Law & Order SVU “Patrimonial Burden” was a very predictable episode – I correctly guessed who did it only a few minutes in. Still, this episode loosely based on the Duggar family scandal was very well written and well acted. I think Sgt. Mike Dodds is fitting in very well, despite the fact that he still may not completely get what working Special Victims is all about. He seems a little torn between the advice he’s received from his father the Deputy Chief, and how things work in the real world, in the trenches. His comment about his father's advice on not leaving until the boss leaves, implying the boss is a man, may have been an innocent slip on Dodds’ tongue, but may also indicate that his father, being in the upper ranks, still can’t relate to women in leadership positions in the NYPD.
One thing about Mike Dodds/Andy Karl that got me in the episode – making me laugh a bit – is that for weeks I have been trying to figure out who Andy Carl resembles. It finally hit me that there is something very John Munch-looking about him, like he could be a long lost son. It was something that I saw in his facial expressions and in his profile. Now that my brain has realized this, I am not sure I can “unsee” it.
We also learn that Rollins is now on complete bed rest. I like the way they worked Kelli Giddish’s pregnancy into this episode. They dedicated just enough time to it so it didn’t detract from the main story. Clearly, Rollins is getting concerned about what she got herself into with this pregnancy, but Carisi assures her all will be okay because his mother lit a candle for her in church. Yes, I am sure that will mean all will be fine (wink). Speaking of Carisi, I think Peter Scanavino does a great job in his role. I know it's the writers who give Carisi his lines, but I think Peter really brings them to life.
No Barba. Again. What's the deal here?
The disclaimers at the beginning of the episode that states the story is fictional and does not depict any actual person or event has always makes me laugh. The whole Law & Order brand uses the “ripped from the headlines” tag line as a promotional tool, making the disclaimer hypocrisy in its highest form. I know why they do it but it never ceases to amaze me that there have been few lawsuits filed by people whose stories upon which these episodes are based. The episode was highly promoted as based on the Dugger story, so the disclaimer is rather meaningless!
Here is the recap:
Cast:
Mariska Hargitay – Lieutenant Olivia Benson
Ice-T – Detective Odafin “Fin” Tutuola
Kelli Giddish - Detective Amanda Rollins
Raúl Esparza - ADA Rafael Barba
Peter Scanavino - Detective Dominick “Sonny” Carisi, Jr.
Guest stars:
Andy Karl - Sergeant Mike Dodds
Geneva Carr - Pam Baker
Karen Tsen Lee – DNA Tech Susan Chung
Richard Poe – Elias J. Barnes
Betsy Aidem –
Kieran Mulcare - Rick
Ryan Devlin - Pastor Eldon
Christopher Sieber - Frank Baker
Victoria Leigh - Lane Bake
Chris Elliott - Pete Matthews
Gordon Tashjian - Officer Doug Tramwell
Katie Claire McGrath – Sophia
Ron Dizon - Nurse
Rachel Annette Helson -Tymber Baker
Angus O’Brien – Graham Baker
Bridget McGarry – Summer Baker
Luke Trevisan – Parky Baker
The reality show “13aker’s Dozen” – the “B” in Baker looking like the number 13 - is filming the Baker family in a sexual purity promised/pledge ceremony with Frank Baker and his daughter Lane. The large family standing by. Mom Pam Baker explains the Virtue ceremony. Later, we see Lane preparing for the ceremony and ball with her whole family in New York City.
Later, at the Virtue ball, Pastor Eldon invites the fathers and the daughters out to the floor for a special dance. Frank Baker dances with his daughter Lane. A camera records a female members of the family, while we hear family members explain the importance of virtue. Summer, talking about her promise ring and sister Tymber with husband Rick mentions the only man she has ever kissed is her husband. One of the sons, Graham, asks when they will get to eat the cake, which looks like a large wedding cake with a topper depicting a father and his daughter. Pam Baker asks Summer if she is watching her brother, and when she calls to Tate, Graham says he will get him. Pam says the little ones are very spirited. Graham picks up Tate and Pam adds, “so are the big ones.” Meanwhile Frank is still dancing with Lane and says she is beautiful, just like her mother. She smiles broadly and says, “Daddy, stop.” As he spins her as they dance, she continues to say, “daddy stop” and then, getting wobbly, faints and drops to the floor in her father’s arms. Pam rushes to her and the cameraman Pete Matthews says she is out cold. Frank calls for water and Pete calls 911. While the family looks on, Pam tells Lane that mommy is here as Lane’s siblings watch with concern,
Afterward, Benson arrives at the hospital to a waiting Fin and Carisi and they tell her about Lane Baker and explain the virtue ball and that Lane, despite her promise of virtue, is 3 months pregnant. Benson sees the siblings standing in a circle and praying for their sister.
Frank and Pam speak with Benson who explains the doctor had to call the police as there is mandatory reporting in these situations as Lane is 13 and pregnant. Frank says this is a family matter and refuse Benson and Fin talking to Lane; they want to talk to her first as she doesn’t know she is pregnant. Fin asks if Lane has a boyfriend, and Frank explains no, their children don’t date. Pam says they don’t need their help but Benson presses that they have a job to do and Lane’s condition could be the result of a criminal act. Pam thinks if Lane was hurt in any way she would have told the,
The doctor explains to Carisi there were no signs of ongoing trauma and that she had low blood pressure which caused the fainting and otherwise healthy. She adds that, without violating confidentiality, Lane didn’t get a chance to tell her anything, her parents were with her every second.
Frank and Pam insist they are good parents but Benson says this wasn’t an Immaculate Conception, asking if Lane has been alone with any boys. Frank says no and Pam says they home school as they believe in faith based education. Pastor Elson arrives and Frank introduces him to Benson and Fin, and they explain to Eldon that they want to talk to Lane. He says that Frank, Pam and Lane would be more comfortable speaking to the local authorities and as their pastor – and lawyer – he will contact the Allanville PD. Benson looks less than thrilled.
Back at SVU, Benson expresses her frustrations to the detectives and Rollins thinks they are being protective of their brand and mentions the scandal with the Duggars. Carisi defends their right to their beliefs. Dodds says given there is no evidence of an assault or a complaint from the girl or her parents, why are they pursuing it. Benson explains Lane is 13; it is statutory rape. He knows that but he has been there before mentioning an issue with the Hasidim in Crown Heights and how religious communities close ranks. Benson counters this is why they don’t let it go, adding Lane lives in an insular environment and whoever got her pregnant is a predator with access. Carisi comments is it access outside of their jurisdiction and asks if Benson wants him to put in a call to Allanville PD. Dodds doubts that with local celebrities in a small town that they will be much help. Rollins jumps in an says she may have found something. She informs them their entire life is an open blog and finds that, if, as the doctor says Lane is 10-12 weeks pregnant, it happened in - Carisi says September/August and Rollins corrects him to July – it was when they were in Harlem doing mission work. Benson states this is probable cause for statutory rape in New York City, and Dodds looks like he knows he made an error. When Rollins asks if she and Carisi should take a run at the hospital, Fin reminds her she is on desk duty. When Rollins tries to make her case, Benson decides to send Dodds and Fin.
Fin and Dodds get in the elevator, and Dodds asks Fin if Benson is always this proactive. When Fin asks if there is a problem, Dodds explains that when this happened with a Hasidim in Brooklyn, the DA called them off. He adds it is like his father said to pick your battles. Fin counters than Benson has been doing this a long time, and if something is wrong, it is.
When Fin and Dodds get to the hospital, they find Lane was already discharged that morning.
