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.
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
All Content (Recaps, Review, Commentary) Copyright © allthingslawandorder.blogspot.com unless otherwise noted
21 comments:
I thought this was a pretty good episode. Not surprised that so many “fans” weren’t happy about it. It’s difficult for white people to be challenged like we are when it comes to our biases. Fans that kept saying it was too political and they wanted an escape, completely missed the point of the episode. Seems they’d much rather watch a ripped from the headlines episode that is so far removed from their own lives, instead of one that might be close to home. Shows there is still so far to go when discussing race, racism and bias. And yes, I also noticed them taking their masks off when they spoke, which defeated the purpose. Same on the Chicago shows.
I agree that fin and Olivia took the fall for this situation. I dont see how they get sued when the bulk of this situation happened before they even arrive on the scene. I know 90 % of life is just showing up but this is ridiculous. I also saw the emotion rolling off the chief and the IAB investigator. When you investigate someone, you have to leave your emotions out of it instead of lecturing the person on bias. Im a black woman and I appreciate racial issues being explored. At the same time I think many people allowed their emotions to run away with them here. This is a sensitive topic, yet we dont get anywhere by throwing the racism card at those who dont deserve it. The people at fault here are the karen who called the cops and the police who slammed the man on the ground. Fin and Olivia were just trying to get the situation under control. They are surrounded by an increasingly growing crowd. At the grand jury, they were so blinded at the rage for the cops, they let a rapist off scott free. Fin shooting a man last season has nothing to do with these proceedings. This shows how quick people can get emotional without knowing the full context. Even the chief brought up that shooting. We known fin rarely shoots someone. That man had a knife to the neck of a child for Gods sake. In this episode there was a lot of emotion and and anger. Jayvon had the right to be angry. On the other hand, we cant fault olivia and fin for trying to do their job.
Sonny on the other hand, he took fins comment the wrong way. I think fin was implying that carisi is in the ADAs office and now he forgot what it is like for the cops on the other end and things can get out of control or escalate quick. I dont think he was implying anyone was racist.
One more thing. Olivia, never approach a man who has a lawsuit against you. The next time she saw this man should've been with an attorney.
I am glad this show is back. I realize I am critical at times but this show does a better job than most showing real life issues.
Carisi is in bad shape. He's acting like he's in over his head. I enjoyed the outburst however. He was wrong to do it but it works if you look at the character development. Peter Scanavino was the perfect choice as the new ADA last season and I'm more convinced that this was a great move for the actor and for the show.
I felt bad for Fin too. He took the heat when he knew that it was wrong that Jayvon was being profiled but realized the situation could get a lot worse had they left him there. Benson probably could have told Jayvon they were arresting him for the warrants but also removing him from the area for his own protection.
The episode did well about touching on explicit and implicit racism. It should give us all something to think about. It certainly made me think. If some were unhappy with the political message of the show, they missed the point. Everything the police do these days is coming under scrutiny. That's the reality of life now. We can't have a show that talks about sex crimes to ignore the issues the the police face as well as the victims.
I agree on the mask thing, Chris. It confused me when I saw Garland walk in and take his off to speak with Benson. I get it too - they can't have the actors mouths covered the whole episode. I appreciate the risks they are taking to bring us SVU.
I have to say that it feels like I just came out of a time machine? I used to follow SVU as a kid, but recently thanks to the pandemic I decided to binge it from the start and well, I've made it here. Chris, you guys—I can only say that you helped me make it through some really dry seasons with your commentary and although I may have disagreed with some points (note: I'm a pretty big Rollins stan), I was really glad to know what to look out for and what to be mindful of.
That being said, this episode was amazingly well done in that it puts a lot of my previous issues with Benson and the department on display. I watched you guys go from Olivia supporters to Benson-fatigued and I get that, so having seen well a lot of these instances of her implicit racism, I was glad it's become a part of the story's discourse. This feels like a season that will really be pushing a narrative that will keep it grounded in reality, which I'm really glad for because I was a little tired of Epstein/Weinstein/Cosby hail mary's.
Your point about Carisi is hard to refute, though he's written in a difficult way. From the spunky go-getter asking Barba "inane" questions to the neophyte lawyer trying his best, he brings something to the role of ADA that hasn't been seen since the days of Novak IMO, wherein you see his heart in the work, no frills. This is who he is. So he's explosive, but meaningful. Yet, you can see how sometimes he's canny and sometimes he comes out a little fresh. The finale's blow to his plans was painful, but felt like a nice stepping stone for him. I'd like to see how much of the mustachio'd kid from Staten Island makes it out on the other end.
I've always felt that Olivia was always denied an ability to grow because she felt mollycoddled by the writers: if she was in the wrong it was glossed over and her impractical solutions usually vindicated what some might have seem as bullheadedness if she failed. As you guys have said, rather than graduate into a Cragen like figure for the next generation, she's very much remained Olivia the Crusader but now without the chains of command to hold her back. Garland, I believe, serves a nice counterpoint to her because he's both insigthful and doesn't have the stink of corruption like others (Hadid, early season Dodds).
Regardless, having watched the emergence of BLM in the narrative and seen where it has gone and all the tetris the players have played with race, Olivia's always walked a nearly thin-blue line mantra, which makes sense: as was said, she grew up in that so there's obviously a culturally genetic predisposition toward that level of suspicion. Admittedly, the SVU writing staff did make it easy for her to believe black men are rapists, since most often if a black man is the suspect he is guilty of the crime (which, I'll leave alone for now). But anyway, for the character this could be a good place to grow.
Anyway, so I don't ramble on forever it's just really nice to see all these names I've been following and I hope future episodes are as engaging as this one. I worry how they'll handle the situation of the modern times with how explosive the political field has become, but greatly await further developments.
I thought this episode was fairly good. There were things I liked about it and other things that irked me. It was good to see Benson being shown as imperfect and having flaws like all of us (instead of Saint Olivia), althought the bit with Noah asking her was she racist was overboard. I also thought the scene with Carisi, Fin and Rollins was well acted. Above all, I was so frustrated at the Grand Jury for allowing their feelings about the Police preventing an innocent victim receiving justice. I am not a fan of Garland. I find the character bland and he doesn't have the chemistry that Benson had with Dodds. The scene with him and Fin was not well acted either. The use of the term "Karen" which was peppered throughout the episode was pretty cringeworthy, especially when the woman at the beginning said, "I am not a Karen". Also, wasn't Benson pretty dumb to attempt to apologise to Jayvon. He has a lawsuit pending against the NYPD and could easily use it as an example of further harassment, especially as Olivia was alone with him. Overall, it was a pretty promising start to the season and a nice change from the Epstein / Weinstein inspired storylines.
I know this is unlikely to get posted since it is a dissenting view but I will try anyway.
I do not give full marks on this episode. As a Black person who has never liked Black episodes on this show I was pleasantly surprised and impressed by the Baptism by Garland episode and then...this.
I'm amazed that people think this is SVU doing something groundbreaking. This is exactly the way it has told Black stories in the past with some slight ownership of racial bias added to this one. I also fully understand that a comment section is not the place to flesh these ideas out and I will save that for a different type of writing- I remember soon after the George Floyd incident Ice-T did an interview where he said SVU has "tried to be as fair as it can possibly be" and that the only misrepresentation has been the high-end clothing that the cast wears. I was ready then to write my own op-ed discussing race in this show including other sub-topics like its portrayal of Black survivors in the few and far moments that we see a dedicated episode. I have a renewed interest in writing this out now, really for my own sanity at this point, and not just waiting to react to an episode where I'm limited in scope.
As for this one let me say: Christian Cooper, who was the real Black man in the Central Park "headline" this is derived from is a Harvard educated scientist who was just enjoying a mindful exercise of bird-watching. Amy Cooper, makes 2 calls to 911 that day, the 2nd where she claims sexual assault. Throughout the whole ordeal Mr. Cooper remains respectful and calm, filming the whole thing to qualify his version of events since he is not likely to be the preferred voice when the time comes to recount sides. There were no officers there being filmed. Just the woman whose lies could cost him his life. Fact: this was same day that George Floyd was killed. And btw- Mr C had every right to react with outrage. He didn't. What does SVU do with this 'headline'? They take the high calibre of this real person and mangle it into textbook SVU Black man where he is not very educated, blue collar, criminal, addict, angry (I mean aren't we as Black ppl just only ever angry?) and displaying a belligerent attitude to everyone around him especially the cops 'just trying to help' When they ripped this headline the true story certainly got shredded (1/2)
I see fellow Black commenters disappointed in the way the IAB agent conducted that interview. And yes of course Black people can look at that and find fault with her conduct. Of course! Why? Because it is more improbable than probable that any of us would conduct ourselves in such a manner while doing our *job* and especially toward a high ranking officer such as Olivia. But SVU decided to conflate Black activism and the sentiment of Black trauma with the interview questions of a Black officer. This was a fictional moment carved and shaped by the writers. It led to real-world conclusions of a race card being played. It reminds me of a pt from the documentary, "13th" that not only were they afraid of us but they taught us to fear ourselves. Here I can say they taught us to see our own valid expression of betrayal and trauma as inappropriate and manipulative. This by placing a valid conversation in an inappropriate context.
I posted here in S20 that Fin was their token person of color. Also, that he possessed all the stereotypes of a Black man with his gangster mannerisms. He can also mainly emote in 2 ways - irritated or indifferent. I am glad that they have since added this new character to simply bring some diverse thought to what is the definition of a Black man. That is not to say Fin should be done away with He has a sacred place in SVU- verse and I think they have made strides in developing his character. But it is helpful to include someone who can convincingly portray a broader range of emotion (something the This Is Us writers figured out and why Randall is so interesting- his character breaks the mold of tv Black guy). I like that they added Kat and the way her character adds to the diversity of the team in many ways. The cast is slowly becoming more representative of New York. But all of this is moot if the writers' room doesn't become more diversified as well. We have a homogeneous team of writers trying to tell the stories of marginalized groups. Another area that I think helps This Is Us- their writers room is more diverse and it also seems that they really do their research. I hope this can happen for SVU. I hope too that they will choose people willing to challenge their rhetoric and not just give a thumbs up to the status quo in exchange for a paycheck. (2/2)
@Unknown (posts 1 & 2) - Your insight is appreciated. "Dissenting" opinions are welcome, although I don't view yours that way. In fact, I appreciate it when someone takes the time to explain what the episode or show makes them feel so we can all learn from the experiences of others!
I agree that the way the use masks is unrealistic and I know they are trying to manage being able to act and still effectively represent the pandemic. But it is distracting it pulls you out of the story. You're reacting to the mishandling of masks then reminding yourself they filmed this in a safety bubble with daily testing but then in covering that ground it takes away from the immersion into the story and you're aware the entire time you're watching people act cause no responsible person in real life would be handling masks this way. I mean Kat was *inside* a hospital standing closely to a stranger talking to him unmasked but then puts it on to leave the hospital with Rollins. Seems like the place it should definitely be on is in the hospital. In the preview for the next episode Liv storms into an apt ripping OFF her mask as she goes into a stranger's home. The The constant on and off thing is way too distracting and not proper use of a mask either. Scenes like Carisi getting his temp checked felt staged - not something organically unfolding. All the same I don't know how they can manage that- being able to free of masks so they can act but at same time keeping within the context of a pandemic. It's a tricky one. Personally I would rather they barely use it than do the constant on and off, on and off thing.
@ Chris Zimmer Thank you. I appreciate that
I had closed captioning on when I watched this, and I noticed that "black" was capitalized, but not "white". It's been happening on YouTube, and someone else on this very page has done the same thing. Am I the only person in the world who's noticed this trend? If it was the other way around, the whole world would be in an uproar.
This was a horrible episode and very badly written.
-The whole case is treated as an afterthought and they don't even find a way to win in the end. Yes sometimes episodes do this, and those episodes are BAD because of it. Seeing problem solving and creative solutions being found is what makes shows like this interesting (CI in particular was very good at this). Lacking a solution and ending with a cop out is just laziness and/or incompetence.
-If the grand jurors were so gung ho about social justice, no way would they let a privileged white man charged with essentially a hate crime slide. Also, was there no screening process?
-It is never explained how Jayvon being in NA was leaked to the press.
-At the end of the day, what's the message? That following the law won't work and vigilantism is needed?
To bronzeprincess33 RE: capitalizing the word "Black" - Sometime this past summer most of the large news media sites decided to capitalize Black but not white, and I thin Associated Press explained the overall reasoning very well: "After changing its usage rules last month to capitalize the word “Black” when used in the context of race and culture, The Associated Press on Monday said it would not do the same for “white.” The AP said white people in general have much less shared history and culture, and don’t have the experience of being discriminated against because of skin color. Protests following the death of George Floyd, which led to discussions of policing and Confederate symbols, also prompted many news organizations to examine their own practices and staffing. The Associated Press, whose Stylebook is widely influential in the industry, announced June 19 it would make Black uppercase."
Link to the entire article and full explaination is here: https://apnews.com/article/7e36c00c5af0436abc09e051261fff1f
Enjoy your blog and totally got excited about SVU22!! Tough subject matter met head on- everyone across the board- bottom to top brought their A game- can’t wait till next Thursday
Enjoy your blog and I am totally excited about SVU22 and all the possibilities it brings! Hitting the ground running- everyone brought their A game and I am so appreciative they were able to film safely
I always refer to your blog whenever I'm in the middle of an episode or just finished one! :) Love seeing everyone's posts and thoughts. Really helps you connect better to the episode, the storyline, and lately, the world we're living in! Chris, I appreciate the detail and effort you've put into this blog over the years! Keep it up.
Regarding the episode --I do agree that the mask thing became very distracting. It was just kind of odd (and also, mildly upsetting) to see lots of people NOT wearing the masks in scenes where other people were, especially in places where wearing a mask is very much required (like having a private conversation with a stranger, on in a hospital lobby). I do think they succeeded in maybe overemphasizing the whole Covid point? Obviously they need to pay homage to what is currently going on, but either it was too over-the-top for my liking, or it just appeared it was being overemphasized due to the constant mask-removal.
Sadly, it wasn't the episode I'd been waiting for. I'm looking forward to seeing something a bit more redeeming in the weeks to come. It just felt kind of gloomy, and we've already been seeing so much of that. At the same time, this is SVU and it never fails to kind of mirror what's going on. I just wished that some of the plot holes would have been better explained.
Regarding the statement from Associated Press, I personally have been attacked for my race (I'm Middle-Eastern) and I am not Black. I do think it was unfair to say that other races haven't endured similar hardships. There were and are many other races involved in persecution and evil, racist backlash/slavery/etc in the past (this is NOT at all to disregard the pain that Blacks have endured!!!) I just thought it was unfair for them to decide that other races haven't gone through similar struggles. I hate racism and have never looked down on someone for their race. It's so wrong and messed up to me, my brain simply cannot fathom it.
Thanks for hearing my thoughts and again for your posts, Chris! Looking forward to more discussions and blogs from you!
I liked this episode overall. Despite liking it though, some parts really irked me.
First of all, the ones who arrested Jayvon (the unis) should have been the ones who should be questioned. It's ridiculous because Liv and Fin arrived on the screen AFTER he was arrested. And considering there was an outstanding warrant for him, what were they supposed to do? Let him go? It was by the book. Social justice warriors may create an uproar but it was still by the book. Letting him go would not only be irresponsible but also be shirking of their duties.
Secondly, the whole grand jury scene was ridiculous. So are you telling me the members of the jury are so wrapped up inside their SJW mindset that they are letting a person who is arrested for raping a man, with a hate crime element, whose lies led to the arrest of a black man go?? It's like I stepped into an alternate reality. It made zero sense to me whatsoever.
The highlight of the episode was the self inspection Olivia was undergoing. I like it when she shows flaws, it's a confirmation that she's a human after all and not a superhero. And it's been so long since she showed a flaw in her character.
On another note, I REALLY hope they'll do a continuation to this because I want to see the perp brought to justice. The actual crime felt secondary to the whole cops v BLM situation in this. The victim deserved better.
@bronzeprincess33 Yes, I noticed that too. It's deeply distracting this recent trend of illiterately capitalising "black" - in English, adjectives which do not derive from proper nouns are not capitalised.
And capitalising black and not white is by definition racist as it treats black people but not white people as a homogenous whole.
This is just one reason why this was an atrocious episode, but at least it allowed the writers to signal their virtue.
As a fan of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, I have had the opportunity to witness the growth and evolution of its female characters, Olivia Benson and Amanda Rollins. However, I have grown tired of the repetitive pattern of passing them around the workplace as if they are mere party favors for men they work with. Throughout all the seasons I have watched, I have never seen the male cops being tossed around in this manner. This constant mistreatment of female characters is not only insulting to women, but it also undermines the messages of female empowerment being promoted by the show.
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