagher, James Madio (as Noel Panko), Craig Bierko (as Bobby D’Amico ), Vivien Cardone (as Kristi Cryer), and Delaney Williams (as Counselor John Buchanan).


My recap and review of Law & Order SVU “Star-Struck Victims” can be found at this link.














Photos by: Michael Parmelee/NBC 2016 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.

Law & Order SVU “Manhattan Transfer” Episode Information


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

Law & Order SVU “Manhattan Transfer” Air Date March 2, 2016 (9 PM ET/8C Wednesday NBC)

An investigation into the sexual exploitation of underage Catholic schoolgirls leads to shocking charges against judges, legislators, DAs, and members of the NYPD. Starring Mariska Hargitay, Kelli Giddish, Raúl Esparza and Peter Scanavino. Guest starring Andy Karl, Robert John Burke, Abigail Savage, Michael O'Keefe, Jonathan Cake and Michael Potts.

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My recap and review of Law & Order SVU “Manhattan Transfer” 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, February 11, 2016

Law & Order SVU “Collateral Damages” Preview

Here is a preview from Law & Order SVU, “Collateral Damages” which will air on Wednesday, February 17, 2016 at 9PM ET on NBC. The video features Mariska Hargitay, Raúl Esparza,  Kelli Giddish, Peter Scanavino, Danny Johnson (as Teddy "Brown Sugar" Hawkins), Susie Essman (as Counselor Arlene Heller), and Josh Pais (as DCPI Hank Abraham).


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



SVU_17015Clip1_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.

Law & Order SVU “Nationwide Manhunt” Recap & Review


Law & Order SVU relies heavily on real life news to craft fictional versions; it's a writer’s version of manna from heaven.  The ripped from the headlines stories were obvious in “Nationwide Manhunt,” using recent stories of a prison break (Clinton Correctional) and a contraband drone drop (Mansfield Correctional). But these events helped to craft an excellent story about two of SVUs repeat offenders - Doctors Greg Yates and Carl Rudnick - and again bring in SVU’s favorite crazy lady, Bronwyn Wilkins (née Freed). This episode spent very little time in the SVU squad room and had plenty of action, giving everyone the opportunity get out of their element and perform at their best. (Ice-T did not appear in this episode; no reason was given for Fin's absence.)   It was also a perfect opportunity to close the books on creepy Greg Yates;  not in this episode, but in the second half of the crossover. (Update February 12, 2016: I was originally going to do a brief recap of the second half of the crossover, Chicago PD’s “The Song of Gregory Williams Yates,” but I’ve decided against it. I thought that episode fell flat and I didn’t want to spend the time to watch it again to recap it. For those who are interested in what happens to Yates, Erin Lindsay goes after him on her own; she shoots and kills him when it appears he is coming at her with an awl.)

Benson loses it when she encounters Bronwyn, who was directly responsible for William Lewis’ escape and now has helped two other serial killers break out of jail. Benson rightfully has zero tolerance for this deluded woman and it was great to see Benson show fiery anger. I’m surprised that Barba couldn’t make any of the charges stick against Bronwyn from the Lewis escape. I’m starting to wonder if Barba is losing his mojo. He also seemed on edge from the moment he arrived at the prison. One would think that as ADA he’s made plenty of prison visits, so why he would seem so skittish at this one?  Maybe he is breaking under pressures from his job? Maybe he needs more fiber in his diet? Or is there more going on?

While at the prison, Dodds states that his father knows everybody and that his father makes a point of it, yet it seemed that Dodds was the one who wanted to make the point. I am sure his father casts a long shadow but I’m not convinced that Dodds really objects to it as he implies. Maybe there is some insecurity there which gives him the need to invoke his father's name at times, but to his credit,  Dodds operates with the proper authority when Benson is not there,  and is fully capable of taking charge.  In one situation, however,  he loses control by letting Erin Lindsay do the driving, and, when they fail to return to SVU as instructed,  he gets shot. Lindsay then ignores his instructions to stay put and leaves him wounded as she runs off to chase William Yates.  Not nice, Lindsay! Next time, he should probably do the driving in his home state so he has control over a situation with an out-of-jurisdiction detective. (By the way,  in the opening scene of the Chicago PD episode, Dawson says Dodds will make a full recovery.)

Rollins blames herself for allowing Yates to play her, but she wasn’t at fault at all. Rudnick was going to get out with or without Yates, and I can see why Rollins would want to get Yates into the honor block in exchange for more information about the remains in question. I can understand Rollins’ frustration with being coddled (as she called it), and while Carisi didn’t mean to be demeaning, just because she was frustrated doesn’t mean she is suffering from postpartum depression! No wonder she is annoyed.

Carisi also appeared to have blinders on when it came to Rudnick, seemingly showing him much sympathy when he was captured and again while he was in the hospital. But I was thrilled when Carisi pulled back so quickly once he got the information he wanted out of Rudnick. It seems Carisi was playing Rudnick. Well done!

A mistake – and this kind of error really annoys me because it is so easily preventable or fixable– is the date on the photo of Rudnick and Bronwyn from the bridge. The date was nowhere near the date that they said the image was taken. It was dated January 21, and Rudnick and Yates were both in prison on that date. They made a similar error in “Townhouse Incident.” These kinds of mistakes reflect poorly on a production that makes such a big deal of posting the timeline multiple times in every episode.

All in all, this was an excellent episode and the director, actors, and writers delivered an exciting hour!


Here is the recap:

Cast:
Mariska Hargitay - Lieutenant Olivia Benson
Ice-T - Detective Odafin “Fin” Tutuola
Kelli Giddish - Detective Amanda Rollins
Raúl Esparza - ADA Rafael Barba
Peter Scanavino - Detective Dominick “Sonny” Carisi, Jr.

Guest stars:
Andy Karl - Sgt. Mike Dodds
Sophia Bush - Erin Lindsay
Jon Seda - Antonio Dawson
Jason Beghe – Hank Voight
Dallas Roberts - Greg Yates
Jefferson Mays - Dr. Carl Rudnick
Anna Deavere Smith – Prison Warden
Kevin Kane – Major Bowman
Robin de Jesus – Jose Silva
Stella Maeve – Nadia Cotis
Sarah Bisman Storm – Bronwyn Wilkins
Jamil Mena – Corrections Officer #1
Stephen Tenner – Corrections Officer #2
Kazy Tauginas – Corrections Officer #3
Alvin Crawford – Corrections Officer #4
Phillip JM Chroba – Kyle Wilkins
Tony Rossi – Librarian
Laoina Micheele – Gate Guard
Pat Kiernan – as Himself
Cheryl Wills – as Herself
Marley Haley – as Little Girl

“In the criminal justice system, some killers are so depraved that it takes multiple police agencies to bring them to justice. This is one of those investigations.”

A woman viewers know as Bronwyn Freed bakes lasagna and hides money, a cell phone, cutting blades, and nail polish and makeup utensils in it.

Meanwhile, Benson is at SVU on the phone with Chicago PD’s Hank Voight. She tells him Dr. Greg Yates is now claiming some of the bones they found in Pelham Bay – vics they never ID’d – may be the remains of runaway Midwestern girls. Voight states they do have some open missing persons cases from when Yates was in Chicago who fit his M.O. This is why Benson is calling, and Voight asks with sarcasm if Yates is offering this up for humanitarian reasons. Benson explains Yates wants to discuss this with Rollins, but Benson just doesn’t want her anywhere near him, and these are Chicago vics. Voight asks if she wants him to send Lindsay, and Benson thinks Yates will talk to her. Voight comments that Lindsay still hasn’t forgiven herself for what Yates did to Nadia. Benson wonders if Lindsay can use that, and Benson adds that they will keep each other posted, Voight mumbles “hmm” in agreement and Benson thanks him. As Benson looks at the photos of Nadia, we see Erin Lindsay and Antonio Dawson get in a New York City taxi. As they drive, Lindsay flashes back to her times with Nadia.

At Green Haven Correctional Facility on Thursday, February 4, Yates looks through photos of the remains and when Yates says nothing, Lindsay prompts him to answer. He says yes, these are disturbing - fractured skulls, broken hyoid bones. He comments these girls were driven all the way from Chicago to that bleak Bronx bone yard, that same place that her friend Nadia was found. Lindsay reminds him: “After you murdered her.” Dawson states they are here because they heard Yates may have information on these victims. Yates, in a mocking voice, says “who they were, how they got there, where did they come from?” Dawson suggests Yates start with who they are. Yates, looking away from the detectives, says these are just bones, they can’t find any DNA on them so he will guess they came from working girls. Dawson reminds Yates he told SVU some of those victims might be from Chicago. He mumbles “did I?” and Dawson gives him some missing persons photos they want him to look at. Yates does so and comments that they girls are so young, and he doesn’t imagine that’s what they looked like when the killer encountered them. Lindsay, looking impatient, asks where. Yates replies maybe at a truck stop whoring themselves out for cocaine. He looks at Lindsay and says she must know the power of addiction. She stares back at him and says they are here to talk about these girls, not her. Yates counters that Nadia talked a lot about her on their drive; how Sergeant Voight took her off the street, mentored her. Yates comments that Voight has a lot of anger; it must have been very scary growing up in his home. Lindsay, looking angry, stands up and says there are done . As Dawson picks up the photos, Yates says he is sorry they wasted their trip, and to tell the warden he’d be much more comfortable talking with Detective Rollins. Dawson states she is not coming up here. Yates asks why not, then stands up, realizing she must have had her baby by now. He asks if it is a boy or a girl, and Lindsay says that is none of his business. Yates says if they want closure for those families, get her here – by tomorrow.


With Lindsay and Dawson at SVU, Rollins tells Benson she should have gone up, there, adding that he didn’t give them anything. Lindsay doesn’t think he has anything to give. Rollins counters that Yates never shows his cards on the first pass, and nothing is for free. She asks what Yates asked for, and Dawson says Yates wants to speak with Rollins. Benson raises her voice, saying Yates is bored and he gets off on pulling everybody’s strings. Rollins states Yates gave them Rudnick, and he knows more about those bones than he’s ever led on. Carisi adds with sarcasm that Yates is still claiming those bodies might be from the Chicago girls. Dawson states that they do have 4 women who went missing when Yates moved to Chicago and one of them is a working girl who was a patient at his urgent care center. Lindsay adds Yates did seem to recognize her and he could have driven her east like he did with Nadia. Dodds asks isn’t Yates appealing that conviction, wondering why would he confess to more crimes. Rollins says that Yates doesn’t confess; she keeps the conversation hypothetical and he just fills in the blanks. Lindsay suggests that Sergeant Voight would really like to give these girls’ families some answers, and Benson says she knows. Benson tells Carisi to go with. As they group breaks up, Rollins chases after Benson and says there is no point of sending him, Yates isn’t going even going to make eye contact with him and there are CO’s everywhere. Benson says they know Yates and he has probably been playing them since the moment he got there.

Back at Green Haven, Mrs. Wilkins – we know her as Bronwyn Freed – is running a support group with the prisoners. Dr. Rudnick and Jose Silva sit next to each other in the group. As the group breaks into pairs, Yates comes into the room and apologizes for being late. Rudnick looks less than thrilled. Yates tells Jose that he and Rudnick have issues they need to work through, and Jose lets him pair up with Rudnick. Yates asks Rudnick if Mrs. Wilkins is still bringing those deep pan trays of lasagna. And Rudnick says that shouldn’t concern him. But Yates says it does, saying home cooking – you just can’t beat it.


Later, Rollins and Carisi arrive at Green Haven and speak with the warden about Yates. She says there are no problems, he volunteers in the law library at the hospital and is a model inmate. She adds that sometimes the lifers get Zen and try to make the best of it, or they want to get transferred further upstate. Either way, he has settled in. As they enter the gates, Carisi comments to Rollins that Yates has charmed the warden – a classic sociopath. Rollins says she knows.


Inside, as Rollins and Carisi enter the prison meeting room, Yates is waiting and tells Rollins that motherhood becomes her. She smiles and says thank you. He asks how she lost the baby weight so fast, adding that she is glowing. He asks if she is breastfeeding, says that the hormones can do wonders…Carisi angrily cuts Yates off, saying that is enough. Rollins tells him it is okay. Yates says he supposes it was too much for him to expect Rollins to come alone, and he was a bit hurt that she sent the Chicago detectives in her stead. Carisi, his voice testy, says that she is here now so get on with it. Rollins brings out photos of the girls from Chicago, showing one photo that Yates had said could have been a working girl. Yates looks at the photo and makes a comment about the girls blue eyes. He doubts she ended up in Pelham Bay. Rollins thinks he does have a theory about where she did end up. Yates replies that if he had to guess, she was turning tricks at a truck stop between Chicago and Gary, I-90 most likely, but if something happened to her out there in the dark at night, she is probably just waiting in the weeds. He says this with a faint smile, and Rollins face gets an uncomfortable look. Carisi comments now they are getting somewhere. Rollins asks if the other girls are in Pelham Bay. Yates says possibly, but she knows how this works: to get, you gave to give.

Back at SVU, Carisi and Rollins are on a video call and Benson hears that Yates wants to be transferred to honor block. Dodds says Yates is a serial killer and that is not happening, but Carisi explains that when you are in prison, whatever you did to get there doesn’t really matter and they use the carrot of the honor block to encourage good behavior. Lindsay thinks he is not capable of good behavior. Rollins explains Yates did make a show of good faith: Siobhan Kelly, the patient at his urgent care center, Yates suggested they check truck stops outside of Gary. As Dawson says he will loop in Voight, Rollins adds Yates may know more but won’t say anything until he is transferred. Benson comments of course he won’t, and Lindsay asks her if this is a good idea. Dodds doubts the warden would approve that, but Benson tells Rollins and Carisi to find out and she wants the both back in New York tonight.

Law & Order SVU “Collateral Damages” Promo

Here is the promo for Law & Order SVU, “Collateral Damages” which will air on Wednesday, February 17, 2016 at 9PM ET on NBC.

My recap and review of Law & Order SVU “Collateral Damages” 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.

Law & Order SVU “Collateral Damages” Photos

Here are advance photos for Law & Order SVU, “Collateral Damages” which will air on Wednesday, February 17, 2016 at 9PM ET on NBC. The photos feature Mariska Hargitay, Raúl Esparza , Ice-T, Kelli Giddish, Peter Scanavino, Andy Karl, Jessica Phillips (as ACC Pippa Cox), Peter Gallagher (as Deputy Chief Williams Dodds), Danny Johnson (as Teddy "Brown Sugar" Hawkins), Sarah Mezzanotte (as Amber), Susie Essman (as Counselor Arlene Heller), and Josh Pais (as DCPI Hank Abraham).


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















Photos by: Michael Parmelee/NBC 2016 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.