Law & Order SVU “Silent Night, Hateful Night” Photos

Here are advance photos for Law & Order SVU Law & Order SVU, “Silent Night, Hateful Night” which will air on Thursday, January 6, 2022 at 9 PM ET on NBC. 

The photos feature Mariska Hargitay, Ice-T, Kelli Giddish, Donal Logue as Captain Declan Murphy, Jason Biggs as Detective Andy Parlato-Goldstein, Ari’el Stachel as Detective Hasim Khaldun, Brendan D. Hickey as Logan Smith, Cyndee Rivera as Detective Mia Ruz, and Keith Nobbs as Don. 

My recap and review of Law & Order SVU “Silent Night Hateful Night” can be found at this link.

Photos by: Zach Dilgard/NBC and Scott Gries/NBC 

 2021 NBCUniversal Media, LLC

Law & Order SVU “Undercover Mother” Recap & Review

“Undercover Mother” is a perfect example of how an episode can be so much more compelling when the whole cast is in on the action. It feels like it’s been forever since we’ve had all the detectives and Barba in the same episode. This A+ story provided something for everybody: action, drama, a solid guest cast and some surprises.

The SVU team, while working a stakeout at a brothel, arrest who they think is the madam, Martha Thornhill (played perfectly by Lili Taylor). But Martha explains she is working undercover - on her own - to find her daughter who was kidnapped 3 years ago. Barba has enough to charge Martha but Benson’s soft heart gets the SVU team involved in a sting to help locate Martha’s daughter Ariel. And then the surprises begin.

This episode brings back characters from previous cases. The first is Selena Cruz from the SVU episode “Girls Disappeared” from earlier this season. More notable and far more enjoyable was the return of Lieutenant Declan Murphy, who again is working undercover. His work, and the SVU case, cross paths in an unexpected way. Lucky for Murphy, the SVU team keeps his cover intact, but he is less than thrilled in what he perceives as Benson’s inability to think big picture. While I do understand Benson’s desire to reunite Martha with her daughter, I do question her judgment in going all in so quickly for an undercover operation AND for bringing Martha along, despite Barba’s prior instruction not to do so. I am sure Benson wanted to show that she can be assertive and decisive, but Barba clearly was displeased and disappointed in her actions.

This isn’t the first time SVU worked a sting and almost blew someone else’s investigation. I can’t recall the episode name, but Cragen once ordered a sting operation and later found the Feds had already infiltrated their targets. Cragen was rightfully pissed that he wasn’t informed of a Fed sting going on in his area, and maybe Benson should have been alerted by Murphy or by whomever Murphy is getting is orders. Rollins did check with Vice who said Martha was not working for them undercover, so I assume that if Murphy was working for Vice, Vice should have alerted them to their own operation at that time. If I recall correctly, SVU also stumbled on Brian Cassidy working undercover, so maybe it’s standard procedure for the NYPD not to share any undercover operations with other divisions. I’m not clear on exactly which NYPD organization Murphy is working for and I don’t know why, but something bugs me about his undercover work here.

Murphy shouldn't be putting all the blame on Benson for intruding on his operation.  He's worked SVU and he knows the issues they face.   He is engaging in illegal operations under the guise of gaining the trust of the people running them and in the process, he allowed girls to remain in danger. It seems he’s done little if anything to help those victims in order to preserve his cover. I understand he needs to behave a certain way to get himself further into the organization, but at what expense? In his defense, if there was a concern that the brothel was operating while someone at the NYPD was allowing them to do so, maybe Murphy did not know whom to trust. It’s a touchy situation for everyone involved, especially for the victims who continue to be held against their will and abused while Murphy infiltrates.

One question remains: will Barba charge Martha?  She admitted she engaged in illegal behavior to find her daughter, but the fact remains she was party to the illegal operation, regardless of her motives. I’m curious: if this were a real case, what would a real DA do?

Regarding SVU staking out the house where Tracy and the girls were working, could they be any more obvious by sitting right in front of the driveway with the camera directly facing out the window? It’s no shock they may have been spotted. Likewise, Amaro and Rollins were parked in the same direction as Fin and Carisi, so when their mark made a u-turn, there was no way any of them could make a move without it looking obvious. Next time, park on opposite sides of the street with one car pointed in each direction.

The ending provided the biggest shocker to Benson: Johnny D, the leader of the pack, is Noah’s father. Things could get messy.

Here is the recap:

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

Guest stars:
Tamara Tunie – M.E. Melinda Warner
Donal Logue - Lt. Declan Murphy
Lili Taylor – Martha Thornhill
Danielle Burgess - Nina Soren
Amanda Warren - Tracy
Justin McCarthy - Tommy Strickland
Charles Halford - Johnny D
Nikki M. James – Detective Gail Dunbar
Laura Gomez - Selena Cruz
Jas Anderson - Timmer
Jay Patterson - Judge Evans
Bronwyn Reed - Lucy Huston
Justin McCarthy – Officer
Derrick Baskin – Det. Cash Gillette
Jamila Velasquez – Pilar Morenas
Emily Althaus - Jessie
Danika Yarosh - Ariel Thornhill
Josh Saviano – Counselor Don Taft
Danielle Burgess – Nina Soren
Candace Gordon – Federal Prosecutor
DK Bowser – Frank
Shannon Garland – Officer Denice Legrange


The SVU team is working a stake out, Benson and Rollins are in a van and Fin and Amaro are in a car. Carisi is undercover inside. A camera is in his eyeglasses so Benson and Rollins can see what is going on inside. He approaches the house madam, acting impatient about his wait and she tells him it is worth the wait, the girls are young and fresh. Fin radioed that a minivan with blacked out windows has arrived. Benson and Rollins watch as young girls exit the van and Benson recognizes the female handler as Selena Cruz, someone they’ve picked up once before and whose son they got out of Mexico. Rollins comments Selena is doing what she knows. Benson radios to Fin and Amaro and all the other units that the female handler is known to them and they will have to secure her before she gets upstairs. All the others copy Benson’s information.

As the girls are being taken to the entrance, they are arrested as Selena opens the door. The other NYPD cars move in and the other detectives and police storm inside. Carisi continues to pretend he is a customer. Another detective corners the madam who says it is a private party and it is legal, claiming she is just a waitress. They arrest everyone, including Carisi,

Back at SVU, Benson tries to get the girls to talk but is unsuccessful. She tells Rollins to talk Selena – calling her a piece of crap – into holding. The guy Amaro is bringing in says the girls are all 18 and to check their IDs. Amaro states they did and they are all fake.

As Fin brings in the madam, she asks to speak to someone in charge, and Benson tells her it better be good. The woman claims she is undercover and has been tracking this ring for a years. When Benson asks for who, the woman says they have her daughter,

As the woman walks into Benson’s office, she looks to the interview room and tells Benson that she needs to talk to those girls SVU picked up. Rollins enters the office and states that vice doesn’t know her and she is not UC. The woman says she is not a cop, her name is Martha Thornhill and she is from Calgary and her daughter Ariel was kidnapped three years ago. Benson asks if Martha thinks that Ariel was taken by traffickers, and Martha says she knows she was’ she has been tracking her from Toronto to Minneapolis to Buffalo. She has seen her pictures in sex ads; if they took her to New York 6 months ago. Rollins asks Martha if she contacted NYPD, and Martha replies no. When Benson asks why not, Martha states Toronto police didn’t believe her. She explains Ariel was 13 and they were on vacation in Toronto, they were having lunch in a café and she went to pay at the register and she was gone two minutes tops. The Toronto police thought she and her boyfriend had something to do with the disappearance. Rollins bluntly asks if she did, and Martha replies no. The adds that the three days the police spend grilling them is when they lost her. Benson seems skeptical and asks Martha why should they believe her, they just caught her red handed trafficking, Martha asks them to let her show them.

At Martha’s apartment in Flushing Queens on Thursday, January 29, Benson and the detectives enter to find one of her walls covered with photos and information tracking her daughter. Benson seems to believe Martha now,  and when Martha says she is not a criminal, Benson says they will have to speak with the DA. Martha says they have to let her go, but Fin reminds her she told their UC she had underage girls coming to the brothel. Martha explains that Ariel was to be there, she called her 6 days ago. Martha gave her number to a girl that knows her and Ariel didn’t know it was her. She was crying that they wouldn’t let her go. Benson presses for the name of the girl but Martha is reluctant to say because the girl thinks she is a madam. She is her only connection to Ariel and she is not giving up until she finds her daughter,

Back at SVU, Barba looks at the info on the board and says that the woman saying she is pretending to be a sex trafficker is a new defense. Rollins explains the Toronto police confirm Martha’s story. Fin explains the police suspected the boyfriend Brian Marks, a pot dealer. Amaro states Marks has since died from a heroin overdose, the police could not implicate and the trail went cold. Carisi adds how Martha kept searching and Benson explains local precincts blew Martha off so Martha went deeper into the life, putting herself at risk. Barba wisecracks “Touching story” and asks them to tell him how posing as a criminal and engaging in criminal activity doesn’t make you a criminal. Benson explains Martha has recorded every single job and every single pimp, and is better than any US they’ve seen. Barba counters it is because she IS a trafficker. Benson says Martha has been searching for her daughter, which Barba understands. He adds that, assuming Martha hands over all her records and turns state’s evidence, he MIGHT take that into consideration. Benson argues that it has taken Martha three years to get this far, she is not going to work with them unless they help her get her daughter back. Barba states firmly that Martha is not going back in. Benson pauses, then suggests maybe they go in for her.

In the interrogation room, Martha is shocked and questions that they are going to charge her. Barba reminds her she broke the law - kidnapping, sex trafficking – and she is looking at 20 years. Martha counters that her daughter has been passed from pimp to pimp for three years, she has been in New York for the past year and they have done nothing. She argues that she finally finds the pimp who has her and they decide to move in NOW? Barba reminds her she is running a brothel. Martha insists she is infiltrating to get to Ariel’s pimp. She adds that they scared him off and she may be lost forever. Benson informs her they are going to keep looking for Ariel, but Martha begs that they let her keep looking. Barba states Martha is out of this game and if she does not want to do time, they need her names, her intel – all of it. Benson adds that the girl who gave Ariel Martha’s phone number is where they start. Martha says she can’t, it will blow her cover; she promised she wouldn’t give her away to anyone. Barba answers, “Well, guess what – you lied.” Benson asks if she thought Ariel was going to be delivered last night, and Martha states that Selena told her boss she was going to bring 7 girls. Then she called and said she was just going to bring 5. Her pimp held back 2 so he could discipline them. Barba asks who is the pimp, and Martha says they call him Timmer; if a girl gets out of line, he boot-stomps them in front of the others. Benson asks who told her that, and Martha replies that she has not saved her daughter yet but she bought and sent home 6 girls. Barba questions “Bought?” and Martha explains if a girl causes enough trouble, a pimp will sell her for $1,200. Benson comments it is a slave trade. Barba tersely asks where does Martha get the money, and she explains it is from donations from her church. When Barba raises his eyebrows, she adds it is a cash business. She explains the pimps deliver the girls at the beginning of the night and when the night is over, they take them home; they get 70% and the house gets the rest. Benson concludes that Martha was going to buy back Ariel last night, and Martha confirms it, and also buy her friend. Barba thinks the girls they picked up last night should know Ariel. Martha insists they will not talk to him, Timmer owns them. Barba states not any more, adding Martha has a choice: cooperate with them or he will charge her. He walks out of the interrogation room. Martha begs Benson not to do this, adding her daughter might be lost forever. Starting to cry, she says, “Please.” Benson says she promises her that she will do everything she can not to let that happen. Benson gets up and leaves the room.

At the Parisian Suites Motel in Queens Village, Queens, on Friday, January 30, Rollins speaks to one of the girls who is reluctant to give Rollins any information. Rollins brings up Timmer’s name but it doesn’t do any good. Rollins shows her a photo of Ariel and asks if she is still alive.

Meanwhile, in the same motel, Carisi works another girl for information. The girl calling Ariel a “snow bunny” and said Ariel mouthed off and Timmer stomped her in front of them. Carisi continues to press but the girl isn’t buying.

At prison, Amaro and Fin press Selena about Ariel and use Selena’s son as leverage Selena thinks the other girls are lying but Amaro and Fin aren’t buying it and explain how things will play out for her. But Selena still will not talk.

Law & Order SVU “Spring Awakening” Recap & Review

Congratulations Olivia, it's a boy!

Law & Order SVU “Spring Awakening” could have been the series finale, but lucky for fans – and the cast and crew - that the show was renewed for a 16th year. As a season finale, it worked to set the stage for more personal stories next season.   Season 15 was heavy on personal drama and, at times, the quality of special victims cases has suffered. In “Spring Awakening,” the SVU case felt like an afterthought and was too contrived regarding Benson's custody of  Baby Boy Doe.

Some fans may be happy that the episode ends with Benson having custody – for one year – of Baby Boy Doe/Noah. I have mixed feeling about it. Benson desperately wanted a child so I am happy for her that she has what she wants, at least for now. The custody issue could become a built-in arc for next year at this same time,  and it could end well,  or end with her losing custody, the latter not a happy ending for Benson. Either way, baby-centric stories don't do too much for me so I hope we won't have too much focus on the baby next season.  (Updated note: We never actually hear Benson agree to take the baby, so who knows, maybe she was simply trying to decide at the end of the episode.)

While emotionally I am happy for Benson, my rational mind thinks the manner in which Benson got custody wasn’t realistic. Would a judge grant custody to a person that hasn’t been officially vetted, especially if she is aware of the recent turmoil Benson has suffered? I know of people who jumped through more hoops to adopt a rescue dog from a shelter. While the judge has been aware that Benson is very interested in the welfare of the baby, this does not mean that Benson is the right person to take charge of this child. Raising this child may help Benson in her healing process, but clearly Benson needs to keep her job, so it’s likely someone else will be taking care of Noah while Benson is working, with erratic, long hours at times. I suppose in the case of this baby, whose foster parent assignments have been inconsistent, Benson taking charge could only be an improvement...so we hope.

Had this been the series finale, I would have been underwhelmed, mostly because of the SVU case. The episode provided a well deserved happy ending for Benson, and it was great to see Richard Belzer return as Munch, the voice of wisdom, stability and reason. It was also nice to see Peter Hermann (Mariska’s husband) having a very visible role. (What fan doesn’t think that Benson and Langan should throw caution to the wind and get together?) It was disappointing not to see Raúl Esparza, who, despite appearing in the first billed credits, seems to be missing from episodes more than he is in them. It’s also a shame that we had to watch Donal Logue’s story arc end;  he’s a fantastic actor and his presence added so much to the show.  I wish him all the success in his new series.  But the case was predictable and I felt little suspense. I watch so many crime shows that I admit I may be getting desensitized to them.  There are only so many variations on special victims crimes and it could be a plus that the writers are throwing in some personal drama to bring new interest to the Special Victims Unit. All I ask for is drama that doesn’t feel recycled. With the amount of involvement IAB is having with SVU as of late, I suggest a spin off series “Law & Order IAB” and get them out of SVU’s face for a while. SVU has been going to the IAB well a little too much which may contribute to my feeling of repetition with some of the personal drama stories.

A more serious issue is that I question whether I like, or care about,  the SVU characters any more. The exception: Benson. Despite Benson’s recent problems with beating William Lewis, lying about it, and then going off on her own to apprehend him, I still consider Olivia Benson one of the most interesting and respected characters on television today. But that’s about it for this show. Amaro has anger and control issues, which feel stale. I have no real interest in watching Amaro work through his problems because, frankly, I am not sure I like him.  Too often, he acts like a controlling, know-it-all,  spoiled brat.   Rollins has a gambling problem, she has questionable judgment with sex partners, and in this episode, she lowers herself to blackmail.   It’s hard for me to find anything redeeming in her, and strangely, I can’t even put her in the category of a character that I love to hate.  She's a character out of a bad soap opera.   Fin is just…there. Barba  adds a spark - when he's there.  Some of the lead characters are too heavily laden with angst and after a while, I feel like they are a lead weight around my neck.  They never improve, they only get worse. They don't use their brains and don't learn from their mistakes.  I’m not asking that they all suddenly find happiness and everything is unicorns and rainbows, I simply don’t want all their flaws thrown in my face with every episode while the victims are relegated to window dressing.

I struggled with this review.  I've read it 5 times now and it sounds like it was written by a person who hated the episode and hates the series  That is not my intent. It's  because I DO care about the series that I am critical of where I believe it is going wrong, and praise it where it goes right.   Law & Order SVU is a show with strong bones, strong leadership, strong writing, and solid acting, but it sometimes needs some tough love.   I'm glad it has another year and hopefully we'll  have new surprises in season 16.

Here is the recap:

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


Guest stars:
Richard Belzer – John Munch, Special Investigator
Donal Logue - Lt. Declan Murphy
Emma Greenwell - Ellie Porter
Peter Hermann - Counselor Trevor Langan
Raza Jaffrey – Prosecutor
Jessica Phillips – ADA Pippa Cox
Michael Potts - Sgt. Cole Draper
Jason Cerbone - Counselor Desappio
Gavin-Keith Umeh - Little Tino
Kate Blumberg – Mrs. Wilkes
Jayne Houdyshell – Judge Linden
Michael Mastro – Judge Serani
Raushanah Simmons – Prosecutor
Edwin Lee Gibson – Tino’s Attorney
Joshua Malina - Simon Wilkes
Karl Miller – Hans Erhard
Sonia Manzano – Judge Gloria Pepitone
Sara Contreras – Alminia Aguilar
Karen Christie-Ward – Sister IAD
Thedra Porter – Chantal
Diomargu Nunez – Officer Sanchez
Geeta Pereira – Hooker #1
Shana Solomon – Hooker #2
Rob Morgan – Homeless Guy


Simon Wilkes is at a schoolyard taking photos of kids at play and Amaro approaches and says Simon has 5 seconds to put the camera down. Simon explains it is a public sidewalk, then tells Amaro to smile and he points the camera at Amaro. Amaro grabs Simon’s arms to pull the camera away. Simon hits Amaro in the head with the camera and tells him to leave him alone. Amaro slams the camera to the ground and begins to beat Simon as Simon begs for someone to call the police. Amaro continues to beat him as the police arrive.

Afterwards, EMT workers take Simon away on a stretcher and his wife leaves with a police officer. Amaro, cuffed, is placed in the back seat of a squad car.

Meanwhile, in family court, we find that Baby Boy Doe has no foster parents again The judge comments this is his fourth home in four months and asks if they can do better. ADA Pippa Cox believes they can get it right but for now the judge returns the baby to ACS.

At another precinct, Amaro is being booked. He whines he is entitled to a call and the officer replies when he is done being processed.

Back at family court, Benson asks Cox if she can visit the baby. Cox replies it is fine with her and then points her to Chantal from social services who asks what is her interest.

Back at the precinct, Amaro’s injuries are being documented and he is fingerprinted. The officer then gives Amaro his phone and tells him he can make that call now.

Later, Rollins speaks with Amaro who now is in a cell, and when he asks if IAB is here, she says she is sure they are on en route. She tries to counsel him and he says he knows he should not talk to anyone until his lawyer gets here. Benson and Murphy race up and Benson tells Amaro she is so sorry, but Murphy asks him what the hell was he thinking? Amaro tells him don’t worry about it, and, raising his voice, he says he was off duty and it is none of his concern. Murphy counters that everything is his concern, commenting that Amaro went after Simon Wilkes and wonders again what he was thinking. Murphy then tells Amaro not to answer that. Benson notices Amaro’s injury and asks if he is okay. Amaro replies it is just a cut. Murphy asks if Simon is alive, and Rollins explains that she called the hospital; Simon is sedated now and has a concussion and broken ribs. Murphy comments that is felonious assault and, turning to Amaro, adds it could be attempted murder if they really want him out. Benson asks Amaro if Simon came after him and if that is how he got that cut, and Murphy stops her, saying that is enough, none of this is privileged, no more questions. He tells Amaro that he knows he does not value his advice but even if he thinks he did the right thing, stand down and keep his mouth shut. Benson nods in agreement and Amaro is silent.

Later, Amaro is being questioned by Sergeant Draper of IAB, with his lawyer present, who argues Amaro was defending himself. Draper says that is not what the witnesses and the unis said. Draper outlines the trouble Amaro is in and that he was arrested and will be charged. He turns off the camera and says the duty captain wants assault 2 and there will be an independent DA who may increase that and Amaro better hope his vic pulls through.

At arraignment court on Saturday, May 3, Amaro’s attorney pleads that Amaro is not guilty of the charge of assault in the first degree. The prosecutor recommends remand as this is not the first time Amaro has been in that courtroom and considering the brutality of the beating and that the victim may not recover. Judge Serani sets bail at $500K. Amaro’s lawyer asks if he has collateral on the house, and Amaro says he can’t ask his wife again. His lawyer asks if there is anyone else as Amaro is taken away. Mrs. Wilkes walks up to Benson, Rollins, and Fin who were watching the proceeding and says, “You people, you just can’t stop.”

Back at SVU in Murphy’s office, Murphy gets off the phone and tells the detectives that One PP won’t budge and the DA won’t budge as it is not Amaro’s first time. Benson questions the bail amount, saying Amaro is not a flight risk and not dangerous. Murphy explains that Amaro acted like Dirty Harry; he beat a man bloody. Rollins argues it was a man who threatened to string up little boys and silt their throats. Murphy reminds them Wilkes was found not guilty and is not even on the registry. Fin says they all know what Wilkes is, and Amaro got cut and was defending himself. Murphy asks Fin if he was there. Rollins suggests they go out and talk to witnesses that support that story, and Murphy orders they will do no such thing and not to even think about investigating on their own. He asks if that is clear and Rollins quietly replies “Yes sir.” Murphy states they will go about their business as usual and asks where are they on that tourist. Fin explains he caught that call; Hans Erhard was a German who was robbed, beaten, and sodomized in his hotel room last night. Murphy asks if he got his statement, and Fin explains he is recovering from surgery; the perp raped him with a gun. Murphy tells them to go to the hospital and see what he remembers.

Law & Order SVU “Spring Awakening” Season 15 Finale Cast Interview, BTS, Sneak Peeks

Here are cast interviews, previews, and behind the scenes videos for the season 15 finale of Law & Order SVU, “Spring Awakening” which will air on Wednesday, May 21, 2014 at 9PM ET on NBC. The videos feature Mariska Hargitay, Danny Pino, Kelli Giddish, Richard Belzer, and Donal Logue.


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



Please note: The preview clips are available for a limited time only and may be removed at any time, so please catch them while you can!

















Law & Order SVU Spring Awakening Preview Clip 1 by tvwatchr



Law & Order SVU Spring Awakening Preview Clip 2 by tvwatchr



Law & Order SVU Spring Awakening Preview Clip 3 by tvwatchr




Law & Order SVU Spring Awakening Preview Clip 4 by tvwatchr



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

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

Law & Order SVU “Thought Criminal” Recap & Review

Law & Order SVU “Thought Criminal” brought forth an “especially heinous” person with especially heinous proclivities. Too bad the SVU and the prosecution had NO CASE. Sure, Barba tried his best to make his case with no victim and zero evidence, hoping that a high “ick” factor would help to put the skin-crawling Simon Wilkes behind bars before he let his fantasies become reality. It’s a scary thought that there really are people out in the world with such perverse or warped fantasies, but it’s the sad truth that unless the person commits an actual crime, he/she can’t be jailed for having creepy fantasies. Would it only be a matter of time before Simon made his inner thoughts some to life? Probably. However, in this case, defense attorney Minonna Efron is right; who wants to live in a world where someone can be put in prison for what’s in their head?

Nick Amaro has officially taken the place of Detective “Unstable” Stabler as he uses his fists to take out his anger and frustrations out on the pervert of the week. It’s a stale storyline that was stale when Chris Meloni was on the show and is what made me get bored with Stabler. It must go with the job that male detectives/cops have anger issues plus marital issues,  and that getting violent is their only way to vent their frustrations with their personal lives. Yawn.

Despite the sickening subject matter, this was a solid episode with an interesting and believably creepy performance from John Malina. Nia Vardalos was excellent in her role as the defense attorney who ran circles around Barba. Of course, Raúl Esparza does a fantastic job showing his character’s feelings by using his eyes or facial expressions. Barba didn’t have a case but I couldn’t care less; I enjoy watching Raúl as he works the screen. And I can’t say enough about how much Donal Logue has added to this show. His performance in the holding cell was both funny and amazing.


I also appreciate having some scenes on location which gave the episode what I call the “feel of real”. Sometimes an SVU episode has too many scenes on sets or indoors which makes it feel like a cheap daytime soap opera.  Scenes set outdoors/on location can make it feel as if one is watching real people go about real lives in the real world. While I am on the subject of the “feel of real”, I have one request for season 16: please fix the courtroom elevator floor at the door opening to make it look more like a real elevator. There is no way that fake elevator even remotely looks like it can go anywhere, with a solid floor in the doorway. I know I’ve mentioned this before and it may seem like it’s a little thing but it’s a case of attention to detail. A simple strip of duct tape or black tape on the floor would do the trick. I know they've worked hard to cut costs so I’d be happy to donate some if the show can’t afford to buy it (wink).

Here is the recap:

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

Guest stars:
BD Wong – Dr. George Huang
Donal Logue – Lt. Declan Murphy
Joshua Malina - Simon Wilkes
Nia Vardalos - Counselor Minonna Efron
Brian Baumgartner - Gordon Montlieff
Laura Benanti - Maria Grazie
Kate Blumberg - Mrs. Wilkes
Sharon Washington - Arraignment Judge
Welker White – Paula Walker
Kimiko Glenn – Lily Deng
Stephen Bradbury – Judge Colin McNamara
Alison Fernandez = Zara Amaro
Anne Carney – Jury Foreperson
Jason Iannacone - NYPD Precinct Officer
Rory Duffy – Uni #2
Diomargy Nunez – Uni #3

A woman on a web cam types in a message and says her name is Lucky. She says she is 14 years old and she lives in Thailand. She adds that she is all alone and is waiting to play with you. At SVU, with TARU, Amaro and Fin watch as the messages come pouring in; Fin notes there are 30 and still counting and Amaro comments that so far, none are in their jurisdiction, Benson and Barba approach and she asks them to feed the woman a few more lines. Rollins states that 30 just doubled to 60. “Lucky” goes on to ask viewers to just tell her what to do. Fin notes there are 95 responses and Amaro wonders if they can keep up. Rollins replies that TARU is all over this. Murphy tells them to make sure they get all of this on record asking for specific illegal acts. Behind Murphy’s back, Barba gives Murphy a shifty glance.

The girl on the web cam responds to a request to do something with her shirt off and she begins to do so, saying it is getting hot in here. Meanwhile, Murphy paces and comments that it has been 30 minutes, asking what is the score so far. Rollins replies there have been just under 800 responses. Benson pours some coffee for the police officer posing as “Lucky” and asks her how she is holding up. She replies it is a dirty job but she likes getting these guys. Barba, looking at the map, comments that the responses are heavy in the eastern bloc, in China, and in the American south. Fin says, “No comment.” Murphy tells the detectives to turn the IPs over to the FBI and Interpol. He asks if there are any in their back yard, and Amaro says there are 4 in Brooklyn and 3 in Queens. Barba asks if there are any in Manhattan, and Amaro replies there is one confirmed so far, with a municipal IP address of 1254.612.124.12 who calls himself “Flash.” Benson thinks that is the guy who told Lucky he’d like to meet her in Bangkok and bring her to New York. Murphy sees he is still at work, and then tells Fin and Amaro to go pick him up.

At the city payroll office at 1 Centre Street in Wednesday, April 23, Amaro and Fin approach Gordon Montlieff, he thinks this is about payroll. “Lucky” is also with them and he realizes what is going on. They arrest “Flash.”

With Fin and Rollins in SVU interrogation, Gordon is confused that he is arrested for thinking that the girl was 14. Meanwhile, Amaro and Murphy watch the interrogation and Amaro wonders why they are talking to this guy, asking to charge him and lock him up. Murphy says that the squad needs to evolve, little cases make big cases. Amaro and Benson argue the point, Benson saying they are not dealing with a mastermind here. Murphy counters that they don’t know what they are dealing with. He tells Amaro to find out where TARU is on Gordon’s computer and Fin and Rollins should walk him up the ladder and see where it leads them. Amaro, acting annoyed, tells Murphy that Murphy is the boss as he leaves the room and shuts the door hard. Murphy sarcastically comments to Benson that Amaro is a ray of sunshine. Benson explains Amaro is dealing with some “stuff” right now. Murphy replies that they all are, that is why they go to work, to get out of their own heads.

Rollins and Fin continue to question Gordon/"Flash" to try to get info on his “friends” but he worries they will come after him. Afterwards, Rollins and Fin discuss what they know with Benson and Murphy. Murphy wonders if Gordon needs a shoulder to cry on.

Later, they put Murphy in the holding cell with Gordon, Murphy posing as another pedo who was tricked by Lucky. Murphy whines and cries about not going back to prison and he appears to wet himself. Gordon gets worried that Murphy is making a mess and but is ignored for the most part. Murphy continues to whine as Gordon begs for help.

Meanwhile, Amaro is out with Zara and Maria and while Zara goes out for a frozen snack, Maria tells him she got a job offer in LA with a high pay. She wonders if he can come too for a fresh start and he wonders if she is asking him to move with her. She wants to take it one step at a time and then he says he does not know what to think. He looks happy but then tells her he has to get back to work.

In Barba’s office, Benson and Murphy tell Barba they are still going through Gordon’s home computer. Gordon did give up his mini tablet hidden in a book which Murphy says is like a travel diary to the dark net. Gordon thinks of himself as a voyeur but knows guys who would go further. They show Barba a guy who Gordon tipped them off to who calls himself Erastes. Barba reads aloud a message from the chat room which seems to outline torture and murder. Barba says it is horrifying but it is on a fantasy web site. Benson tries to explain this is a real boy that Erastes has seen and Murphy says they are giving him a heads up, not asking for his blessing. They are talking about one undercover meet and if it is fantasy they walk away. Benson asks if it is not, does Barba want to be responsible for missing this?

At the Stanshall Inness Gallery on Thursday, April 24, Rollins and Murphy appear as a couple interested in the art work, and as they admire one of the photos, a woman approaches who says she is the wife of the photographer, Simon Wilkes. Murphy says he would love to meet Simon and she points him out. Rollins asks for catalog they can look at, and Murphy gives her a peck on the cheek and tells her to just get the price. As Rollins and Simon’s wife move off, Murphy walks over to Simon and they admire a photo of a young boy. Murphy introduces himself as Howard Jeffries, and then said Flash wasn’t wrong, he said Flash is a friend who said Simon may have other work that would appeal to him, bringing up studies of a schoolyard. Murphy asks to discuss prices and asks if there is somewhere they can meet later, not here. Simon mentions a bar, Peter J’s, a bar around the corner from PS27. Murphy says he will need an hour.

At the bar, Murphy says his wife is a fan of Simon’s safer pieces but Flash told him he is edgier. Simon, looking suspicious, says Murphy never told him how he knows Flash. Murphy explains that they met on line and corresponded and chatted a few times and he told him about Simon’s schoolyard series and he was intrigued. Simon explains that the ancient Greeks appreciated the beauty of the young male body, unshaven and unspoiled. Murphy thinks they have both moved beyond mere appreciation, Simon says it is all just fantasy but Murphy wonders what if it wasn’t. Simon moves away from the bar with his drink and asks what business is Murphy in. Murphy tells Simon he owns a furniture design company and he does very well, adding whatever it is they are discussing, he can afford it. Simon concludes he is serious about this, and Murphy says extremely, suggesting that they both turn off their cell phones so they know the conversation isn’t being recorded. They both turn off their phones and put them on the table. Simon says, to be cautions, where were they? Murphy replies they were talking about money…and boys. Simon adds – and not just sex with them – and as he pulls out a small knife, he asks if Murphy is with him on that. Murphy says yes, they understand each other. Simon says what they’re talking takes means, the right subject, venue; it’s a commitment. Murphy leans in and Simon asks if he is willing to commit. Murphy pauses

Law & Order SVU “Thought Criminal” Advance Photos

Here are advance photos for Law & Order SVU “Thought Criminal” which will air on Wednesday, May 14, 2014 at 10PM ET on NBC. The photos feature Mariska Hargitay, Danny Pino, Kelli Giddish, Ice-T,  Raúl Esparza, Donal Logue, BD Wong, Josh Malina (as Simon Wilkes), Laura Benanti (as Maria Grazie), and Brian Baumgartner (as Gordon Montlieff ). .

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

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

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

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