Anthony Anderson Returns To Law & Order; Hugh Dancy Joins The Cast

Anthony Anderson will be returning to Law & Order, reprising his role as Detective Kevin Bernard.  Hugh Dancy is also joining the cast as an assistant district attorney. It was previously reported that Jeffrey Donovan will also be joining the cast as a detective. 

Here’s the story as reported by TV Line: “Law & Order Revival: Anthony Anderson to Return as Bernard, Hugh Dancy Cast”

Law & Order Organized Crime “The Christmas Episode” Episode Information

Here are the details for a new episode of Law & Order Organized Crime,  “The Christmas Episode”, the second part of an SVU/Organized Crime crossover event.

Law & Order Organized Crime “The Christmas Episode”  Air Date Thursday, December 9, 2021 (10 PM ET/9C Thursday NBC)

When Eli goes missing, Stabler asks Benson and the task force to help him find his son. Wheatley considers his future.

My recap and review of Law & Order Organized Crime “The Christmas Episode” can be found at this link.

Law & Order SVU “People Vs Richard Wheatley" Episode Information

Here are the details for a new episode of Law & Order SVU,  “People Vs Richard Wheatley’”,  the first part of an SVU/Organized Crime crossover event.

Law & Order SVU  “People Vs Richard Wheatley’” Air Date Thursday, December 9,  2021 (9 PM ET/8C Thursday NBC)

Carisi tries Richard Wheatley for the murder of Kathy Stabler. Benson finds herself at odds with a friend when Barba agrees to take the case.

# # # 

My recap and review of Law & Order SVU “People Vs Richard Wheatley” can be found at this link.

NBC 2022 Midseason Premiere Dates (Including Law & Order) Press Release

NBC RINGS IN 2022 WITH DYNAMIC TALENT, A DOUBLE DOSE OF NEW COMEDY, BOLD DRAMAS AND SUPERCHARGED UNSCRIPTED FORMATS

breaking news | November 12, 2021

The Sixth and Final Chapter of “This Is Us” Begins Tuesday, Jan. 4 

MONDAYS - “Kenan” Kicks off the New Year with Back-to-Back Episodes Mondays at 8 and 8:30 P.M., Followed by the Debut of Jimmy Fallon’s Music and Comedy Variety Game Show “That’s My Jam” at 9 P.M. and Fall Drama “Ordinary Joe” at 10 P.M.; In February at 8 P.M. “American Song Contest” Brings the Eurovision Musical Phenomenon to America, Leading into High-Stakes Thriller “The Endgame” at 10 P.M. 

TUESDAYS -  A One-Two Punch of New Laughs Starts the Night as “American Auto” and “Grand Crew” Make Their Time Period Debut Beginning at 8 P.M. and Setting the Stage for the Sixth and Final Chapter of Beloved Drama “This Is Us” in its Traditional Timeslot at 9 P.M., Followed by the Return of “New Amsterdam” at 10 P.M.; In March, Renée Zellweger’s True-Crime Inspired Sensation “The Thing About Pam” Bows at 10 P.M. and Later that Month, Fan-Favorites “Young Rock” and “Mr. Mayor” Return at 8 P.M. and  8:30 P.M.  

WEDNESDAYS – The Windy City Continues to Own Wednesdays with the Unrivaled Triple-Header of “Chicago Med”, Followed by “Chicago Fire” and Concluding with “Chicago P.D.”  

THURSDAYS: A Second Night of Drama Features a Trio of Returning Hits, Led By “The Blacklist” at 8 P.M., Followed by “Law & Order: SVU” and Capped Off by “Law & Order: Organized Crime” at 10 P.M.; Beginning in February, Dick Wolf Fans Will Rejoice as the Legendary “Law & Order” Returns After a Decade-Long Hiatus to Kick Off the Night at 8 P.M.  

FRIDAYS:  Friday’s #1 Newsmagazine “Dateline NBC” Returns in January at 9 P.M., and in February “The Blacklist” Returns to Its Friday Timeslot to Kick Off the Night at 8 P.M. 

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LOS ANGELES — Nov. 12, 2021 — Riding the momentum of a record-breaking premiere week and top-rated fall, NBC rings in the new year with a prestigious lineup of new series and returning favorites, all amplified by the spectacle of the Super Bowl and Winter Olympics. 

In a season that finds NBC #1 in total viewers and #1 in 18-49 for entertainment programming, the upcoming schedule features a pair of freshman comedies, a trio of gripping new dramas and a duet of big new unscripted series, along with the final chapter of the award-winning series “This Is Us.”  

“Our goal in the fall was to engage and grow the NBC audience with hallmark dramas, building momentum through the holidays and into the Olympics, all of which will work in concert to provide the best possible launch pads for our new and returning midseason shows,” said Frances Berwick, Chairman, Entertainment Networks, NBCUniversal Television and Streaming. “After a premiere week win and tremendous success this season to-date, we’re well-primed to deliver on that promise and continue this winning trend through the remainder of the season.” 

“Following a fall that launched a pair of dramas and saw huge success from so many returning series, we’re excited to really pull back the curtain in January with big swings across genres that provide something for everyone,” said Susan Rovner, Chairman, Entertainment Content, NBCUniversal Television and Streaming. “Over the past year, our programming team has been vigorously chasing down the best content out there, and it’s really exciting to start to see some early fruits of our labor join the longtime fan favorites on the NBC schedule.” 

Launching right out of the holiday season, two new series join NBC’s storied comedy brand on Tuesday nights.  January 4 marks the arrival of the workplace comedy “American Auto” from Justin Spitzer (“Superstore”) and “Grand Crew,” a show about a group of Black friends navigating life and love in Los Angeles, from Phil Augusta Jackson and Dan Goor (“Brooklyn Nine-Nine”). 

Jan. 4 will also see the return of the award-winning “This Is Us,” which heads into its sixth and final season as the #1 broadcast drama in the 18-49 demographic. 

A trifecta of returning comedies will also debut in 2022 with “Kenan” doing double duty on Monday nights starting Jan. 3, and pair of hits in “Young Rock” and Mr. Mayor” coming back for their own second seasons following the Olympics on March 15. 

The conclusion of the Olympics will also usher in bold new dramas, including the gripping heist series “The Endgame” on Feb 21 and the flagship “Law & Order” on Feb. 24, which will return to the air after a decade for its 21st season with its now iconic classic format.  On Tuesday, March 8 “The Thing About Pam” joins the schedule.  A six-episode limited series inspired by some of the most popular episodes of “Dateline NBC,” the true-crime inspired drama is produced by Blumhouse Television, NBC News Studios and Big Picture Co. and stars Renée Zellweger. On April 19, following the six-episode run of “The Thing About Pam,” “New Amsterdam” will return to the Tuesday 10 p.m. timeslot through the end of its season. 

A duet of unscripted series will also hit the stage midseason, beginning Jan. 3 when Jimmy Fallon expands his network footprint onto the primetime schedule as the executive producer and host of music and comedy variety game show “That’s My Jam.” Then on Feb. 21, the all-live event series “American Song Contest” debuts, featuring original musical performances representing all 50 states, five U.S. territories and our nation’s capital, with artists competing to win the country's vote for the Best Original Song in a grand spectacle.  

Amidst an ever-increasing competitive TV landscape, NBC has maintained a winning fall, as home to eight of the top 20 programs in the key 18-49 demo, the most of any network. “Saturday Night Live” is the #1 comedy in the demo and “La Brea” is the #1 new program.  Perennial powerhouse “The Voice” is the most-watched unscripted series. 

In addition to their curated linear timeslots, all new shows will be available to stream on Peacock. 

Previously announced shows that have been ordered to series but not yet dated include “The Wheel” “L.A. Fire and Rescue,” “AGT Extreme” and “Night Court.” 

  

NBC MIDSEASON 2021-22 SCHEDULE   

(New programs in UPPER CASE; all times ET/PT) 

January Primetime Schedule 

Sun, Jan. 2 

7-8:20 P.M. — Football Night in America 

8:20-11 P.M. — NBC Sunday Night Football 

Mon, Jan. 3 

8-8:30 P.M. — Kenan (Season Premiere) 

8:30-9 P.M. — Kenan 

9-10 P.M.  — That’s My Jam (Time Period Premiere)  

10-11 P.M. — Ordinary Joe  

Tues, Jan. 4 

8-8:30 P.M. — AMERICAN AUTO (Time Period Premiere)  

8:30-9 P.M — GRAND CREW (Time Period Premiere)  

9-10 P.M. — This Is Us (Season Premiere) 

10-11 P.M.  — New Amsterdam  

Wed, Jan. 5 

8-9 P.M. — Chicago Med 

9-10 P.M. — Chicago Fire 

10-11 P.M. — Chicago P.D. 

Thur, Jan. 6 

8-9 P.M.  — The Blacklist  

9-10 P.M.  — Law & Order: SVU  

10-11 P.M. — Law & Order: Organized Crime 

Fri, Jan. 7 

9-11 P.M — Dateline NBC 

Sat, Jan. 8 

9-10 P.M. — Dateline Weekend Mystery 

10-11 P.M. – SNL Vintage  

Post-Olympics Primetime Schedule 

Mon, Feb. 21 

8-10 P.M. - AMERICAN SONG CONTEST (Premiere)  

10-11 P.M. - THE ENDGAME (Premiere) 

Tues, Feb. 22 

8-8:30 P.M. - AMERICAN AUTO  

8:30-9 P.M. - GRAND CREW  

9-10 P.M. - This Is Us 

10-11 P.M. - New Amsterdam 

Wed, Feb. 23 

8-9 P.M. — Chicago Med 

9-10 P.M. — Chicago Fire 

10-11 P.M. — Chicago P.D. 

Thurs, Feb. 24 

8-9 P.M.  — LAW & ORDER (Premiere) 

9-10 P.M.  — Law & Order: SVU  

10-11 P.M. — Law & Order: Organized Crime 

Fri, Feb. 25 

8-9 P.M. – The Blacklist (New Time) 

9-11 P.M — Dateline NBC 

Tue, March 8 

10-11 P.M. – THE THING ABOUT PAM (Premiere)* 

Tue, March 15 

8-8:30 P.M. – Young Rock (Season Premiere) 

8:30-9 P.M. – Mr. Mayor (Season Premiere) 

*Note: “The Thing About Pam” is a six-episode limited series, after which on April 19 “New Amsterdam” will return to this timeslot. 

NEW COMEDY SERIES 

AMERICAN AUTO 

From the creator of “Superstore” comes a new workplace comedy that takes the wheels off the automobile industry. Set in Detroit, the corporate executives of Payne Motors are at a crossroads: adapt to the changing times or be sent to the junkyard. Shaking things up is the new CEO, whose leadership, experience and savvy is only slightly offset by her complete lack of knowledge about cars. Luckily, her team has some of the best minds in the business – when they aren’t fighting or trying to outwit each other. From the corporate office to the factory floor, the crew of Payne Motors is driving home the laughs. 

Ana Gasteyer, Harriet Dyer, Jon Barinholtz, Humphrey Ker, Michael B. Washington, Tye White and X Mayo star. 

“American Auto” is executive produced by Justin Spitzer, Aaron Kaplan, Dana Honor and Jeff Blitz. The series is produced by Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group, in association with Spitzer Holding Company and Kapital Entertainment. 

GRAND CREW 

From Phil Augusta Jackson (Writer/Producer/Director, “Brooklyn Nine-Nine”) and Dan Goor (Creator, “Brooklyn Nine-Nine”) comes a new comedy that proves life is better with your crew. This group of young professionals are all trying to navigate the ups and downs of life and love in Los Angeles – and they always find time to gather at their favorite bar to “wine down” and unpack it all. There’s Noah, a hopeless romantic eager to settle down; Nicky, a go-getter in real estate who’s adventurous in romance; Sherm, a low-key genius who plays the dating odds; Anthony, whose true love is his career; Wyatt, who’s relieved to be married and out of the dating scene; and Fay, who’s recently divorced and looking to start fresh in LA. And just like wine, their friendship gets better with time. 

Nicole Byer, Justin Cunningham, Aaron Jennings, Echo Kellum, Grasie Mercedes and Carl Tart star. 

“Grand Crew” is executive produced by Phil Augusta Jackson, Dan Goor and Mo Marable. The series is produced by Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group. 

NEW DRAMAS 

THE ENDGAME 

A pulse-pounding high-stakes two-hander about Elena Federova, a recently captured international arms dealer and brilliant criminal mastermind who orchestrates a number of coordinated bank heists throughout New York City for a mysterious purpose. Her antagonist is Val Turner, the principled, relentless and socially outcast FBI agent who will stop at nothing to foil her ambitious plan. The gripping heist drama reveals how far some people will go for love, justice and the most valuable commodity in the world: the truth. 

Morena Baccarin, Ryan Michelle Bathé, Costa Ronin, Jordan Johnson-Hinds, Kamal Bolden, Noah Bean, and Mark Damon Espinoza star. 

Nicholas Wootton writes and executive produces. Jake Coburn, Julie Plec, Emily Cummins, Andrew Schneider and Justin Lin, who directed the pilot, will also executive produce. 

“The Endgame” is produced by Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group, with Nicholas Wootton Productions, Jake Coburn Productions, My So-Called Company and Perfect Storm Entertainment. 

LAW & ORDER 

NBC is bringing back one of its most treasured and honored dramas with the 21st season of “Law & Order.” The series, which will continue the classic bifurcated format that was created for its original run, will once again examine “the police who investigate crime and the district attorneys who prosecute the offenders.” 

“Law & Order” is executive produced by Dick Wolf, Rick Eid, Arthur Forney and Peter Jankowski. The series will be produced by Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group, in association with Wolf Entertainment. 

LIMITED SERIES 

THE THING ABOUT PAM 

NBC’s “The Thing About Pam” is based on the 2011 murder of Betsy Faria that resulted in her husband Russ’s conviction, although he insisted he didn’t kill her. His conviction was later overturned. This brutal crime set off a chain of events that would expose a diabolical scheme deeply involving Pam Hupp. A thorough examination of the scheme was featured on several episodes of “Dateline NBC,” becoming one of the most popular topics to ever air on the hit NBC franchise. It also became the subject of a popular 2019 podcast, “The Thing About Pam,” which remains one of the most downloaded podcasts on iTunes. 

The series stars Renée Zellweger, Josh Duhamel, Judy Greer, Katy Mixon, Glenn Fleshler, Gideon Adlon, Sean Bridgers, Suanne Spoke, Mac Brandt 

“The Thing About Pam” will be executive produced by Renée Zellweger, Carmella Casinelli, Jenny Klein (showrunner), Mary-Margaret Kunze, Scott Winant, Jessika Borsiczky, Liz Cole, Noah Oppenheim, Scott Winant, Jason Blum, Chris McCumber and Jeremy Gold. 

Blumhouse Television, NBC News Studios and Big Picture Co. will produce.  

UNSCRIPTED SERIES 

AMERICAN SONG CONTEST 

America’s biggest live entertainment event has arrived! Based on the worldwide phenomenon “Eurovision Song Contest,” organized for 65 years by the European Broadcasting Union and watched by 200 million viewers annually, this amazing musical spectacular combines the competitive spirit of rooting for your favorite sports team with the joy of watching a beloved singing performance. “American Song Contest” will feature live original musical performances – representing all 50 states, five U.S. territories and our nation’s capital – competing to win the country’s vote for the Best Original Song. An incredible solo artist, duo or a band will represent each location and perform a new original song, celebrating the different styles and genres across America. The live competition consists of three rounds as the acts compete in a series of Qualifying Rounds, followed by the Semi Finals and the ultimate Grand Final where one state or territory will emerge victorious.   

“American Song Contest” is executive produced by Audrey Morrissey, Anders Lenhoff, Christer Björkman, Peter Settman, Ola Melzig, and Gregory Lipstone alongside Propagate’s Ben Silverman and Howard T. Owens. The series is produced by Propagate in association with Universal Television Alternative Studio, a division of Universal Studio Group.  

THAT’S MY JAM 

Hosted by Jimmy Fallon, “That’s My Jam” is an hourlong music and comedy variety game show that draws inspiration from the most popular “Tonight Show” games. Each episode features two teams of two celebrities competing for a charity of their choice in a series of music, dance, and trivia-based games and musical performances. Signature games to be played include “Launch the Mic,” “Air Guitar,” “Don’t Drop the Beat,” “Perfect Mash-Up,” “Wheel of Impossible Karaoke,” “Slay It, Don’t Spray It” and many more. 

“That’s My Jam” is executive produced by Jimmy Fallon, Jim Juvonen and Mike Yurchuk. The series will be produced by Universal Television Alternative Studio, a division of Universal Studio Group, in association with Electric Hot Dog. 

Law & Order SVU & Organized Crime Crossover Promo December 2021

Here is the promo for the upcoming Law & Order SVU and Organized Crime crossover event, airing December 9, 2021 starting at 9PM ET on NBC. Rejoice - Raúl Esparza guest stars!

 

Law & Order Organized Crime “Ashes to Ashes” Recap, Review, Discussion

This episode was full of surprises for the criminals, the task force, and for viewers. The efforts of Stabler’s undercover work finally paid off with the arrest of key members of the Kosta organization – and that included Albi Briscu and Jon Kosta himself.   But those two didn’t make their arrests easy.   In a fast-paced, heart-pounding episode, the Organized Crime task force had to jump through hoops to get their hands on Kosta and Albi, with Stabler having to chase the two of them through an underground tunnel, at times under gunfire.   It was highly satisfying to see the look of surprise on Kosta’s face when he realizes Stabler was a cop and not Eddie Wagner AKA Eddie Ashes.  And when Albi realizes the same thing, not only does he look surprised, he looks hurt, and then worries that Stabler spilled his secret.  When Stabler assures him he is a man of his word and has told no one – especially Flutura – Stabler is able to diffuse a tense situation with Albi, who is holding his male companion at gunpoint.   Had Flutura known that Albi was going to dump her for his boy toy, she may not have helped talk him down.  The one thing I don’t think was explained was how Bell and Stabler tracked down Flutura in that motel where she was hiding. Maybe I missed something?  I fully expected her to take a flying leap off that balcony. 

Bell gets surprised as well when Nova, who had infiltrated the Marcy Killers,  has now been placed in a position of power.  Nova then tells Bell that Congressman Kilbride explained he has someone in the force who thinks he can compromise – Bell – and Bell appears less than thrilled at this turn of events.  Who knows, this may be an advantage, if they can both work Kilbride properly. 

Reggie,  the somewhat likeable - but still criminal - buffoon of the Kosta organization,  get his surprise when, as he is being taken to his new location in witness protection, he finds that his mother Agnes won’t be going with him as planned.   After the explosion at the Besa gym (which I don’t believe who initiated it was ever explained), the body of the court reporter, shot in the back by Albi, was discovered.  Her connection to Agnes was made,  and Agnes was arrested right before entering witness protection.   Reggie later finds himself alone in witness protection,  in the middle of cold and  snow-covered “nowhere”, working at a gas station, cut off from all his family and friends.   

Agnes surprises everyone when she manages to smuggle a gun into the courtroom and attempts to shoot Stabler in cold blood.   Someone  in law enforcement, or in corrections,  is clearly still on the side of the Kosta organization in order to get that gun hidden in that wheelchair.   Stabler needs to watch himself; the danger to him is likely not over. 

This excellent episode was directed by Jean de Segonzac, and he never disappoints in delivering a tense, tight, action-packed episode. 

Here is the recap: 

In the aftermath of the explosion at the Besa gym, Stabler and  Bell pick themselves up – Bell clearly rocked by the explosion -  and a large number of officers arrive.  They must quickly take cover as snipers shoot at them and the other officers from the rooftop, hitting some.   They fire back and ultimately take the shooters out and enter the damaged building, looking for Kosta, Albi, and other survivors.  Jet says Kosta and Vinnie were shown entering the building an hour before but never coming out.  There are at least 7 men still inside. They enter the burning gym under gunfire and continue to take the shooters out.  Bell and Stabler and the teams continue to search. They discover some bodies, and Bell sees a body of a black woman laying on the floor.  She sends Jet a photo and Jet IDs her as the court reporter that was previously with the ADA and Agnes. They believe she was the leak that tipped off Kosta, Albi, and Flutura.  Jet cannot see where Albi and Kosta exited. Stabler worries that Bell is hurt and tells the others to get her to a medic.  Jet explains that the last people  to enter the gym before the explosion was Kosta and Albi.  She looks at floor plans and finds a small space near the east wall that looks like storage.  Stabler checks it out and finds a stairwell to a tunnel – with rats.

He follows it  - alone – and sees what looks like storage for drugs.  He eventually loses contact with Jet. He continues on and eventually catches up to Albi and Kosta and meets with gunfire.   Albi tells Kosta to go ahead while he holds off Stabler (not knowing it is Stabler).  There is an ambulance waiting outside to take them both away and when Albi doesn’t come out right away, the driver prods Kosta to go now, so he leaves without Albi.  Albi exits and tries to block the exit door,  and finds he is on his own. Stabler forces his way out but Albi is nowhere to be found.  He radios to Jet for the location and she explains she picked up an ambulance leaving there. Stabler explains KO owns three ambulances and he had already logged two of the numbers.  Jet says aviation is looking for them and says Bell is on her way to him. 

Meanwhile,  the ambulance driver tells Kosta he is taking him to a boat and then will hook up with a  bigger boat.  Kosta readies his gun. 

Stabler asks Bell if she is  ready to drive, annoying her.  They continue to chase the ambulance based on information from Jet.  The police are hot on the tail of the ambulance, which must swerve to avoid another vehicle and then  crashes.  Kosta exits the back, and Stabler and police chase him.  Kosta shoots at those chasing him,  and the boat he is supposed to get on leaves before Kosta can get on.  Stabler yells for Kosta to drop the gun and Kosta stops and turns slowly, recognizing the voice.  He sees Stabler, who orders him to drop his weapon. Kosta says, “You gotta be kidding me”  and he puts his hands on his head and gets on his knees as instructed.  Kosta comments to Stabler “good game” and that he had him fooled – whatever his name is.  Bell asks where is Albi, and Kosta  says “Albi who.”

Elsewhere, Albi breaks in and enters someone’s home and when a young guy catches  him and sees Albi’s face as wanted on television, Albi draws his gun on him.  The guy screams for help and Albi sees a tattoo showing he is Albanian so he just restrains the guy and duct tapes his mouth.  He calls Flutura and tells her he is alive and she says she has the cash and the car is ready,  He says he will be there in about an hour and has the flash drive. He says Kosta will not make it and Flutura comments she saw that on TV.  He tells her not to worry – he has a plan to get then away, - just the two of them. She tells him to be careful and hangs up, turns, and looks to Bell and Stabler’s watchful eye as she made the call.  

Someone,  waiting in a car nearby,  sees Albi drive off in a red car. 

In the place where Flutura has been hiding, Bell watches below with binoculars, seeing an ambulance drive off. She notes that Flutura is giving Stabler the cold shoulder and Flutura thinks Stabler has been bragging about her to his police friends and how he was with her. Stabler says he’s said nothing. Flutura says he was fun, like a horny altar boy having sex for the first time, except he lasted longer.  Bell wishes she could unhear that.   Bell thinks she sees Albi get out of a car below but Flutura says that is not him but Stabler calls it in anyway, telling them to approach the car with caution and check the trunk.   But Flutura does see Albi below, nearby,  dressed in clothes belonging to the occupant of the house he broke into.  He senses there is trouble and nods to her.

Afterwards, Albi picks up his male companion and they speed off. 

Bell has a bad feeling, thinking Flutura knows where Albi is.  Stabler talks to Flutura about this and accuses her of lying. He understands why she is mad, but she claims she is not mad, she is hurt.   He did not intend to do that. She mentions Stabler drugging her and his non-answer is an admission he did it.  He admits he did a lot of things he was not proud of, and she says it is part of the job, to protect and serve. He explains he did what he had to do. She thinks she was a fool for wanting him.  She asks what happens to Eddie Wagner, asking if he has a family or is married, He says it is just him. She said it is a shame, thinking he will miss the Albanian life – the excitement, the passion, the fun. She thinks he loved it.  He asks again where is Albi and she does not answer.

Jet gets a message, then contacts Bell, saying they just got a tip from the 117;  Bell alerts Stabler there was a break-in and the victim called 911 and said Albi was the intruder – he saw him on the news.  Jet explains he stole an electricians uniform, and Bell said Albi took the kid’s car, and when Stabler is surprised he was unharmed,  Jet said Albi realized the kid was Albanian.  Flutura says they take care of their own, adding it looks like they found Albi.  Jet sees Albi on the surveillance video in those electrician clothes 30 minutes ago,  below the motel where Flutura is  hiding but then he walked away. Bell and Stabler look to Flutura and Stabler tells the other officers to cuff her and Bell tells Jet to track the stolen car, and to be on the lookout for suspicious activity when transporting Flutura.  Flutura tells Stabler not to forget her. 

Jet radios that surveillance is looking out for the car. Meanwhile, Albi and his man friend drive off and he finds Flutura’s passport and questions Albi about it.  He thinks he was Albi’s second choice, and Albi doesn’t think it matters now and gets testy.   Jet notes that it looks like they are heading to Liberty marina and tells Stabler and Bell they are about 5 blocks out and should be able to intercept them.   As Albi and his companion race to the boat, the cops arrive and Albi shoots at them for cover.  They board a  yacht where a party is taking place and Albi tells the man to start the engine. When he refuses, Albi hits him with his gun.  As Stabler and Bell board the boat, Albi and his friend try to start the engine with no luck.  The police attempt to get everyone off the boat as Bell and Stabler race to the bridge.  When Albi sees them close in on him, he grabs his friend around the neck and holds him at gunpoint.  Stabler sees this from below and shouts to get everyone out.  Albi is shocked to see Stabler, asking how could it be possible.  Stabler comments he guesses he is not the only one with a secret.   Stabler tries to get him to drop the gun and Albi asks for a helicopter and Flutura. But he worries that she knows, and Stabler asks Bell to cut the feed and get him Flutura.  Bell tells Jet to do so, and Stabler tells everyone o back away.  Stabler pulls out his earpiece and tells Albi no one from the outside is listening and he never broke is promise – nobody knows.  

Sometime later, Flutura arrives at the boat and Bell tells her there are two ways that this can end – one with Albi dead and the other in police custody.  She is shocked when she sees him and Stabler tells her the man he is holding as a hostage is a party guest.  She asks Albi to let the boy go, and he says he never wanted to live without her.  They work it out where the boy and Flutura are traded at the same time.  Albi relents and Flutura runs to him.  She mentions there was a time she saved his life and it is her turn to save his.  She gets him to drop the gun and Stabler picks it up.  They take Albi and Flutura into custody.  As he is being led away, Albi looks back at Stabler and says he will see him again, he promises. 

At home, Stabler is laying awake in bed, flashing back to his time  undercover. Kathleen knocks on the door and calls out that his mom is making breakfast, but she sees him with his eyes closed (pretending to be asleep) and then closes the door right away. 

Back at home, Bell is with Denise at breakfast and Bell explains she and Stabler will both be in court for all the Kosta arraignments.  Bell gets a call, sounds surprised, and tells the caller to go to the meeting and  they will meet at their spot at the end of the day.  When Denise questions her about it, Bell says she knows she can’t say.  She hopes everything is okay and will tell her when she can tell her. 

Elsewhere, Reggie is being taken to LaGuardia  airport with his mother, Agnes, for his new life and asks lots of questions.  But Agnes is arrested before they leave - for obstruction of justice, bribery,  and aiding and abetting a  criminal enterprise. As Reggie is being forced into the vehicle, Agnes is taken into another vehicle. Reggie screams for his mother. 

Meanwhile, in arraignment court, the whole Kosta organization is led in, with Albi spitting at Stabler.  Agnes is brought in on a wheelchair and Flutura calls out to her in shock.  Agnes looks at Stabler with disgust and scowls, calling him a traitor.  She begins to cough and bends over, gagging. When Kosta and Flutura call for her to get some water and help, Agnes reaches under the wheelchair and pulls out a gun. The officer wheeling her in sees Agnes raise the gun and grabs her arms, forcing them up as she fires.  Stabler, Bell, and the gallery react and move to protect themselves. Some move to restrain Agnes and get the gun. She scowls and shouts “Besa forever” and Stabler looks  on in shock. 

Afterwards in the hall, Bell asks  Stabler if he is okay. He says he is. Bell comments she knew today would be interesting but never imagined it would be Agnes.  Stabler explains she is the only one who never trusted him. She tried to tell them but they wouldn’t listen.  Bell says to “believe women” and then says it is over now. He comments it is never over, moving to shake her hand. She hugs him instead and then tells him to please get rid of that beard now and come out of hiding.  Stabler quips he kind of liked having hair on his head, even if it was on the wrong side. 

Later, in their meeting place, Bell meets with Nova who says she is inside and is made,  and was told she proved herself with her loyalty and courage and effectiveness.  They were pleased to welcome her into the senior management of the Marcy organization as Vice President. She is one of 5.  Bell asks if she can separate what that achievement feels like from the awareness of what she is there to do. Nova says yes, she can do it, if Bell can do it and will follow her lead. When Bell asks what she means, Nova explains there were two other people in the meeting in Webb’s office, one was Hugo, her mentor, and the other was Webb’s mentor – Congressman Leon Kilbride. Bell is stunned and asks if there is anything else she wants to tell her.  Nova says Kilbride is sometimes referred to as Mr. Taylor by the more junior members of the corporation and comfortable enough to mention, in the company of senior management, that he is cultivating a relationship with an up-and-coming NYPD sergeant who he believes will have his back if he ever had to ask her for anything.  Bell is silent. 

Elsewhere, at a snowy place in the middle of nowhere, Reggie tends to a car, filling gas.  The customer pays him and tells him to stay warm as he looks on sadly at his surroundings. 

Back at home, Stabler trims his beard, preparing to shave it off.  Eli comes in and tells him goodnight, they will talk tomorrow, and are glad he is home.  As he preps his face, he flashes back at some of the horrible things he’s seen with his recent undercover  work.  He looks in the mirror and sees a serious - now shaved -  face as we cut to black. 

Law & Order SVU “Nightmares In Drill City” Recap, Review, Discussion

I’m leaning toward disliking  “Nightmares In Drill City”.  I liked the overall production this season so far; the episodes look, sound, and feel much more real than they have in the past, invoking the early seasons of the show.   In this episode, they brought in the legal angle which makes the episodes more compelling.  They also gave Fin something more meaningful to say than just the occasional quip or comment and threw in a short back story for Velasco.

What annoyed me to no end was the unsympathetic “victim” – and I have that word in quote marks because I can’t completely buy in to Tori being a victim…as it relates to the murders. Was Tori a victim of rape and trafficking?  If we are to believe what she and Jasmine said about G, then she WAS a victim in that aspect.  But not as it relates to the robbery and murders.  Tori DID seem to buy into the lifestyle that G offered.  No one should get a free pass (or a slap on the wrists in this case) for  facilitating armed robbery and murder, regardless of what happened to them in the past.   I would have felt more comfortable with the outcome had the sentence involved some jail time.  Clearly, Tori doesn’t appreciate the easy sentence she got because she can’t even keep herself to its simple terms.   Benson should have not gotten involved with Tori after the sentencing and should have allowed the report of Tori’s violation of her probation to be handled through normal channels.  (For a story like this having a more satisfying outcome, watch Law & Order "Hot Pursuit" from season 6.)

I also didn’t care for the overused trope that the people in charge (in this case, Bureau Chief Phillip Baptiste and Trial Division Chief Lorraine Maxwell) are so blinded by their position that they are only focused on getting a conviction, leaving the lowly ADA to come to the rescue with the words of wisdom that changes everyone’s mind. Yes we get it. Carisi is brilliant and knows better than the people in charge (sarcasm intended).  I rolled my eyes when Maxwell parroted Carisi’s words to the press.  It wiped out my feelings of being impressed when Carisi pressured Tori on the stand during her trial.  This was Carisi’s first case with the homicide bureau, and despite the outcome that made him look like a winner, I’m not sure if he gained any fans in that office.  It’s okay to be a step ahead of the defense, but it did feel like he was bargaining against his own office

The events of this episode begin just before the episode Law & Order SVU “I Thought You Were On My Side”, the third episode of this season. 

Here is the recap: 

In  a car, in the back seat with Jasmine and one man, Tori sends a message and sexy pics of her and the other woman to Chris to entice him to give her his address.   Meanwhile, Chris and Milly  are working on a rap video when the door bell rings – the girls are there. But  once the door is opened, the girls are pushed out of the way and the men with guns enter and the shooting begins.  In the process, the bullets fly and Milly and Tori are shot.  The men rob the safe and one guy takes Milly's personalized chain and runs, along with Jasmine but they leave Tori behind. 

At Beth Israel Hospital at 281 1st Avenue on Friday September 17 , Benson arrives and Rollins tells her this is Carisi’s first case as riding DA – it’s the triple homicide last night in Alphabet City.  Carisi is there and he explains the perps are in the wind, except for an accomplice – Tori Warshofsky – who was left behind at the scene and refuses to talk.  Another surviving victim – Chris Miller, says that Tori was the “honey trap” that got the shooters inside.  Chris knew Tori but not the other girl, the rest wore masks.  Tori is under arrest and they need her to flip.  Benson asks if t his should be on homicide, and Carisi explains yes, but the doctor found bruises on Tori, plus she has two different STDs, which may indicate she may be a victim. 

Benson and Rollins speak to Tory and she doesn’t know who shot her.  They know she texted Chris for a date but showed up with a crew.  Tori said “he” made her do it but she can’t tell them who as he will kill her too. 

At SVU, Carisi explains TARU went through Tori’s phone and Chris is telling the truth about the texts.  Fin comments Tori is in this pretty deep, but Benson says she was afraid and didn’t want to ID them. Carisi says she will have to as she is facing multiple murder charges.  Rollins explains Tori is a senior at Edward R. Murrow High School who made the honor roll and lives with her mother. Her mother has been in Poland for the last month and is on a flight back now. She has no record. Rollins says the home invasion makes no sense, but Fin states she’s been running with gangsters so she must have crossed over at some point.  Rollins comments the hospital is ready to release her and Benson tells them to pick her up and bring her in. 

In SVU interrogation, Carisi explains the stakes and Benson and Rollins explain how she can help  herself.  After Carisi leaves the room,  Tori explains her involvement with the guy – who she knows only as “G” -  and says the girl with them was Jasmine Cruz but she didn’t shoot anyone. She used to be her friend. G is a rapper who goes by Gutta 18 and he and his crew have a YouTube channel and he is kind of a star. 

Velasco is watching a video by G and Fin explains the music is called “drill” made famous by Chief Keef out of Chicago. It’s competition on whose crew is the hardest,  They see who could be Jasmine  on the video.  It sounds like a confession, and G is waving around the victim’s chain. Fin says the dummies want to be famous so bad they are doing their job for them. 

Benson and Rollins show the video to Tori and she says that is the alley outside the trap house in Bushwick – she’s spent a lot of time in the back room. When Benson asks doing what, Tori just offers the address. 

At 1251 Putnam Avenue in Bushwick Brooklyn on Friday, September 17, SVU with police raid the place and as people run off, and Jasmine and G are arrested.  He knows Tori “dimed” him out, and says she got them fooled, saying Tori planned the whole thing – and he can prove it. 

At SVU, Benson explains G is David Gram,  from the Flatbush project, with a sealed juvie record. He hasn’t lawyered up yet and doesn’t seem to care.  Carisi leaves and Benson enters interrogation where Fin is waiting with G.  The guns they found in his trap house match what was used in the shooting. When Fin says, “Congratulations genius, you’re gone”, G shrugs it off as the cost of doing business. He says Tori is going to go down with him as she played her part.   He mentions how that crew disrespected him. Tori knew Milly's (Mike's) little brother Chris from school and that they had been dealing drugs.  The robbery was Tori’s idea as she would suggest a hookup to get his address and he could not resist her. She was right.  He states that nobody dies without her. 

At Beth Israel Hospital on Saturday, September 18,  Rollins speaks with Chris who says he is a movie geek and was told he could learn doing clips for his brother.   He blames himself because she trusted Tori. 

At SVU, Jasmine tells Velasco  that nobody had to recruit Tori,  she followed them around and got hooked on drugs, sex, and the videos. She was down for it,  and she was the connection to Mike and Chris. She asks Velasco what kind of “mix” he is, and when he asks what does that matter, she says she didn’t think he’d fall for that white girl magic but she guesses everyone does. 

Meanwhile, Tori is in holding and complaining about being there. Despite the comments from others she says they made her do this.  Benson says she needs a full explanation and Tori asks if she can still get a lawyer. 

Later, in a conference room with Carisi, Rollins,  and Tori’s lawyer Nikki Staines, Tori explains her relationship with G and Jasmine. She allowed G to have sex with her.  Nikki reminds them Tori was 15 and he was 19, which is rape, and when Tori says G had her have sex with other guys, Nikki says that is trafficking.  He also beat her, and once cracked her skull but she told the hospital she feel down the stairs.   Nikki says none of this her fault.  Tori adds she was stripping and turning tricks and giving all the money to G. She went to school which was great but nights were hard. He would have killed her had she not gone along. 

At SVU in her office, Benson states Tori is telling the truth and was  clearly trafficked but Carisi reminds her in New York that is not a defense for armed robbery let alone murder.  Rollins says she was scared for her life and Carisi states not in the moment the crime was committed which is the legal standard. Velasco comments there literally had to be a gun to her head, and Carisi asks for a reality check – it is a triple homicide.  Benson reminds her she is a cooperating witness and asks that he can’t cut her a deal to testify against G and Jasmine.  He admits she did lead them to G and Jasmine and there should be some kind of a deal here but this is his first case with the homicide bureau and doesn’t know these people, he’s barely even met them.  Benson comments he will figure it out. 

At New York County Supreme Court at 60 Centre Street on Monday, September 20,  Trial Division Chief Lorraine Maxwell and Bureau Chief Phillip Baptiste finish  speaking  with reporters about the case.  Carisi approaches them about the case and get a complement on the arrest.  He makes a case for Tori and that she led them to the perps and that she was trafficked.  He argues against charging Tori for 3 counts of murder when she is cooperating, Maxwell reminds him that G’s video got 1 million hits in two days and Baptiste states there are a lot of eyes on the case.  Maxwell can’t have them charge a black man with triple murder and cut a deal with a white woman who set the whole crime in motion.  Carisi argues it is not as black and white as it sounds, saying they have to hear her story. Baptiste says he is sure it is tragic but the jails are chock full of sad stories and nobody gives a damn. Maxwell adds she was told Carisi is ready for the next step in his career and this is a high profile case, a chance to make his bones. He understands, staying he won’t let he down. 

Later, in the courthouse hall, Benson comments to Rollins they won’t give Tori a deal and while they discuss it, Tori’s mother Magda Warshofsky approaches. They discuss the situation and wonders what will happen to Tori. 

At arraignment court part 7 on Tuesday, September 21,  G pleads not guilty but get remanded.  Jasmine pleads not guilty and is remanded.  Tori is arraigned and under the watchful eye of Baptiste, Carisi recommends remand and she  and is also remanded.  Magda calls out to Tori as she is being taken away.  Rollins says they 8th floor doesn’t care that she is a victim and Benson moans all they care about is the optics. Benson thinks if Tori’s story gets out, that will be the tipping point.  Rollins thinks they are done, and the rest is up to Tori’s defense. Benson counters maybe not,  they are SVU. They can open their own investigation into G as a rapist and as a trafficker. 

Later, Benson meets with Maxwell and Batiste and with Carisi, brings up the beating where Tori got a skull fracture.  Benson mentions that a black male dragged Tori out before she could file a complaint.  Carisi brings up a nurse who can pick G out of a lines up and state Tori was terrified.  Maxwell asks whose side is he on, but Carisi counters the investigation into G has uncovered a credible pattern of abuse and forced prostitution and tells Maxwell she knows better that he does but isn’t this all Brady material?  Benson adds when the defense sees it they will call her and she will have to testify in her experience, Tori was coerced and acting under duress from years of abuse she played her part in these homicides.   Maxwell says the law is clear here, and Carisi states it is but juries can be swayed and the press certainly can – an immigrant’s honor student daughter who is pimped out and beaten and forced to stand trial with her abuser, adding it doesn’t get more lurid than that.  Maxwell says he made his point and not to oversell it. 

At Rikers Island Correctional Facility on Tuesday, September 21, when Tori is offered conspiracy in the second degree, Nikki says that is up to 25 years but Carisi and Benson try to convince her to take it. Jasmine has been offered the same deal and is taking it.  They continue to try to convince her to take it now otherwise it is off the table. 

Leaving the precinct, Fin get off the phone with Rollins then  tells Velasco that Tori is not taking the deal. Velasco doesn’t blame her, saying it was obvious it was coerced.  Fin questions she is counting on the jury to believe that, and when Velasco asks that Fin doesn’t, Fin explains they agree she got turned out but once she got a taste for the life…he adds he had a partner who was gutted by a sweet-looking girl he was trying to help and she stuck the blade in his stomach and twisted it slow - anybody can go wrong. Velasco doesn’t think that is Tori because he gets where she is at. He explains when he was 14 he was running errands with a crew in Juarez and wanted to be in with the leader, Hector,  any way he could.  One day Hector said “Little Joe, I need a favor” asking him to lure a rival into a location – the guy Angel was into boys. He just had to get him there and he did and Hector’s crew was waiting for him. They took him into the bathroom and tortured him. Like Tori, he got caught up and she swore to god if he lived he’d do good from then on. He lived. Angel  gave up his stash, saved himself, and he told his mother her was in trouble and two days they went to Nebraska.  They were in Washington Heights a year later. He got away with it and kept his promise. He never told anyone that. Fin says he did his share of dirt back in the day – a lot of it – and is still trying to balance the scales himself.  They do a fist pump and Fin says “Peace.”

At the court house, reporters are talking about the case and Benson sees Maxwell, joining her in the elevator. and tells her she told her the press would be all over this. Maxwell asks Benson if she thinks she wouldn’t have figured this out on her own, saying they offered a deal. Benson says it is one she knew Tori would turn down. Maxwell testily says they thought Carisi would be able to close that out, adding she is sure Carisi was a great detective for Benson but the jury is still out on whether he will be a good prosecutor for them.  She tells Benson to have a good day and exits the elevator. 

In Supreme Court Part 55 on Monday, November 1, Tori is on trial. Carisi has Jasmine on the stand who explains how the planning for the robbery started and that it was all Tori’s idea. Tori told her to send Milly the pic but didn’t think anyone would get killed. She says Tori is playing a good Catholic girl, but she started the text and was the first one through the door.   Under cross, Nikki brings up the deal with the DA’s office, saying the first rat gets the cheese. 

Chris is on the stand, being questioned by Baptiste, who explains what transpired, and his sister Delia yells from the gallery that Tori killed his brother.  The judge calls for order.  Nikki has no questions, and the prosecution rests and the judge adjourns.  Tori’s  mother wants to stay there while Tori is on the stand. 

Later, Nikki questions Tori on the stand showing how G beat Tori. Tori explains her fear and that she went along with anything he wanted.  She adds she was  gang raped several times and was forced to do the robbery.  If she refused he said he would sell her to someone else and he had a gun in the car. She feels sick about Chris and Mike but had to do it.  Under cross examination by Carisi,  he mentions how she went home every night and slept in her own bed, and she could have told a teacher or a friend. She didn’t think to call the police. She admits to doing drugs and drinking and keeping his gifts. She admits she wanted G to love her, she liked it at first and Carisi keeps pressing her saying he knows how hard it is to say no once she got a taste.  He mentions her going on vacation with her mother to Poland and resumed the life when she got back and never told anyone she was being exploited until she was arrested for murder.  She admits she never told anyone, and Carisi asks how will the jury know if she is telling the truth or just  an excuse to avoid prison. The testimony ends and the judge adjourns.  Baptiste tells Carisi that’s the way it’s done, adding, “Nice work.”  Carisi looks conflicted.

Outside the courtroom, Rollins has been waiting for Carisi and expresses her disappointment, saying he never saw him as a bully. He says he can’t pick and choose how to do his job. She says she is not mad at him, just sad at him.   He comments he doesn’t know how to take that, and he walks off. Rollins comments to Benson and Velasco that the cross may get her convicted and there is no one to corroborate her side. Benson counters there might be, asking if anyone doubts Jasmine was turned out the same way.  Rollins reminds them Jasmine made a deal, but Benson thinks they didn’t get the whole truth. 

At the prison. Fin and Velasco speak with Jasmine with her lawyer present.  They try to convince her to turn  on G, explaining they are trying to make a case against G. But she says she is no snitch.  They keep working her on the issue and Velasco says she is worth more than this. She disagrees, saying she is spending the next decade there, what will she be worth then?  Fin says G is the bad guy, not her, and pleads for her to help them. 

Later, Carisi explains to Maxwell and Baptiste the situation with Jasmine, and SVU is looking to get more charges of sex trafficking and rape against G.  They didn’t come to him before they talked to them but now Jasmine has made a series of new disclosures to SVU about her abuse and the abuse of Tori she witnessed.  Maxwell reminds him Tori is on her way to conviction and asks what is Carisi doing?  He explains he is giving them a heads up – it is one thing for Tori to claim that she was trafficked but another thing for Jasmine to get on that stand and back Tori’s story and they want to avoid that.   They need to get in front of it an re-negotiate her deal and Tori’s. Maxwell says this office doesn’t bargain against themselves.  Baptiste adds that according to the law, none of this has any bearing on Tori’s guilt.  Carisi says they know the law is a lagging indicator and society is changing and they no longer ruin a teenager’s life because he got caught with a joint. They’ve moved on from prosecuting sex workers for prosecution and are prosecuting the johns.  Baptiste says he is well aware of that too but Carisi is at the end of a murder trial and the only question is, is Carisi a closer or not? Carisi looks frustrated and states these women were brutalized and they all know it.  They use their discretion all the time and for the rich and connected, why can’t they do it here?  Baptiste tells Carisi to answer the question but Maxwell says to let  Carisi finish.  Carisi takes a breath and says sometimes justice  is about compassion and the question should be what kind of office do they want to run. 

Later, outside the courthouse, Baptiste, with Maxwell, speaks to the press. He explains they are dismissing the murder charges against Tori and Jasmine and have accepted a deal on robbery charges and a sentence of 200 hours of community service, counseling, and 10 years probation.  He says they have no interest in prosecuting women for crimes when they are the real victims.  Maxwell parrots Carisi’s words about the lagging indicator and compassion.  Rollins, listening with Carisi,  comments this sounds like something Carisi would say, and he is just glad they saw the light. He asks if they are good and she says they are, and they decide to get out of there.

At St. Czaplicki Roman Catholic Church at 331 Eckford Street in Greenport, Brooklyn on Sunday, November 7,  Benson speaks with Tori who is vaping.  Tori says she will graduate on time and looking an SUNY New Paltz. Benson is there as Tori has missed two of her sessions which is a violation of her probation.  Benson thinks  Tori thinks she should be in prison.  She admits she thinks of Chris and his whole family and how she is out there free and they lost everything, Maybe she could have stopped it. Benson says it is natural she feels guilty, but Tori says she doesn’t feel anything. Benson says Tori was 14 when all this started, and she had to put on a lot of armor to protect herself. Tori feels like she can’t take it off, and Benson thinks she can and she will but it will be uncomfortable and feel different. She will have to retrain her brain and be patient with herself. Tori says she has to get back inside, and Benson tells her to work the program and make the most of this chance.  It’s the one thing Benson will ask of her, and Tori says she will try. Benson stops her, and holding on to her arms,  says no, telling Tori she can do this, she knows that she can.  Tori walks off and Benson watches her go into the church, sighing as we fade to black. 

Law & Order SVU “Nightmares In Drill City” Photos

Here are advance photos for Law & Order SVU “Nightmares In Drill City” which will air on Thursday, November 11, 2021 at 9PM ET on NBC.

The photos feature Mariska Hargitay,  Kelli Giddish, Peter Scanavino, Octavio Pisano, Annelise Cepero as Jasmine Castro, Anthoula Katsimatides as Counselor Meryl Smith, Jarett Smithwrick as G’s Lawyer, Quincy Giles as “G,”  Maja Wampuszyc as Magda Warshofsky,  Alison Thornton as Tori Warshofsky, Callie Thorne as Counselor Nikki Setrakian, Teagle F. Bougere as Bureau Chief Phillip Baptiste, and Betty Buckley as Trial Division Chief Lorraine Maxwell.  

Photos by: Virginia Sherwood/NBC  and Heidi Gutman/NBC 

2021 NBCUniversal Media, LLC

My recap and review of Law & Order SVU “Nightmares In Drill City” can be found at this link.

Mariska Hargitay Honored as 2021 Glamour Women Of The Year (Photos)

Mariska Hargitay was honored at the 2021 Glamour Women Of The Year Awards,  held at the Rainbow Room at Rockefeller Center on November 08, 2021 in New York City. Here are photos from this event, which include her husband, Peter Hermann.  Congratulations to Mariska!

(Click on image for larger size.) 

Photos by: Theo Wargo/Getty Images North America

Law & Order Organized Crime “Ashes to Ashes” Photos

Here are advance photos from Law & Order SVU, Law & Order Organized Crime, “Ashes to Ashes” which will air on Thursday, November 11, 2021 at 10PM ET on NBC. 

The photos feature Chris Meloni, Danielle Mone Truitt, Ainsley Seiger, Nona Parker Johnson as Carmen “Nova” Riley, Vinnie Jones as Albi Briscu, Michael Raymond-James as Jon Kosta, Caroline Lagerfelt as Agnes Bogdani, Dash Mihok as Reggie Bogdani, Wendy Moniz as ADA Anne Frazer, and Caroline Lagerfelt as Agnes Bogdani. 

Photos by: 

Virginia Sherwood/NBC 

Ralph Bavaro/NBC 

Will Hart/NBC 

2021 NBCUniversal Media, LLC 

My recap and review of Law & Order Organized Crime “Ashes to Ashes” can be found at this link.

Law & Order Organized Crime “Ashes to Ashes” Promo

Here is the promo for Law & Order SVU, Law & Order Organized Crime, “Ashes to Ashes” which will air on Thursday, November 11, 2021 at 10PM ET on NBC.

 

My recap and review of Law & Order Organized Crime “Ashes to Ashes” can be found at this link.

Law & Order SVU “Nightmares In Drill City” Promo

Here is the promo for Law & Order SVU “Nightmares In Drill City” which will air on Thursday, November 11, 2021 at 9PM ET on NBC.

 

My recap and review of Law & Order SVU “Nightmares In Drill City” can be found at this link.

Law & Order Organized Crime “High Planes Grifter” Recap, Review, Discussion

Things are coming to a head with the Organized Crime team. With Reggie arrested and in custody, the goal is to get him to flip on Jon Kosta and his criminal organization, which includes Albi.  This is no easy task, as Reggie is fiercely loyal to  Albi, but a lot of that is out of fear.   Reggie’s mother is Albi’s sister, so Reggie’s family ties keep him similarly tied to Kosta’s organization.   While viewers knew this time was coming, that didn’t mean this episode was without drama.  Tension continued to build, not just for the team as they worked to provide the evidence needed for a grand jury indictment, but also for Stabler, as his cover was at the highest risk for exposure than it had ever been. This was a high-stakes episode with an explosive ending, both in the figurative and literal sense. The writers have done an excellent job of crafting a story that, even though you know where it’s headed, still delivers the drama. 

I was surprised that Reggie never asked for a lawyer, unless he knew deep down that if Albi or Kosta knew where he was at, he’d be killed.   His mother  Agniezjka (Agnes)  is a piece of work; she has to know she just sold out her own son for the sake of the organization.   

It’s sad to see that the court reporter could be so easily bought, and clearly not realizing the full scope of what kind of organization she was dealing with.   She paid for her greed with her life. 

 Here is the recap: 

Reggie is in interrogation, being questioned by Bell and Brewster in regards to the murder of the mayor’s wife, witnessed by a half dozen people.   They try to convince him to help them to lock up the others in the organization.   They bring in large boards showing all they know about the organization, trying to get him to tell them who is the mastermind.  They bring up money laundering and Bell mentions the phones the task force got into the Kosta organization and how the task force got copies of every message send on them.  

Reggie thinks that they don’t know what they are dealing with when it comes to Albi.  Brewster brings up that Edmund Ross is also in custody and the DA’s office will make a deal with only one of them so Reggie’s testimony – and Reggie – could be obsolete in a few hours.  Bell and Brewster try to convince him to help himself and help to take down the KO but Reggie says that will never happen.  Bell tells him to just hold tight a minute, and soon after Reggie hears someone buzzing into the room.  He keeps his head down and a familiar voice begins to talk and when Reggie looks up, he sees it is Stabler – AKA Eddie Wagner AKA Eddie Ashes.  

Reggie goes into a rage and throws the table where he is cuffed.  Stabler gets him to sit down and Reggie threatens to kill him.  He asks what is Stabler’s real name, and Stabler says he did what he had to do.  Reggie clearly feels betrayed.  Stabler says his family sold him out, that the family sent him out without backup and knew he couldn’t do the assassination. Stabler explains they sent Reggie out to die – Reggie was supposed to finish the job but then get killed - suicide by cop.  Stabler explains how the family would take Reggie out but Reggie yells for Stabler to get out and asks why would he do this to  him.  He says he gave everything to Stabler,  but Stabler says Reggie belongs to a family that trafficks young girls.  Stabler asks who does he think killed his father and put the bullet in his mother’s brain?  Stabler says he has Reggie’s back, but the clock is ticking so Reggie has to make a decision.  

After he leaves the room, Stabler goes to Louis Chinasky who is in a cell and tells him he is there for his own protection but Louis continues to object, saying it is against the law. 

Back in the squad room, Brewster reminds Stabler the grand jury is due soon but Stabler wants to check with Jet to show him what Albi is texting to who he thinks is Reggie.  She tries to answer the questions to sound like Reggie’s answers.  Stabler has to help her respond to a question involving his mother and if they should bring his mother food. They think it is a code and Stabler tells her to answer to remember no anchovies as she is allergic.  They seem to buy it. 

Stabler speaks with Bell and Brewster and when Bell mentions Stabler said the clock is ticking but did not mention a deadline. Stabler says Reggie is ready to fold but he has one more card to play. 

Elsewhere,  Reggie’s mom Agnes is being called into a doctor’s office, and when she’s told that her son is probably running late and they should get started, she follows her in.  Once getting to  another room,  they open the door and Bell is there, showing her badge, asking for a few minutes alone. 

Back in Kosta’s office, Kosta and Albi have bought into the text messages but wonder where is Reggie and think Eddie will know and to get Eddie down there. 

Meanwhile, Stabler testifies to the grand jury and explains his undercover work and the extent of the Kosta organization and the crimes they have committed.  Stabler explains how the drug organization works. They control the whole supply chain and they are the most dangerous organization they have seen.   The ADA says they will present the evidence over the next 2 days. 

Back in holding,  they bring in Reggie’s mom to see him.  They remove his handcuff and leave them alone to talk.  He tries to assure her but she is clearly distraught.  She slaps him and he says he is sorry.  He admits he did this to himself. 

In the grand jury, Stabler continues to explain the operation and what they learned.  But someone comes in and Stabler has to leave.   Outside the grand jury, Bell explains that Albi texted and they need to see him, and while this is risky, Stabler agrees to do so.  Stabler also asks about Louis and he is told they got him a one-way ticket to Ft. Lauderdale with $10,000.  Stabler moves to head to meet with Albi and when asked what is his plan, he says he will fly by the seat of his pants and don’t say anything stupid. 

Agnes is still with Reggie as Bell and Brewster enter.  They continue to put pressure on both of them to testify to the grand jury.   Reggie explains they want him to turn on the family and what it means.  Brewster explains they can both go into witness protection.  She looks coldly at Reggie. 

Stabler gets back to the gym and gets a slightly odd vibe from Flutura.  He meets with Kosta and Albi and tries to use an excuse that he did another fire and that Reggie was supposed to be with him but was a no-show.  Kosta wants Stabler to give him the name of the small job Stabler did and Stabler gives him Maldonado’s name and then his phone.  Kosta calls the number and Maldonado answers and asks Eddie if it was done. Kosta hangs up and buys Stabler’s story.   Kosta explains Reggie’s trouble and when Reggie gets scared he does stupid things.  They ask him to continue to try to contact him and when Stabler asks where do they want him to take Reggie, Kosta leaves the room. Albi says they don’t care what he does to the body, just bring back something to prove it was him. 

Back in the interrogation room, Stabler plays back a recording of what Albi said about killing Reggie.  Stabler brings back in his mother who is shocked to see Stabler.   Stabler explains Albi’s hit on Reggie.  She wants to talk to Albi but he tells her no.  He explains he must testify, he has no choice.   He says whatever she wants him to do he will do it.  She talks into his ear and he asks if she has to testify too. Stabler explains the more she helps them, the more it helps Reggie, but he thinks she can give her statement in private with the ADA and court reporter. 

Later, Reggie testifies how you are born into the KO. When it's mentioned that Albi ordered the attack on his father which caused his mother’s brain injury, he states he has no idea if it is true.  A juror asks if he has ever received a direct order from Kosta. 

Back in interrogation,  ADA Chen comes in with a court reporter, Miss Brooks,  and explains the process. Agnes gives Brooks a look over. She promises to tell the truth.

Back in the squad room, there are concerns they don’t have Albi on the stand and a direct link to Kosta. Edmund Ross is now the key witness and they are going to Rikers in the morning to review his testimony.   Moennig asks for a few minutes with Bell in her office.

Meanwhile, Agnes arranges an accident with her water and when the ADA moves out of the room to get napkins, Agnes looks at Miss Brooks coffee grounds and them writes a note to her, asking her if she is interested in $50K to make her troubles go away.

In Bell’s office, Moennig explains he is putting her back in charge of the Organized Crime task force.   She can keep Cho and Maldonado and it is not decided about Nova.  Moennig is stepping away from Criminal Intelligence and that Brewster is now a Lieutenant and will take his place.  She is less than thrilled.

Later, Miss Brooks meets with Albi and Kosta at the gym and explains Agnes’ message.  She gives them the message – writtem in another language – and she explains the grand jury and Reggie being there.  Albi pays her in cash with an extra $5,000, and as she turns to leave he shoots her in the back.  She falls dead to the floor. As Albi and Kosta leave the room, Albi tells the guys to clean up the room but Kosta says they don’t have the time with the grand jury, just get  her out of the way, he doesn’t want to trip.  

Elsewhere, Bell meets with Nova about her meeting with Kilbride. Nova explains he hooked her up with the Marcy Killers and doesn’t know she is a cop.  Bell explains she was there on a personal matter, with her wife. Bell asks her to keep quiet about Kilbride as she may be her Sergeant soon and doesn’t want anyone else to get interested in Kilbride before she can figure out his end game.

Stabler, Bell, and the DA are at Rikers and question Edmund Ross and how he was involved with Flutura.  He kept the black book for Kosta. Edmund would get names of rich, influential, and vulnerable men and Kosta wanted him to keep account of which girls and what they would like to do.

Elsewhere, Stabler meets with Louis as he is being taken away to the airport for Ft. Lauderdale and wishes him luck.  Louis thanks him.

To the grand jury, Jet explains how the phones worked and Bell explains what she has seen during the investigation. Stabler explains the code – “besa” – which means to keep the promise, and unquestioning loyalty to the criminal enterprise.

Later, back at Rikers, Stabler and Bell arrive and it appears Edmund has hung himself in his cell.

In the grand jury,  the ADA explains the grand jury decided, in light of what happened to Edmund, to move forward without further testimony.  The foreperson says the grand jury is unanimous in the decision to issue provisional indictments against Jon Kosta, Albi Briscu, and 17 members of the alleged Kosta organization for charges of racketeering, felony sex trafficking, 3 counts of murder in the first degree.   Stabler congratulates Bell for her leadership and Bell thanks him for great work.  The ADA also thanks them as they got a true bill on all.

In a hotel, Reggie sees all the cop cars below and seems comforted…until she explains she did not break besa.

Meanwhile, the arrests begin at various locations – including Luka’s arrest -  but Kosta and Albi and Flutura are nowhere to be found and it looks like someone tipped them off.

Bell and Stabler hear from Jet that she had Albi and Kosta on surveillance entering the Besa Boxing gym over an hour ago and no one has come out since.  Bell tells her to call for additional units, they are going in.  They arrive and see Louis exit the building.  Stabler asks what is he doing, and  Louis says he just wanted to…The building explodes, throwing Louis to the ground and Bell and Stabler flying back.  The building burns as we fade to black.