Season 22 opened with an episode that reflected some of the hot buttons affecting the country and the world since season 21 ended: racial bias and unrest, lost confidence in law enforcement, and COVID-19. Despite the short time allotted, the episode covered a lot of ground, and I've only scratched the surface in this review. Even though season 22 was delayed, this episode was well worth the wait, loaded with tension and conflict. Everyone - writers, production, actors - was performing at peak levels in tough circumstances to present a solid, compelling episode. It makes me feel energized for the new season.
Law enforcement has a magnifying glass on it - in the form of phones, which have the ability to record anything and everything and they are
everywhere. Those who are looking for that “gotcha” moment have their sights set on the police, and with good reason. Police all over the country have been caught in less than flattering circumstances. In this case, the SVU comes in after the police have already made a mistake. Sadly, Benson and Fin bear the brunt of the fallout when they have to clean up the mess. Benson has to be questioned by IAB - again - and has to face the fact that she may be harboring some bias. In my opinion, Benson is unfairly taking the heat for this. I believe she and Fin tried to clean up a questionable arrest by the officers who were first on the scene. Did Benson make an error by not vetting the “Karen” who made the accusations against Jayvon? Yes. Did Jayvon have warrants against him? Yes. Were Benson and Fin trying to calm what was becoming an increasingly inflamed situation by moving Jayvon out of there? Yes. Did they handle it badly? Probably. Fin’s gut reaction that Jayvon was being racially profiled was right on target but I honestly believe that Benson’s move to green light his arrest wasn’t a reflection of racial bias. But I must ask myself: is this assessment my own racial bias speaking? As Benson was questioned by IAB (Ed Tucker, we miss you), Captain Curry basically says that people who grew up in this country have racism in them. I think that is a fair assessment, but I don't think you only have to grow up in this country to have racism in you. We have a long way to go to banish racism. It’s not going to be an easy road for some; there are too many people out there who can’t see they harbor racial bias. (By the way, while Benson was being interrogated by IAB, there was a reference to a case that involved Benson and Nick Amaro. That episode was American Tragedy, episode 3 from season 15.)
The opening credits now include Demore Barnes, who has been added to the cast of regulars. This episode shows what a great addition he’ll be. His scene with Fin discussing racial bias was concerning, especially when he started talking about the old guard not going down without a fight, and an impending “purge.” I think even the usual stoic Fin may have been a little unsettled.
Carisi is wound too tight. He’s testy, tense, and temperamental. The stress is just pouring off him. Clearly the demands of the job are pressing down hard on him and he can’t hide it. His shouting episode in the courthouse hall was unprofessional and unlike him. The hallway is no place to have an argument with your law enforcement colleagues, especially when the ears and eyes of others are nearby. I don’t know what the normal turnaround time is to bring a case to a grand jury in the Manhattan DA’s office, but it looks like the case was only a few days old when it was presented. Maybe if Carisi had a bit more time, he and the SVU could have worked out the kinks in the case and presented something more solid, instead of a case that leaked like a sieve. I felt badly for Fin, who took the brunt of Carisi’s ire, when it would have been Benson taking the heat had Chief Garland not asked her to steer clear of the grand jury. Rollins was between a rock and hard place when she found herself physically in the middle of the crossfire between Carisi and Fin. It was good for both of them that she was there, otherwise those two may have come to blows. Had the defense attorney not come in to drop some bad news to Carisi, who knows what would have happened. Carisi is ready to explode. It will be interesting to see him continue to develop as an ADA and - hopefully - get himself under control.
Benson finds that social media has invaded her home life when Noah can see information about her case online, in addition to Noah catching heat for it with his friends. He flatly asks her if she is racist. I am not sure he fully understands the full meaning of racism or the scope of her problem with the case, but that doesn’t mean the question hurt Benson any less. Noah puts her situation in the perspective of what Benson has taught him about saying “sorry”. Sometimes a child can make very complex things sound so simple, and of course we know for Benson it is not. Saying “sorry” just can’t fix some mistakes.
This may be considered a nitpick and I do fully understand why it was done this way, but I was perplexed at seeing people REMOVE their masks as they approached others and begin talking. I get it, it’s hard to watch a TV show showing people talk behind a mask. But in the real world of COVID and contact with other people, the whole point of the mask is to protect others and yourself, even more so when moving closer to a one's personal space. It may have helped to wear face shields in those cases, but I know that would look odd watching everyone walk around in face shields too. I also don’t know what the mask rules were in New York while this was being filmed, so maybe removing the masks or not wearing them indoors (example the court house hallway argument) was permitted in some cases. These are clearly strange and uncomfortable times we’re living in but in order to get COVID under control, mask wearing is critical. I’m sure that everyone made a massive effort to make sure this episode was produced with everyone’s safety in mind, and I am also sure fans appreciated this!
Here is the recap:
A man who was exercising in the park is taking a video of a woman yelling back at him, saying he doesn’t need to be near her child. The boy – Dylan - wants to go and the woman says she is calling the police. He turns the video on himself and comments that he has a right to be there and he isn’t bothering her, he is just working out. He adds, “This is America, 2020.”
Police arrive on the scene while the man continues to take a video and bystanders do as well. The woman continues to act accusatory that the man is scaring her son but he claims it is only because he is Black. He tells the officers he is out there minding his own business, and one officer asks if the man has his ID. The man states he does not have to show him anything, he has rights. Dylan calls to his mother and moves off the street and says there is a man and he's bleeding, unconscious, and not moving. An officer sees a man saying on the ground who is not moving, and the crazy lady accuses the man of attacking him and he denies it. But the officers don’t believe him and they move to restrain him. They yell at him to stop resisting and he clearly is not and he says he is not. They push him to the ground
Later, Benson arrives on the scene and an officer explains the victim was found bleeding, his pants down. There are many bystanders taking video. As the man is being attended to by EMTs, Benson asks his name and he says it is Eric. Meanwhile, Rollins tries to keep the crowd away from the scene and asks one man to step back. Eric explains to Benson that “he” went nuts and hit him. Kat is also there and she asks who and if he knows him. But Eric is having difficulty speaking and the EMTs state they must move him now. Benson says Kat will ride with them but one EMT waves her off, saying she is sorry, “COVID.” Kat tells Benson she will meet them there. The crowd continues to take video. Fin explains to Benson that a woman’s kid found the vic, and an officer adds a suspect was on the scene “menacing” her and her kid. Benson instructs Rollins to take the woman’s statement. Benson asks the officer how he made him as a suspect, and says the man was combative and aggressive. Fin challenges that the officer arrested him because he was aggressive, and the officer states he ran his ID and there are two outstanding warrants. Benson and Fin move to speak to the man, and he looks and Benson and says “You? I know you, don’t I?” While people continue to take video, Benson comments how about she asks the questions, asking what was he doing in the park. He replies he is not answering any of her questions, asking why he is under arrest. Fin states he has outstanding warrants, and the man explains it is for protesting. Meanwhile, the woman tells Rollins she knew he was up to no good because of his body language and the way he raised his voice, he was scaring her son. She adds she is not one of those “Karens.”
As the crowd lingers and Benson and Fin walk off, Fin asks if they have to do it this way, profiling this guy. Benson counters the man has warrants and he is not helping himself here. She points to the crowd and says this is only going to get worse. Fin looks at the crowd and instructs the officers to put the man in the car. The man becomes enraged and asks for what, and as the police move him to the car, he shouts for them to get their hands off him but they tell him to stop resisting. Another man calls out that he is live streaming this. Benson, Fin and Rollins look on with concern.
Back at SVU in Benson’s office, she watches the video the arrested man – Jayvon Brown - took, along with Fin and Carisi. Benson is surprised that the mom called the cops before the body was found, adding the unis didn’t tell them that. Carisi, putting sanitizer on his hands, asks that they did have probable cause to arrest. Fin explains they didn’t arrest him, he was cuffed when they got there. Carisi asks if they think he is good for the assault, and Benson states they don’t know; he was in the vicinity and refused to talk, he has warrants. Fin adds they were curfew arrests, he missed his desk appearance. Carisi, frustrated, comments they are not prosecuting those. Benson says he has a sealed juvie for public disturbance and a noise complaint. Carisi questions no sexual assault or nothing violent, and Fin shakes his head no. Carisi asks if the vic ID’d him or just the mom. Benson replies the vic, Eric Aquino, 26, lost consciousness before they got a full statement. Carisi tersely states, “So no” and asks if Jayvon has lawyered up yet. Fin replies he is handling himself pretty well without one. Carisi explains if he is good for this, he needs an airtight case. With the video going viral and the way half the city thinks about the cops right now…Benson adds, “Understood” as Carisi walk out of the office.
In interrogation, Jayvon explains to Benson he told the cops he works out there every morning and had nothing to do with it. Benson questions it was 7 AM, asking where was he coming from. He tersely explains “night shift” as he sorts for Empire Parcel. Fin asks what time they get off work, and Jayvon angrily asks if they are not even asking that white woman any questions. He adds he expects this nonsense from Benson but asks Fin doesn’t this get old for him. Fin says nothing.
Rollins and Kat are at Mercy Hospital at 365 West 32nd Street on Tuesday, September 8, a nurse comments that Eric is one of the good guys. He explains Eric was a resident, they bumped him up during COVID to work ER. He is upset. They cannot do a rape kit as he is still unconscious but there was anal trauma and he can get them Eric’s clothes to run DNA. They are waiting on a scan. He told his family they were there – they are Filipino Catholics so they may not be aware of his orientation.
Rollins and Kat speak with Eric’s mother who worries when he works night shift. A brother says Eric walks home – through the park - but his mother tells him not to, it is dangerous. Eric’s brother translates for his mom who wants to know if it was the guy in the video and the mother adds, “the Black guy.” Rollins explains they are talking to him, and asks Eric’s brother about Eric’s social life and friends and relationships, and the mother says no, there is no time for that, but the brother gives a look. She adds it is all work and family, adding he is a good boy.
Afterward, Rollins questions that Eric is a good guy but “walking through the ramble” at night, wondering if they really do not know. Kat said when she told her family they had no idea and if you ask them now, they still don’t know. Rollins comments maybe she should tell them again, and Kat counters not right now, they still have relatives in Beirut and between that and COVID they’ve got a lot on their plate. As they stand at the elevator, Eric’s brother races up to them and says he didn’t want to say this in front of his mother: Eric texted him last night and told him not to wait up. He adds Eric likes to unwind after his shift and those outdoor bars on 9th Avenue is a party scene. The detectives thank him.
Kat asks if they should start checking traffic cams, and Rollins says yes and to run his credit cards and see if they get lucky.
Back at SVU, an officer takes Carisi’s temperature and nods him in. Jayvon’s video is playing, and Benson asks him how bad is it. Carisi explains Jayvon’s video has 5 million hits and adds she doesn’t want to know how many calls he’s been getting. Benson explains he hasn’t confessed but they checked his alibi and there is a problem with the timeline. Carisi states that gives him leverage and suggests they get to the bottom of this.
Benson and Carisi walk into the interrogation room where Fin has been waiting with Jayvon. Benson introduces Carisi and Jayvon asks if an ADA is supposed to make him nervous. Carisi replies not at all, they all want the same thing – to get to the truth. Jayvon states they already have it, but Benson counters not all of it. She says he got to the park at 7 but they found out he punched out at 5. Carisi highlights the gap in his timeline – the same time Eric Aquino was attacked. Jayvon says he had nothing to do with that. Fin states that if he didn’t, just tell them where he was and help himself out. He says he was having coffee with his sponsor before his 6 AM meeting – NA. Last spring he hurt his back and got hooked on oxy and is clean now. Benson questions why he didn’t just tell them that, and Jayvon explains he wants to advance and drivers get better benefits and better pay and he didn’t want them telling his boss he was in a meeting. Fin assures him there is no way his boss will ever hear that from them but he is going to need his sponsor’s number.
At Owney Madden’s Bar at 820 9th Avenue on Tuesday, September 8, Rollins and Kat speak with Mr. Donovan and he doesn’t remember the doctor being there. He does think he say Jayvon but it was busy. Rollins asks for security camera footage bit he says it’s busted. Rollins says they don’t care if he stays open past last call. When he says he runs a reputable place, Rollins asks that he won’t mind if their tech guys come down and see if they can find anything. He replies not without a warrant. Kat is standing outside the door and calls to Rollins. When Rollins steps out, Kat tells her they might not need him, pointing to a traffic and showing footage cam and Jayvon is not on it but Rollins spots a guy who was at the park, mouthing off and filming the arrest. Rollins adds, “son of a bitch!”
Back at SVU, Kat and Rollins discuss the footage and the guy in the park. They didn’t get his name. Benson instructs them to text her the photos and see if TARU can track down the video and see if the brother can ID him. Fin approaches and says he has Jayvon's sponsor on the line; he is a corporate lawyer and will only talk to them if Jayvon gives permission.
They bring the phone in to Jayvon and he tells Corey that it is okay to talk to them. Corey – from Sistrom, Laughlin & Associates - explains he last saw him this morning; they met for coffee at 5:30 and a walk and at 6 they went to a NA meeting at the garden at St. Claire’s and a 7 they said goodbye and he was on his way to the park to work out. He adds Jayvon has been diligently working his program and doesn’t see him doing anything that would jeopardize his recovery or his job and he can get a dozen others to vouch for him as well. Fin thanks him and Corey asks Jayvon if he needs a lawyer and he can send someone from his firm. Jayvon says that is up to them and asks if he is free to go. Benson says yes, she has to call the DA and get him to drop the charges. Jayvon says sarcastically he would do that and Corey suggests as soon as possible. Fin says he will start the paperwork. Fin asks Jayvon if he can ask another question – and Benson adds there may be another suspect and they were hoping he could help them. Fin shows him the photo of the guy on the traffic cam and Jayvon asks them if they want his help now? Benson explains that man was in the park this morning at the scene and did he notice him. Jayvon questions if that was before or after the cops threw him into the squad car. He asks even if he did notice them, why would he help them? Benson gets it – he has a right to be angry, Jayvon raises his voice and says not to tell him he has a right to his anger, he already knows that.
Meanwhile, Rollins speaks to Eric’s mother in the chapel, who says Eric is in God’s hands now. Rollins explains they don’t think it was him, and Rollins shows her the photo of the other man. She does not recognize him. She knows his friends from high school but that was a long time ago.
Kat shows the photo to Eric’s brother who says that is Eric’s type – straight looking, preppy, and he calls them his chino boys. He never met them. His brother compartmentalized – med school one box, family in another. Kat adds hookups in a third. Rollins calls out to Kat and says TARU found something, and they race off.
At SVU in the squad room, Benson comments on the title of the video, saying “hottie cop telling me to move? Seriously?” Rollins is seen asking him to move back, while the guy makes comments that NYPD is protecting and serving themselves. He yells to defund the police. Rollins explains they only have his handle – thirsttrap94 – and Fin questions the name, says the dude is feeling himself. Kat checked other posts and found photos where he tagged two girls, Danielle and Hannah. Benson suggest to find the one he didn’t tag, he may have a more interesting story to tell. Fin says “Always.” Chief Garland enters and says he knows it is late but he needs a word with her and Fin. He explains Jayvon has filed a lawsuit against the NYPD and they have both been named.
In Benson’s office, they review the video of Jayvon’s arrest, and Benson explains Jayvon had outstanding warrants and he wouldn’t answer questions. Fin comments about the crowd and how fast they can turn. Garland angrily tells them to stop, saying the both sound defensive and these days that is not a good look. Benson states they were by the book and Garland yells back that is the book that got them here. He pauses, and then adds after George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, this city and this country are on boil and business as usual will not work. Benson says they hear him, and Garland says good. Garland states One PP has launched an investigation and IAB wants to start with her. Benson looks shocked and asks when? He replies tomorrow, and asks her to keep in mind they are under a microscope and when she goes in there, short answers – snapping his fingers – and don’t over-explain. She agrees. He tells her to bring a lawyer. He opens the door to leave and tells Fin to walk him out. Fin glances back at Benson as he walks out of her office.
As they walk outside the precinct, Fin tells Garland that Benson did nothing wrong. Garland states he knows Fin and Benson are close but he has to ask – if things had played out differently and Jayvon were white. Fin says yeah, the woman – Colleen – she would have never called the police in the first place and if she did, the precinct cop wouldn’t have cuffed him. Garland concurs. He asks when SVU got there, does Fin think that racial bias played any part in how things were handled? Fin states not consciously, he’s worked with Benson for over 20 years and her only bias is for the victim. Garland thanks him. As Fin walks off, Garland explains he knows he is not someone he relates to but they do have one thing in common – they are both black and blue and have been on this job a long time. He asks if Fin knows his father joined the force in the 70s and Fin replies he didn’t know that. He made sergeant and in those days it was as far as they let them go. Those days are over and things are changing. Fin laughs and asks if Garland knows how many times he’s heard that, adding the one thing he does know is this country will always break your heart. Garland says this time is different, that this is a true inflection point. Fin comments, “If you say so, Chief.” Garland says they are, he knows it, and knows the old guard won’t go down without a fight and there is going to be a purge. Fin asks him to hold up, what is he saying? Garland appreciates Fin’s loyalty but Fin needs to watch out for himself. This is Fin’s second lawsuit this year – Fin shot a Black man in his home. Fin reminds him that man was trying to kill his son. Garland counters it was a good shooting but that doesn’t matter – none of them are safe – not himself, Fin, or Benson. Fin gets a look of concern.
Back at SVU, Kat speaks with a woman who asks what the guy in the video – who she says is Joe Murphy – did now. She tells Rollins they used to have a thing – for a minute. She explains he untagged her in the photo as he couldn’t take it she broke up with him. He is a different person when he hits the tequila turnpike and when he couldn’t get it up so he’d go off on her. The next day he’d come back the next day with flowers and that got old fast. He’s 25 and still lives with his mother.
At the apartment of Bernadette Murphy at 409 West 47th Street on Wednesday, September 9, Rollins and Kat speak with Joe’s mother. She says she doesn’t think he’s home, but he pulls open the door and says he is right here. He asks Rollins – "blondie cop" – if she is upset at his video. Rollins replies no, it was very helpful. Joe says he knows he was all BLM in the park but the cops didn’t do anything wrong. He heard the thug is filling a lawsuit and asks if they need him to back them up. Rollins say yes, it would be great if he could come down to the station and given them a statement. He says whatever they need, but his mom seems concerned. He says it’s alright, he can help. She mentions for him to wear his mask and hands him one.
Back at SVU, Benson is surprised Joe came in willingly, and Kay explains he made a big show about wanting to help. She said that Eric’s brother said Joe is Eric’s type. Benson says the lab found DNA on Eric’s underwear and asks if Murphy is cooperative enough to give them a sample. Fin says you don’t have to ask him, he’s wearing a mask. Kat says she’ll get him a fresh one. As Kat walks off, Benson asks Fin to keep her posted, she has to go to IAB. She asks if Garland said anything about her, and Fin admits he did, saying to watch her back.
Kat enters the interview room where Rollins is waiting with Joe. She has another mask and asks if he minds swapping his out with one with a filter, saying is it NYPD protocol He obliges, saying you can’t be too careful. He puts it in the bag Kat is holding and puts on the new one. Fin walks in and asks if Joe saw Jayvon do anything suspicious, and Joe replies no, when he got there he was cuffed. He never saw the vic before. Rollins shows him the traffic cam photo and Joe is surprised, saying he never put two and two together. Joe says he followed him out of the bar and was hitting on him and he didn’t want him to be rude so he let him walk with him. When Fin continues to press, Joe asks does he look gay and says he is engaged and he went to his fiancée’s place at 4:30 – 5:00 and when Rollins presses on him being back in the park, he says his fiancée Ashley lives by the park, he heard the sirens and went to check it out. When he moves to call Ashley Fin explains they will do that.
At the Internal Affairs Bureau at 315 Hudson Street on Wednesday, September 9, Benson waits alone, looking concerned. Captain Curry enters and she reminds Benson they met at Ed Tucker’s funeral. Benson apologizes, saying she was not herself that day. Curry neither was she, adding Ed was her rabbi and mentions his poor wife. Benson asks if Curry is recording this and Curry explains yes and they can wait for her lawyer. Benson says he is not bringing one. She knows the video went viral but their conduct was by the book. Curry comments then this shouldn’t take long, and she starts the recording.
Back at SVU, Fin, Rollins and Kat are in the squad room while Carisi looks at Joe who appears to be sleeping in the interview room, adding that he’s sleeping which means he’s guilty. He asks about his alibi and Rollins states it is bogus and Kat explains the DNA is not back yet. Fin comments Joe doesn’t need to know that.
Rollins and Fin enter the interview room and wake up Joe. He asks if Ashley backed her up, and Rollins says and then some. Ashley said he got to her place around 10 PM and Joe says she is loyal. Fin says she is a liar, and Rollins says they took his DNA from his match and is there any reason why it would be a match for the DNA on Eric. Joe says he will let this out – Eric asked him to come into the park and smoke a joint. Joe admits he was drunk and he said yes and Eric got persuasive and told him to close his eyes and pretend he is a girl, he’d give him the greatest blow…he stops and asks for them to forgive him, correcting himself to say Eric offered to service him. Eric started to unzip him and Joe is not gay so he pushed Eric and ran. He did not push him hard and Eric ran after him, saying Eric was drunk and may have taken a fall. Rollins asks if he saw him take a fall, and as Joe pauses, Carisi barges in with Joe’s attorney. Counselor Ron Freddo enters and tells Carisi to tell his sister Theresa he says hi. Joe says he didn’t ask for a lawyer and Freddo says Mr. Donovan hired him and he is looking out for him and his mother. Rollins realizes that is the owner of the bar and Joe’s mom, which is why Donovan covered for him. Joe says Donovan is loyal too, saying “good people.” He adds he drinks for free every night. The detectives and Carisi leave the room to allow Joe and Freddo to talk.
Back in IAB, Benson explains Eric couldn’t describe his assailant because he was unconscious. Curry says other than the park mom’s accusation, they had no reason to suspect Jayvon. Benson says Jayvon was already under arrest for outstanding warrants when they got there. A crowd was gathering and he wasn’t cooperating and didn’t want to release him before ruling him out as a suspect. Curry asks if Benson ever encountered Jayvon before and Benson replies no, not to her knowledge. Curry asks if Benson recalls a stop and frisk of a Black man on August 6, 2013 outside the Wagner houses. Benson asks for more context, and Curry said Detective Nick Amaro, her partner then, filed a 250, and Curry mentions the Jolene Castillo case. Benson mentions the chef, and Curry says Miss Castillo, a white woman shot Mehcad Carter, an innocent Black teen, claiming he was a rapist. Benson explains that was a tragedy and they tried to remedy that…Curry cuts her off and said one of the Black males they stopped and frisked that day was Jayvon. Benson is shocked, saying he must have fit the profile. They were pursuing a Black male serial rapist. Curry asks what profile Jayvon fit yesterday. Benson states again that the arresting officers ran Jayvon’s name and they found outstanding warrants. Curry asks if they asked the officers to run Colleen Reynolds’ name, and Benson says no she did not. Curry explains she has a history of false accusations and her ex has a restraining order against her. Benson admits she should have run her name too, that was her mistake. Curry asks if she gave any thought as to why she made that mistake, and Benson asks if she is suggesting she is biased, she is not and she is well aware that false accusation, especially with men in color. Curry turns off the recording and says she is going to stop Benson here before Benson tells her she is an ally. Benson is confused. Curry comments that since George Floyd, she has taken statement after statement from two kinds of cops: the baton-swinging gladiators who take one look at her and can barely hide their disdain – Benson says she is sorry she had to experience that – and Curry goes on to mention the well-intentioned guardian cops who never see themselves as racist but are in denial about their complicity in the systemic racism within the NYPD. Cops like Benson. Benson looks hurt and upset, saying she is well aware there is racism in NYPD and Curry asks what about Benson’s own bias. Benson says she is not racist. Curry says she is sure Benson is not – explicitly – but implicitly, if she grew up in this country it is in Benson and in herself. Curry struggles every day with her own biases. For too many people law enforcement has lost all credibility and until every one of the, takes a serious self-inventory they can’t begin to get it back.
Back at SVU in the interrogation room, Carisi and Rollins walk into the room and Freddo says after speaking with Joe they found a way out of this unfortunate situation. He explains Joe was lured to the park by Eric who gave him drugs and became sexually aggressive. Rollins asks then why is Eric in the ICU unconscious, a victim of rape. Freddo says things sometimes go wrong when drugs and alcohol and misplaced passion are involved. Carisi says if he wants to sell that to a jury, go ahead and tells Rollins to book Joe for attempted murder and assault 1 for a criminal sexual act. Freddo tells Carisi to hold up, saying Joe would consider a D assault. Carisi describes Eric’s injuries and Joe’s DNA in his underwear. Freddo says that can happen with consensual sex. But Joe disagrees, saying Eric tried to force himself on him. Freddo tries to quiet Joe but Carisi says to get Joe out of here and Rollins moves to cuff him. Freddo says good luck getting an indictment, saying the viral video arresting an innocent black man means they don’t even have a he said/he said here and his vic in an a coma. Rollins takes Joe away.
Later, Benson gets into Chief Garland’s car in the parking garage and he thanks her for meeting him, he knows it has been a long day. Benson says they arrested Joe Murphy who admitted to sex with Eric but denies assaulting him. Eric is still unconscious. Garland says it may be better if Fin testifies at the grand jury. Benson comments “rather than a white woman captain.” He pause and asks how it went at IAB. He’s heard nothing which worries him. Benson states she didn’t sleep last night as it was going over in her head about what happened in that park and trying to figure out what she could have done differently and what she missed. She thinks she’s been so focused on the victims that her own boas didn’t even occur to him. Now she doesn’t know, how much did that bias affect her choices and decisions as a cop. She’s reeling. He says they all are. The level of community outrage – there is a freight train coming and One PP senses it too. His worry is the optics rather than actual change. She asks if that is why he had Fin tell her to watch her back? Garland says when an organization feels threatened, if they believe they can protect themselves by sacrificing a few pawns, they won’t hesitate.
At the Grand Jury part 16 on Friday, September 11, Carisi leads the questioning. The nurse who treated Eric testifies about Eric’s injuries. Fin testifies about the DNA and Eric’s condition at the scene. A juror asks if the victim says who assaulted him and Fin says no. She asks if this is the case where they arrested Jayvon first, and Fin replies that police were called and Jayvon had outstanding warrants. She says so they all assumed it was a Black man just because he was there. Fin says they didn’t know what they were looking at. Another juror questions why should they believe her now, and Carisi tells the woman there is a process here and if she has questions… she says she has a lot of questions. She said the only reason Jayvon was arrested was because that “Karen” said she was arrested. Carisi says that is not relevant to his proceedings and Fin does not have to answer that. Fin glares at him and says Jayvon was arrested according to standard police procedure. The woman scoffs and says it was the same procedure used when he shot that boy’s father, another Black man in the projects. More juror hands are raised with questions.
Afterwards, Carisi storms down the courthouse hall and says to Fin and Rollins that was a train wreck. He says he is losing control of the grand jury, and Fin says it wasn’t his idea to testify. Carisi challenges that it was because Fin didn’t agree with the way Jayvon’s arrest went down and Fin states he didn’t say that. Carisi raises his voice and says the grand jury all heard it. While bystanders hear the argument, Rollins says even if they did, Joe Murphy is guilty, that has nothing to do with Jayvon. Carisi shouts try saying that in there, pointing to the court room. He adds don’t they see the jury is looking for reasons not to trust the cops right now – two cops listening nearby stare at Carisi – Carisi adds when Fin gets on the stand and testifies like he is being held hostage that doesn’t help him get the indictment. Rollins shouts back is that is what this is about, because she is sorry they didn’t give this case to him wrapped up in a bow. Carisi yells at Fin, saying if he had second thoughts about arresting Jayvon he should have told him before he went up there. Fin shouts back maybe Carisi should know, questioning after all those years of being a cop, Carisi’s never seen a Black cop stand back during stop and frisk? Carisi asks what does this have to do with him, and Fin gets closer to Carisi’s face and says you take a cop out of Staten Island…Rollins is standing between them as Carisi asks if Fin is calling him a racist and she tries to block them, saying no one is saying that. Freddo hears them and tells them to calm down, they are making a scene. Carisi, looking hot under the collar, tells Freddo he is in the middle of a grand jury, asking what is he doing there. Freddo says he has breaking news – his client decided to testify. Carisi asks if Joe understands he has to waive immunity. Freddo says he knows, saying “Buckle up, Sonny” as he storms off. Carisi gets the “deer caught in the headlights” look and Fin questions a perp walking into a grand jury – something is up. Rollins comments whatever lies Joe tells he is locked into a trial. Carisi comments IF this goes to trial – they are rolling the dice he won’t get an indictment.
Later, Joe is testifying for the grand jury. He admits he lied to the police. He met Eric in the bar and they walked into the park together. Carisi asks if Joe also lied about what happened in the park . Joe says yes, adding this is not easy for him, The truth is they were drunk, high, and Eric unzipped him and initiated a sexual encounter. Carisi highlights Joe lied about this too, and Joe states he was ashamed, he did not want his fiancée and his mom to know he is bi. Carisi says he appreciates his bravery in outing himself today but can he say truthfully what happened after the sexual encounter. Joe says nothing happened after that and to Carisi’s shock, says he went home and has no idea what happened to Eric after that. Carisi asks didn’t he tell the detectives that Eric got aggressive with him and he pushed Eric off, but Joe says he was just telling them what they wanted to hear. Carisi says he means he lied again? Carisi says basically today Joe admitted to every detail of the encounter until Eric was assaulted and this sounds like he is admitting what he can’t deny and denying what he can’t admit, so why should they believe you now. Joe says that confession was coerced. He claims one of the cops told them they were mad at him for filming Jayvon’s arrest, they got a lot of flak for arresting him and he was going to have to take the fall. Carisi states with sarcasm that even though Eric was raped and is still in a coma, Joe is the victim here. He asks if that is Joe’s testimony and Joe says no, we are all victims here – Eric, Jayvon, and him. Carisi says that is enough. But a man raises his hand and asks to let Joe finish. Joe says he is horrified about what happened to Eric, but that has nothing to do with him, he did not hurt him. That’s why he came in today even though his lawyer told him not to. He says the cops are lying to them. He is not. Carisi shakes his head and Joe looks satisfied.
At Carisi’s office, he is straightening up his books and Rollins walks in, asking if this is his new office. He tells her to take a seat. She asks how he is doing and he says not good. He says it is only a few hours and Carisi says for a grand jury, that is a lifetime. He says Joe lied through his teeth and knew exactly what cards to play – the more Carisi went after him the more the grand jury sympathized with him. Rollins thinks juries are smart – calling him Dominick. Carisi counters usually, but they are so mad at the NYPD right now they want to punish them. Freddo walks in and tells Carisi you win some and lose some – the jury voted no bill and Joe walks, telling Carisi he should have taken the Mis D. Freddo walks out and Carisi angrily bangs his hand on a file cabinet. Rollins says it is not over. Carisi agrees no it's not - somebody still needs to tell Eric’s family what just happened.
At Mercy Hospital at 365 West 32nd Street on Friday, September 11, Rollins and Kat speak with Eric’s mother and brother who are outraged Joe is going free. Rollins says the grand jury thinks the police framed Joe. Kat says it is a complicated time. Eric’s brother says Kat means the NYPD screwed up and yells at Rollins and Kat, saying this is all on them – if they wouldn’t have arrested Jayvon none of this would have happened. Rollins and Kat are speechless.
At the Benson home, Noah is in his room looking at his phone and Benson enters, saying it is time for bed. She asks what he is watching, and he says a video of her arresting the wrong guy, saying everybody at school has seen it. Benson sits down and asks if he wants to talk about it. He asks why did she arrest him, asking if she is racist. Benson looks like she’s been hit in the heart, and tells Noah he knows she is not. He looks at her and asks if she told him she is sorry. Benson explains there is a lawsuit and her boss told her that she shouldn’t talk to him. He asks why, she always tells him to apologize when he does something wrong. Benson, looking hurt, nods.
In the park, Jayvon is practicing boxing moves as Benson approaches him, calling his name. She asks if she can talk to him and he asks doesn’t she have anything better to do than press him into dropping his complaint. She says she is not why she is here. He says so she knows he got laid off, somehow it was all in the papers that he’s in NA. She says she is sorry and she can call his boss. He tells her don’t, she’s done enough. She says she wanted to let him know the DA is filling charges against Colleen Reynolds for filing a false report. He laughs and says “So I lose my job, Murphy walks and now you think you can just distract everyone and claim some moral high ground by charging that woman?” Benson states the NYPD has…she pauses…she corrects herself to say I…have a lot of work to do. He agrees, adding “you do.” He runs off, leaving Benson there standing alone, looking deeply hurt, as we fade to black.
Cast: Mariska Hargitay - Captain Olivia BensonIce-T - Sergeant Odafin “Fin” Tutuola
Kelli Giddish - Detective Amanda Rollins
Peter Scanavino - ADA Dominick “Sonny” Carisi, Jr.
Jamie Gray Hyder - Katriona "Kat" Azar Tamin
Demore Barnes - Deputy Chief Christian Garland
Guest stars: Blake Morris as Jayvon Brown
Peter Hargrave - Joe Murphy
Stephen Wallem - Nurse Rudy Syndergaard
Lou Martini Jr. - Counselor Ron Freddo
Aimé Donna Kelly - IAB Captain Renee Curry
Carolyn Baeumler - Colleen Reynolds
Tina Chilip – Mary Aquino
Natasha Dewhurst – Trish Voort
Daniel Velasco – Mark Peter Aquino
Chevy Kaeo Martinez – Eric Aquino
Ryan Buggle - Noah Porter Benson
Laura Hetherington – Nancy Moon
Gary Troy – Sean Donovan
Jeanine Flynn - Bernadette Murphy
Jeaniene Green – Regina Dodd
William C. Tate – Ray Gerrard
Adam Shippey - Uni #1
Keith Contreras – Uni #2
Kat Gonzales – EMT
Christopher Riley – Dylan Reynolds
Joe Minchik - Corey
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