Law & Order SVU “End Game” Recap & Review – Season 20 Finale

Law & Order SVU finished season 20, breaking Law & Order’s record number of episodes along the way, and heading for a record breaking season 21. The series is strong and has a lot going for it. So why I am I so agitated after seeing the season 20 finale, “End Game”? While watching, I had to keep repeating to myself, “It’s just a fictional TV show. It’s just a fictional TV show.” This episode hit me in all the wrong places. It turned Benson’s detectives into “dirty” cops, but made sure that Olivia Benson remained unblemished along the way.  She's not directly a part of a frame-up, but  she did push everyone's buttons which helped start it.

Not only does Peter Stone bring all of Benson’s detectives (and attorney Nikki Staines) into his plan to frame Rob Miller, he also manages to get a murder conviction despite having ZERO EVIDENCE. I’m perplexed as to how this even got to trial.  Rob Miller is initially released as a Federal judge ruled that Rob's  statement “No Nikki, no case” didn’t rise to the legal standard, yet later, Stone manages to get an arrest warrant for Rob on nothing but circumstantial evidence. I have a hard time believing that Rob’s defense attorney wouldn’t dispute the evidence before the trial.  Clearly he knew how a large sum of money was deposited in a young woman's bank account. Why wait for the trial to call Nikki Staines to testify that she was the one that did it, not Rob Miller? Wouldn’t this matter be brought before a judge in advance of the trial, throwing the rest of the evidence in doubt? Something about the way this got to trial didn’t feel right. I’m also surprised that the defense didn’t make a move to throw out the verdict as I don’t think Stone met the burden of proof.

I’ve come to the conclusion that Olivia Benson should come with a warning label that states she is hazardous to the career of an ADA, and she may incite you to compromise your ethics. (This would have helped Rafael Barba.) I cringed at the end when Peter Stone seems to profess his feelings for Benson when he says the she became more important to him than the case he is trying. This is the same Peter Stone, who, just a few months ago in the SVU episode “Part 33”, told Benson to keep her “bleeding heart” out of the courtroom. Even in the early stages of this episode he was reluctant to proceed as they had no proof. He seemed firm on that issue. But the minute he hears that Olivia and Noah are under threat, he decides to risk his entire career for her? Sorry, this was so contrived it almost made me laugh. I’m sorry to see Peter Stone go; my disappointment with the character is that we were force-fed a back story early on, before we could really get to see his legal expertise. And when we did see his legal expertise, it was - like in this episode - not consistent. I would have enjoyed it if he had been the one person to keep Benson in check. Instead, he seemed to have backbone in one episode and not in another, or, like in this episode, his backbone disappeared mid-episode. I can only hope that in season 21 we will get an ADA that is their own person and that can resist the pull of Olivia Benson.

While Benson didn’t participate in the frame-up, she does what she always does best: gets indignant that Stone won’t prosecute someone based on her opinion, with no evidence. She goes so far as to insult Stone by wondering whose side he’s on. Later, she’s shocked that he can move ahead with a trial,  saying that the case is basically a “bunch of arrows on a corkboard, signifying a whole lot of nothing.” First she wants him to go full throttle on Rob Miller, then she gets cold feet when Stone delivers. Benson’s flip-flop here is head-scratching and whiplash inducing.

At the end, Stone tells her that she’s the one person who could make it on her own. Then why did he feel the need to frame Rob Miller for her? We keep hearing that Olivia Benson is such a strong woman, yet it seems like everyone always needs to protect her and save her from all the bad in the world. It’s a variation on the old “damsel in distress” trope and I think Law & Order SVU has used this far too many times with Benson. Her bias and inability to cope with Rob Miller has incited her whole team to frame him for a murder that they can’t prove he committed. Frankly, Rob Miller looks like the victim here. He may have very well committed the murder, but as the SVU didn’t really get any hard proof to that effect;  all we know is the SVU/Stone had to do something illegal to get a conviction. It looks like the “arrow on the wheel of justice” was fixed in one direction, and now that the SVU has participated in a frame-up, what’s stopping them from doing it again to protect their own interests?

The brightest spot in this episode was Titus Welliver, who was excellent in playing Rob Miller, a deliciously nasty human being with a lot of power and influence, none of it used for any good. I can only hope that something happens where he can appeal and get out of prison, if anything so he can commit a crime that lands him back in jail without the frame-up. Callie Thorne also helped to round things out with her emotional, believable performance. I did like how they tied this story back to the Italian exchange students in the SVU episode “Exchange”. Otherwise, this story annoyed me and agitated me more than anything else. I could probably write for a few more hours on how much it bothered me, but I think I’ll cut my losses. “End Game” didn’t leave me with a great feeling about the Special Victims Unit going into season 21.


Update May 23, 2019: A viewer noticed a continuity error, occurring between the previous SVU episode, “Assumptions” and the SVU finale, “End Game”. “Assumptions” ends with the date May 7, when Rob Miller approaches Benson and Noah in the restaurant. Benson seems shocked to find he’s out. But “End Game” begins on May 5 – two days earlier – and it seems Benson had already found out Rob Miller is out and we are told police are already watching her and Noah – two days earlier than the end of “Assumptions”!

Here is the recap:

A private party goes on with many young girls in attendance. One man questions a girl’s age.

Benson, arriving at the SVU, speaks with Fin, saying she barely closed her eyes since Rob Miller got out of prison. She adds he is targeting her and wants her to know he has all the power. Fin explains they have an unmarked car on her block and in front of Noah’s school, there’s no way he can he can get at her. Benson snaps back that he walked right into that restaurant and introduced himself to Noah, adding she should have shot the son of a bitch. Fin tries to calm her, suggesting not so loud, Stone is in her office, Fin called him in.

As they walk into her office, Stone comments he wishes he had better news. Benson asks him to tell her it’s not worse than Rob Miller making bail. Stone replies that the Feds dropped the charges. Fin says “Damn!” and Benson looks stunned. She comments that he blackmailed a judge and threatened witnesses, adding he threatened Nikki Staines, they have him on tape saying “No Nikki, no case.” Stone counters that a Federal judge ruled that statement didn’t rise to the legal standard. Fin asks what now, Benson also asking what about Nikki’s rape. Stone replies there’s nothing there; Nikki is scared and is claiming it was consensual. Benson pauses, looking at Fin, and whispers she will talk to her.

At the apartment of Nikki Staines, at 1239 West 47th Street on Sunday, May 5, Nikki tells her daughter it is going to be okay, suggesting she go to her room and lie down. As her daughter races off, she cries and asks “What kind of person?” Nikki tells Benson that Miller killed her daughter’s dog. When Benson asks if she is sure, Nikki emphatically says yes, she’s sure. She points to the dog Penny’s ashes, saying the vet said it was rat poison. Getting upset, she explains the landlord didn’t put down any rat poison and she didn’t either. Benson asks how, and Nikki says her daughter said that a woman offered Penny a treat on their walk last night and she thought it was okay and this morning the dog was…Benson says she is so sorry. Nikki goes on to say the woman said to say hello to her mom. Nikki asks why, saying Rob Miller knows she was not going to testify. Benson replies that is whys he is here, they need her to testify. She adds that the Feds dropped the charges. Nikki is shocked, saying “no no no no!” When Benson asks Nikki to hear her out, Nikki shouts NO! Benson asks her to talk to her about the Wally Stevens case, the underage girls, saying Miller thought he’d be implicated and that is why he stole her phone. Nikki emphatically says there is nothing on that phone that connects him to that case. Benson asks why, what was he afraid of, can Wally put him at those sex parties. Nikki pauses and when Benson presses her to tell her more, Nikki shouts she can’t, citing attorney/client privilege, asking with sarcasm if Benson ever heard of it, adding she is not about to risk getting disbarred. She says she is appreciative for what Benson has done for her but orders Benson to go now, and Nikki storms off. Benson leaves.

Back at SVU, Benson tells the detectives there has to be a way to tie Rob Miller to Wally Stevens and the sex parties. Benson comments he blackmailed a judge (Judge Brian Leonard) and stole Nikki’s phone, saying it has to be connected, asking what are they missing. Rollins explains they have gone over the case forwards and backwards, it is falling apart. Carisi says the girls at the party are all backing off the story. Benson thinks Miller got to them or their parents. She suggests they check their bank accounts. Fin comments Miller doesn’t leave a fingerprint on the knife, and Benson reminds him they have half a dozen witnesses. Fin counters they HAD witnesses, they all lawyered up. Benson, getting increasingly agitated, shouts, “Exactly! That’s my point!” Fin comments since Leonard retired to the Maldives. Wally Steven is untouchable – double jeopardy. Benson retorts she knows, she was there. Fin sighs. Carisi gets a message and tells Benson he hears her on all of this but they have something from the harbor unit they have to deal with right now. A young female washed up on a pier on the Hudson river. Benson says, “Let’s go.”

Law & Order SVU “End Game” Photos – Season 20 Finale

Here are advance photos for Law & Order SVU “End Game” which will air on Thursday, May 16, 2019 at 10PM ET on NBC. This is the season 20 finale. The photos feature Mariska Hargitay, Ice-T, Peter Scanavino, Philip Winchester, Annie Baltic as Lindsay Parker, Travis Mitchell as Sgt. Carl Matthews, Ryan Vincent Anderson as James, Quincy Giles as Lamar Jackson, Callie Thorne as Nikki Staines, and Titus Welliver as Rob Miller.

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


Update May 21, 2019 - NBC has released an additional photo from this episode featuring Titus Welliver:

Photo by: Virginia Sherwood/NBC 2019 NBCUniversal Media, LLC

Photos by: Virginia Sherwood/NBC 2019 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.

Law & Order SVU “Assumptions” Recap & Review

Law & Order SVU “Assumptions” had everyone making assumptions, but that’s somewhat normal for every case. Most investigations start with few facts and the detectives often get to the truth using assumptions to fill in the blanks. In this case,  there are more assumptions than normal, some which steer them in the wrong direction.  There's been an apparent sexual assault (Stone states the rape kit was inconclusive) against a Muslim New York City councilwoman which occurred in a synagogue, allegedly perpetrated by two Jewish teens.  That sounds like enough right there, but wait, there's more!   The boys ran from the scene as they assumed they would be found guilty. A witness assumed a red cap one of them wore was a MAGA cap and that they shouted a slur at her, both of which were incorrect. The councilwoman hides key pieces of information as she assumes it would destroy her family and career (we know it doesn’t destroy her family). The detectives look at a section of video evidence and assume that the boys were the instigators in a conflict at a protest outside the councilwoman’s office. The whole video reveals the facts regarding the boys and later helps to prove that the councilwoman’s ex-husband is a liar and a rapist.

The victim wasn’t exactly sympathetic once it became clear that she took advantage of the protest to further her own agenda. It was made worse when it’s revealed she’s hiding that she is a lesbian for fear of losing her position and family. It seemed Stone was having some difficulty with the councilwoman's story but once the facts became clear regarding her assault, he was zealous in getting her justice.

Overall, this was a solid, well-written episode with MUCH visual interest. The latter is one thing that I think Michael Chernuchin and the production team have brought to SVU this season and I hope we continue to see this in season 21 when under "new management".

I enjoy seeing Peter Gallagher as Chief Dodds; he brings great energy to every episode and I wish we’d see him more often. Along that line, the more interesting parts of the episode involved the release of Rob Miller from jail, and then his later appearance at a restaurant where Benson and Noah are dining. Titus Welliver plays creepy like no one else can.  His return in this episode is a sizzling tease for the season finale!

Here is the recap:

Two teen boys run out of a synagogue and a woman stops them, saying she saw them running out. She asks what they were doing there, saying she is calling the cops. They run off, but not before one of the boys knocks the woman over.

Benson, at home, is watching the news on TV and hears, to her surprise, that Rob Miller, the disgraced NYPD attorney, has been released on bail. She hears his lawyer proclaim his innocence, hoping for a favorable ruling. Benson says, “Son of a bitch” and Noah calls out “Mom! Mom!” to her to get her attention. He asks if she is mad at him and she is not, be he knows she is mad. She admits it, but not at him. She asks what is up. He asks for help on how to spell “believe” as she watches Rob seemingly stare at her through the TV screen. She shakes her head.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Meyers, who saw the two white boys, one wearing a MAGA hat, makes a statement to police. She mentions anti-Semitic incidents that recently occurred at the synagogue. At first the police see nothing inside the synagogue but soon find a woman unconscious on the floor and they call for a bus and SVU.

Later, Rollins and Carisi are on the scene and hear the woman was a Muslim and her name is Nahla Nasar. Carisi recognizes the name as a councilwoman. Rollins comments she’s been in the news a lot lately, Carisi adding it was for making anti-Semitic remarks. Rollins wonders what she was doing in a temple. As she is been wheeled out by the EMT, Carisi asks Nahla what happened. She explains she was set up, by “those people”, motioning to the synagogue.

In the morning, Benson arrives to meet Chief Dodds, who is just stepping out of his car. He asks that Nahla was set up by Jews. Benson explains that’s what she told the detectives, and an eyewitness saw two boys fleeing the scene, one wearing a MAGA hat. Dodds says it gets better and better. Reporters outside pepper them with questions about it being a hate crime and the asking for details, one mentioning Nasar is an anti-Semite. Dodds says rest assured the NYPD does not tolerate bigotry or hate motivated violence of any kind. He and Benson move inside the building.

As they walk in the door, Dodds tells Benson to fasten their seat belts. He adds they haven’t even discussed Rob Miller yet, asking if she heard. Benson says yes - that he is out on bail – stating she would have appreciated a heads up. Dodds comments he only saw it on the news himself. Rollins and Carisi are waiting inside, and Benson asks how is Miss Nasar. Rollins explains she is being treated for a concussion and they are doing a rape kit. Dodds wonders if they have any idea of why she was in that synagogue, and Carisi replies not yet, but her chief of staff just got there, her name is Aida Galanis. Benson tells them to find out what she knows, and Dodds tells them to ask her not to make any statements to the press, they don’t need this blowing up any more that it already has. Dodds and Benson get in the elevator,

Rollins and Carisi speak with Aida Galanis who explains Nahla is passionate about her beliefs and is exercising her rights to criticize Israel, saying she is not anti-Semitic. Carisi says his understanding people got offended by her choice of words, and Rollins says that aside, they need to find out why she was at that synagogue. Aida does not know. Carisi reminds her she is chief of staff, and Aida says Nahla can be a very private person and she respects her boundaries. Rollins asks about recent threats, and Aida explains their office is besieged by protesters and they get dozens of hate-spewing calls a day. No one said they want to rape her. Rollins asks for phone and email records and any threats made on social media. Aida comments she hopes they need the overtime. She is sick about what happened but the only upside is that everyone will realize she is the true victim here.

Meanwhile, Nahla enters the hospital room where Benson and Dodds are waiting. They offer their apologies but she explains her parents are from Syria and she knows what woman and girls have endured in the wars zones and she won’t feel sorry for herself. Benson offers help and Nahla says to catch who did this. When Benson asks what she remembers from the attack, Nahla says she was alone in the sanctuary looking at the cabinet for the Torah scrolls. It felt like a place of reverence on godliness. Then she was struck violently on the back of the head and she fell to the ground. She pauses and cries, saying he pinned her down, he was rough and he tore off her hijab and pulled up her skirt and forced himself inside her. He did not say anything, she did not see his face or know when he left. She must have passed out. Benson comments she told her detectives she was set up and asks why was she in the synagogue, and Nahla says she was lured there by a man pretending to want peace. She was lied to by a Zionist.

Law & Order SVU “Diss” Recap & Review

The big guest star in “Diss” was billed as Snoop Dogg, but he didn’t have much of a story in this episode. The real performance was delivered by Orlando Jones, playing the rapper “Snake” who is in a “diss” war with Snoop Dogg’s character, RB Banks. Snake’s wife was attacked – but not sexually assaulted – and while things seem to point to a feud between the rappers, the attack has nothing to do with it. Lucky for the SVU, they were there to intervene in what could have been a gun battle.

When the rappers are ruled out, the story got a little confusing for me and I momentarily had trouble connecting the dots. The SVU for the most part was chasing down Dallas’ attacker, but Fin was on his own mission. Part of it was tied to the current case, part of it was tied to an old murder, and part of it was tied to the death of his mother. I figured early on that Carisi questioning some random "lookie-loo"  on a bike on the scene, highlighting the model of his bike,  would turn out to be key in their investigation.

This episode was a nice feature for Ice-T, giving Fin a deeper back-story after all these years. We learn that he saw his mother killed in a shooting outside a bodega, and as his father had been involved in illegal activity, Fin was sent to live with Snake’s mother, Jo Anderson, for a short while. The current case also gives Fin a chance to close the loop on a murder that happened years before involving his friend Snake.

The story had cookie-cutter rapper stereotypes, which disappointed me. I also found interesting the commentary on the dark side of social media and celebrity stalkers. Clearly, social media is critical to the survival of some shows and has helped keep SVU alive, yet the show frequently likes to bite the hand that feeds it. Yes, we get it, social media has a dark side. When Benson was talking about celebrity stalkers, I had a twinge that made me feel Mariska speaking from experience. I feel sorry for celebrities who get hounded by rabid fans. Sometimes I think some fans need to take William Shatner’s advice and “get a life.” A big plus with this episode was that it was visually interesting!

Here is the recap:

A woman - Dallas Monroe -  gets pulled over by police. They tell her to step out of the vehicle. They push her against her car and one officer says to be sure to frisk her for drugs. One officer gropes her. Looking worried, she says if they want to have some fun, to at least let her look at them. One officer comments “What did I tell you?” The woman turns around and then kicks one of the cops and takes his gun, ordering the other cop to give her his gun. He complies. She orders them to the ground and they comply. The scene changes to a music video of this event, a director yelling to “cut.” The director talks sex appeal, but the singer says she is talking police brutality, black lives matter, and me too. He says as long as she’s shaking that booty while she’s talking, he’s good. Her daughter Lexi asks if they can go to Dave and Busters now, and Dallas says daddy has his concert tonight, and another man offers to take Lexi there. She asks Bill about Veneshia opening for Snake’s concert, and he asks that Snake didn’t tell her, and she says he didn’t. Lexi asks if Wallace can take her, and Dallas agrees, telling Wallace to take her home before. She moves to leave the set.

Later, Wallace gets Lexi home and notices something is not right. He enters cautiously and pulls out a gun. He calls out for Dallas. He finds her on the floor in blood, unconscious.

Afterwards, EMT’s take her away in an ambulance as a crowd has gathered outside her home. Benson, there with Rollins, asks if that is really her, and Rollins replies yes. She adds she fought back and she shouldn’t have. She was struck multiple times in the back of her head, has bleeding behind her ears with a possible skull fracture – they have to do tests. Benson asks an officer if she was raped, and the officer states they will have to run a kit but her robe was torn. Carisi speaks with a possible witness outside and he said it was dark, he wasn’t looking. Carisi complements him on his bike, which he says is a Mongoose. He asks if he can go and Carisi lets him. Benson approaches and asks if the person knew anything, and Carisi says he is just a lookie-loo. Benson comments she hates celebrity cases, and Carisi mentions the singer has 10 Grammys and 25 nominations; the president could be on the gurney and get less media attention. A reporter asks Benson if it was Snake and Benson replies no, no comment. Carisi moves the reporter’s microphone away as they enter the home.

Inside, they look over the scene. There is a glock which they will run for prints. It was under her body. Fin comments there was no sign of forced entry and the alarms were off, the security cameras were hacked last week. Rollins says a neighbor walking her dog at 8:15 saw Dallas in a heated squabble with her husband Justin Anderson – AKA Snake. Benson comments she knows who he is, and Fin doubts that he did this. Carisi says maybe not but he wouldn’t be on that; the Third has already investigated two domestic disputes at this address in the last month. Fin says the bodyguard said Snake is in concert at the Apollo.

At the Apollo Theater at 253 West 125th Street on Monday, April 22, Fin and Carisi arrive backstage to the concert in progress. Snake pulls Fin out into the stage and Fin gives Snake the news. Snake tells the crowd the show is over, it’s a family emergency. The crowd is not happy and Snake leaves the building.

As they leave the Apollo with a crowd and paparazzi there, Carisi asks Fin if he knows Snake, and Fin explains they grew up together, their moms were best friends. Carisi says he could have told him that. They get in Snake’s limo and question him and they mention the argument the neighbor said he had with Dallas before he left. He denies laying a hand on her. Carisi brings up previous visits by police, and Snake says when Carisi gets a woman, we’ll see if they yell now and then. When Fin asks if that is all he did was scream, Snake asks Fin “you too?” and asks what the hell happened to him. Fin states they are just trying to find out why they were arguing. Snake explains it was about Veneshia, there were reports they were together which were false. Carisi notices the injuries on Snake's hand, and asks how he go that bruise. Snake claims he got into a fight with a pappo who was too close to Lexi and he was protecting his daughter. He asks Carisi if that is alright with him, calling him “wonder bread.” Fin asks that it made the news, and Snake explains his manager paid off the pappo, Amir Khoury. He adds when he left Dallas, she was fine.

Now at the hospital, Rollins explains to Fin, Carisi, and Snake that Dallas has brain swelling and had to be put in a medically induced coma. A rape kit was sent to the lab. When Snake questions the rape kit, Fin explained they decided to cover their bases. Snake tells Fin whoever did this is about to die, and Fin tells him, “C’mon cuz”. Snake sees Dallas and moves to be with her. Carisi wonders to Fin if this is a good idea; he knows Snake is his buddy but he is still a suspect. When Rollins asks about Fin knowing Snake, Fin explains he hasn’t seen him since he was 16. Carisi thinks Fin thinks he is innocent, and Fin says they need to talk to the paparazzi. Carisi asks what if Snake runs for it, and Fin replies that Rollins is there, wondering where will he go? He asks Rollins if she is good and she nods. Fin and Carisi leave.

Law & Order SVU “End Game” Episode Information, Season 20 Finale

Here are the details for a new episode of Law & Order SVU, “End Game,” the season 20 finale.


Law & Order SVU “End Game” Air Date May 16, 2019 (10 PM ET/9C Thursday NBC)

SEASON FINALE – When a teenager is found dead in the Hudson River, Lt. Benson (Mariska Hargitay) suspects Rob Miller (guest star Titus Welliver) is behind the mysterious death but can’t prove it. Despite having only circumstantial evidence, ADA Stone (Philip Winchester) takes the case to court before Miller can destroy more lives. Also starring Ice T, Kelli Giddish and Peter Scanavino. Also guest starring Callie Thorne (Nikki Staines), Jillian Rose (Attica Staines), Aida Turturro (Judge Catano) and Richard Kind (William Biegel).

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

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 “Assumptions” Episode Information

Here are the details for a new episode of Law & Order SVU, “Assumptions.”


Law & Order SVU “Assumptions” Air Date May 9, 2019 (10 PM ET/9C Thursday NBC)

The SVU searches for two suspects spotted fleeing the scene after a Muslim woman is assaulted inside a synagogue. Meanwhile, Benson (Mariska Hargitay) is dismayed to find Rob Miller (guest star Titus Welliver) out on bail. Also starring Ice T, Kelli Giddish, Peter Scanavino and Philip Winchester. Also guest starring Peter Gallagher (Chief Dodds), Richard Kind (William Biegel), Nazneen Contractor (Nahla Nasar), Ted Sutherland (Ari Kaplan), Elise Hudson (Aida Galanis), Hadi Tabbal (Masud Faraj) and Bob Ari (Ezra Zuckerman).

# # #

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

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 “Diss” Episode Information

Here are the details for a new episode of Law & Order SVU, “Diss.”

Law & Order SVU “Diss” Air Date May 2, 2019 (10 PM ET/9C Thursday NBC)

SNOOP DOGG GUEST STARS -- When a pop star is assaulted in her home, the SVU investigates the public feud between her rapper husband (guest star Orlando Jones) and a competing recording artist (guest star Snoop Dogg). Meanwhile, Fin's (Ice T) family ties to a suspect takes him off the case. Also starring Mariska Hargitay, Kelli Giddish, Peter Scanavino and Philip Winchester. Also guest starring Amber Stevens West (Dallas Monroe), L. Scott Caldwell (Jo Anderson), Deandre Leatherbury (Andreas Harper), Elizabeth Tate (Vickie Lewis) and Milan Marsh (Lexie Monroe).

# # #

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

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 “The Good Girl” Recap & Review

“The Good Girl” is one of those episodes that made me angry as it progressed.

A woman calls the police to report an apparent violent argument in the apartment next door. This fight is what tipped the first domino, causing the others to fall. The police take the couple to the hospital, which uncovers that a 13 year old girl, Mackenzie, who is living with her stepfather, Garrett, is pregnant. Too conveniently, she gives information that would eventually point the finger at a teacher,  with whom she already confided that she was pregnant. The detectives question the teacher, who apparently is not very bright, allowing the detectives to get him into the SVU interrogation room before he offers blood samples and/or DNA to prove he is not the father. I don’t understand why he wouldn’t have offered this immediately in his first contact with the detectives at the school. It would have saved him the embarrassing trip to the SVU. I can understand him not wanting to admit he was gay, but he knew he was not the father, so offering DNA right away should have been a no-brainer. We hear that Mackenzie has told her stepfather that the teacher is the father, and one didn’t need a drama degree to see that stepdad would murder the teacher.   Later, we find that Garrett killed the teacher as he was afraid the teacher would spill their secret.

During the murder trial, the secret is revealed: Mackenzie is not only Garrett's step daughter, she is his wife. Carisi gives us the low down on the number of states with no minimum age for marriage, with blood relative consent. Stone tries hard in family court to get the consent from Mackenzie's biological junkie dad thrown out, calling the payment Garrett made to him a bribe. Stone loses. He also loses the argument to bring up the marriage in regular court. Stone is having a bad time of it, until BENSON SAVES THE DAY with an alternative way to approach the case. This is one reason why I think Stone never resonated with fans; it seems Benson - or sometimes Carisi - must give Stone creative advice so he can win a case.

When Stone and Benson move to charge Mackenzie instead of Garrett, Garrett folds like it is laundry day, exposes his creepiness, and takes a deal.

I found myself getting angry at strange places in this episode. I got annoyed with the teacher when he didn’t offer his DNA when the detectives first questioned him at the school when the pregnancy was mentioned. Then he offered it quick when he was in SVU. It felt like the writers had to fill in some time in the episode so they decided to draw out the scene with the teacher.

My anger grew during the scene where Rollins brings up something Benson said to her in the SVU season 20 premiere “Man Up/Man Down”. During the premiere, Rollins was struggling with going through with her pregnancy, and Benson gave her advice, telling her that regret is an awful thing to live with. At that time, I felt that Rollins had assumed Benson had an abortion, and Benson did not confirm or deny.  We now know Rollins interpreted Benson's comment to mean Benson DID have an abortion. Based on what Benson said in “The Good Girl”, either Benson was never pregnant, did or didn’t have an abortion, she was pregnant and had the baby and gave it up for adoption, she was pregnant and lost a baby, nothing ever happened, or Benson is still being purposely vague about the issue because it's a "complicated story."   We don’t know, it could be anything or nothing, but we know its "complicated!" I wish the writers would just pick something and move on. Considering the context in which Benson first raised the regret issue with Rollins, I can understand why Rollins would have assumed Benson was speaking from experience. It’s possible that *somebody* with the show didn’t like the idea that most viewers thought Benson had an abortion, so they decided to backtrack and make it ambiguous. Maybe THEY had regrets they couldn’t live with.

I also thought it was highly inappropriate for Benson to question a victim in a grocery store, especially if she knew that the victim was covering up for someone and she planned on challenging her.

I also found my blood boiling at the end when Benson continues to insert herself into Mackenzie’s life and lecture her on her pregnancy, not to mention Benson addressing Mackenzie in condescending terms like honey and sweetheart. She should also not be touching her baby bump.  (Just imagine if Fin or Carisi had this discussion and was touching her.)  Benson is not a social worker and she has no business in continuing to contact Mackenzie regarding her pregnancy. I get agitated when people talk like having a baby will solve all problems. Benson said earlier in the episode to that she didn’t know a baby ruined anyone’s life, and I find that way of thinking very naïve. Having a baby is not all rainbows and unicorns for everyone; there are no guarantees that a child will bring happiness.

I enjoyed repeat offender Steven Tobolowsky, who appeared previously in SVU “Bullseye” and Criminal Intent “Malignant”.

Ice-T did not appear in this episode.

Update April 13, 2019
I’ve received a few emails asking about the original dialog that Benson and Rollins had about regret. Here’s what Benson and Amanda said in “Man Down” that is referenced in this current episode. Benson’s failure to verbally answer is why Rollins believed Benson had an abortion.

Benson: Amanda, you're you're not thinking of…
Rollins: I don't know if I need another baby. I don't know if I want another baby. All I know is, if I was back home, the choice would be a lot easier. There'd BE no choice.
Benson: Give me your phone.
Rollins: What?
Benson: Just unlock it and give it to me.
Rollins unlocks and hands Benson her phone. Benson brings up a video of Jesse.
Rollins: That's playing dirty.
Benson: I distinctly remember when you showed that to me. You told me that was THE best moment of your life. This is your decision to make alone, and I will defend to the death your right to make it.
But regret is …(whispering) an awful thing to live with.
Rollins: You had one? You had an abortion?
Benson says nothing, pauses, puts her hand on Rollins’ shoulder, giving Rollins a somber look, and walks away.

Update April 14, 2019
To add to Benson’s “complicated” issue regarding pregnancy, all we know from previous episodes are as follows:

1. In the episode “Mercy” (season 4, episode 14), she makes a comment to Alex Cabot:

Cabot: Olivia, would you want somebody digging through your medical records?
Benson: Look, I had a pregnancy scare in college, that was bad enough. I can't imagine the police knocking at my door, but this is our best lead.


2, In “Wednesday’s Child” (season 15, episode 14), Benson is shopping in Wexton Drug Store and picks up a pregnancy test. She later tells Dr. Lindstrom she thought she was pregnant and took the test that day and she was not. She said she should be relieved, and that Cassidy is. But she was thinking that door wasn’t closed and imagined this whole other life.

Here is the recap:

A woman meditates in a room full of candles, but this is disrupted by people yelling next door. She bangs on the wall. Mackenzie Tolliver and her stepfather Garrett are fighting – he has taken her cell phone - and she throws things at him and the yelling gets intense.

Later, police are on the scene, and Mackenzie and Garrett cop an attitude, Mackenzie complaining about the neighbor. There is broken glass and Garrett has been cut. Mackenzie asks for her phone back so she can call Chase.

At the hospital, with Benson and Carisi, the officer explains what happened with Garrett and Mackenzie, 13, and that he didn’t think to ask about her mother. There was evidence of a fight; she wouldn’t say she was hurt but Garrett was cut. He brought them there to be checked out. Benson states they will take it from here. Benson introduces themselves and Carisi moves Garrett away to speak with him. The doctor approaches Benson and she moves off to talk to her. The doctor explains Mackenzie refused to take something to calm her down as she was afraid it would hurt the baby. Benson is shocked as Mackenzie is 13, and the doctor confirms she is 13 and pregnant.

At SVU, Carisi speaks with Garrett about Mackenzie and her pregnancy. She didn’t say she had a boyfriend much less being pregnant, and he doesn’t know of a boyfriend. He says he was stupid to think he could replace her mother, Angela, she died two years ago and they were only married for a short period of time. Carisi implies the father of the baby is Garrett but he insists he loves Mackenzie like a daughter. He could not adopt her as she has a junkie father running around somewhere who Angela had divorced. He loves Mackenzie like she is his own and he thought he was doing the right thing.

In Benson’s office, she and Rollins speak with Mackenzie, who talks about hearing the baby’s heartbeat. She was going to tell her stepfather but Garrett is hard to talk to. The baby is only 8 weeks old. She says the baby’s father wouldn’t care, and as Benson presses, Mackenzie gets evasive and gets up to leave. But Benson continues to talk, saying they need to know the details for what happened. She ask if she was upset about how this happened and when Mackenzie get agitated. Rollins adds that they are concerned, as is her stepfather. Benson adds they just want what is best for her. Mackenzie says it was just some guy, and when Rollins asks his name, Mackenzie says she doesn’t know. She explains she was buying yogurt at Whole Foods and they started talking, it was only one time, in his car. Rollins comments he is old enough to drive, Mackenzie states she wasn’t forced, and Rollins counters if he was a grown man it is not okay. Benson asks about the car, and Mackenzie states it was blue and she thinks it was a BMW. When Benson asks what else she remembers, Mackenzie asks why, and Benson explains under the law, what he did may be rape. Mackenzie looks surprised.

Afterwards, Rollins speaks with Garrett and explains what Mackenzie told them. She thinks she is covering for someone and when Garrett wonders why she would do this, Carisi explains she is 13 and this is a lot to handle. Carisi’s phone vibrates and when he looks at the message, Rollins tells Garrett that Mackenzie will come around sometime. He asks what if she doesn’t, Rollins questions if he knows anyone that drives a blue BMW. He says no. Carisi asks Garrett to look at something, and shows him a photo on a laptop, asking if anybody rings a bell. He adds their computer geeks found it on Mackenzie’s fake Instagram account. He saw a photo of her with comments about sending nudes, saying that doesn’t sound like Mackenzie. He doesn’t recognize the others in the photo.

At Saint Matthews Middle School at 179 West 25th Street on Tuesday, March 26, Rollins and Carisi speak with Father Edwin Mayberry who says Mackenzie is bright, popular, and gets good grades, describing her as a stand-out student. No behavioral changes. He says he will ask around to see if she confided in someone but assures them whatever happened to her did not happen there. Carisi shows him the photo of the two boys in the Instagram photo and Father Mayberry says they do go to school there – Logan Larson and Chase Madera. Rollins states they will need to talk to them.

Later, Carisi speaks with Logan says they were hanging out at Chase’s and nothing sexual happened. On the photo and the nudes, she says he was just screwing around. He says Mack is one of those girls who is always touching you, she puts her hand on yours and makes you think…that she wants to be closer than you really are. He never did anything.

Logan says Mackenzie wants the boy to lean in close, close enough to smell her perfume which smells like blueberries. He likes it, saying the girls around there are not allowed to wear that kind of stuff. Most of them follow the rules. He tried to kiss her a few times but he never did. She is a tease; it makes him confused, like it is an act. Rollins wonders that she is a scared 13 year old girl, and Chase suggest Rollins tell that to Dreyfus, who teaches drama but the real drama is what goes on backstage.

At the school, Rollins and Carisi speak with Quentin Dreyfus, who says Mackenzie is a natural. He has worked alone with her, reading lines, as he does with all the students. They suggest he did it more with Mackenzie, and he asks if they are kidding, saying he would think a couple of detectives would see through student gossip. He adds hormones set teenage fantasies flying. Rollins says this may be more than fantasy, and Carisi explains she is pregnant. Quentin is surprised, saying she is only 13 and is shocked they think he is the father. He says he never touched her and anyone who says he did is a liar. Rollins asks what kind of car he drives, and he says a BMW, asking why. Rollins asks if it is blue, and he says nothing. Carisi tells him to come with them. He asks if he is under arrest, and Rollins comments that he can be if he doesn’t want to come willingly. He goes with them.

Law & Order SVU “The Good Girl” Photos

Here are advance photos for Law & Order SVU, “The Good Girl” which will air on Thursday, April 11, 2019 at 10PM ET on NBC. The photos feature Mariska Hargitay, Kelli Giddish, Peter Scanavino, Philip Winchester, and Eowyn Young as Mackenzie Tolliver.


My recap and review of Law & Order SVU “The Good Girl” can be found at this link.

Photos by: Virginia Sherwood/NBC 2019 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.

NBC’S ‘LAW & ORDER: SPECIAL VICTIMS UNIT’ ROARS INTO HISTORY WITH RENEWAL FOR 21ST SEASON (NBC Press Release)

Highly Acclaimed Series Starring Mariska Hargitay From Universal Television 

and Creator/Executive Producer Dick Wolf Reaches Milestone 

By Remaining Appointment Viewing for Dedicated Fanbase

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. – March 29, 2019 – Racing into the record book to set the mark as the longest-running primetime live-action series in television history, NBC has renewed “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” for a 21st season.

The record defeats the longstanding previous mark of 20 seasons set by “Law & Order” (1990-2010) and “Gunsmoke” (1955-75).

The announcement for the renewal was made by Paul Telegdy and George Cheeks, Co-Chairmen, NBC Entertainment.

“We tip our cap to Dick Wolf, Mariska Hargitay and the amazing cast and crew of ‘SVU,’ who now all go into the record book,” Telegdy and Cheeks said. “This incredible run is an example of what happens when producers, writers and actors all come together and create a show that, year after year, speaks to its audience in a powerful way. We couldn’t be more proud of this remarkable achievement.”

“As ‘SVU’ moves into its third decade, Mariska has become an iconic figure as a star, advocate and crusader for women,” said creator/executive producer Dick Wolf. “She is an enduring champion of the movement to end sexual violence, and dozens of episodes have dealt with the very same issues that have shifted into the spotlight in this country in the past two years. Mariska is a delight as #1 on the call sheet and, to me, a true friend.”

“I’m deeply proud to be a part of this groundbreaking show, and humbled to make television history today,” said Hargitay. “The longevity and continued success of ‘SVU’ is a testament not only to the show’s powerful storytelling and ability to connect with viewers, but to its necessity. We have told important stories for 20 years, and we will continue to tell them.”

The series, which stars Hargitay as Lt. Olivia Benson, chronicles the lives of the Special Victims Unit of the New York City Police Department, an elite squad of detectives who investigate crimes of sexual assault, child abuse and domestic violence. Lt. Benson is now the longest-running female character in a primetime live-action series.

Hargitay has garnered eight Emmy Award nominations for Lead Actress in a Drama Series and won in 2006. She received two Golden Globe nominations for Lead Actress in a Drama Series, winning the award in 2005, and six SAG nominations for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series.

Hargitay’s personal commitment to the issues raised on “SVU” led her to create and oversee the Joyful Heart Foundation (JHF), a nonprofit dedicated to transforming society’s response to sexual violence, supporting survivors and ending this violence forever. The current priority of the Joyful Heart Foundation is to end the national backlog of untested rape kits. The backlog was also the topic of Hargitay’s 2018 award-winning documentary, “I Am Evidence.”

The series also stars Ice T as Sgt. Odafin “Fin” Tutuola, Kelli Giddish as Det. Amanda Rollins, Peter Scanavino as Det. Sonny Carisi and Philip Winchester as Asst. District Attorney Peter Stone.

Thus far in its 20th season, “Law & Order: SVU” has delivered a 1.9 rating in adults 18-49 and 7.6 million viewers overall in “live plus seven day” averages from Nielsen Media Research to win its Thursday 10 p.m. timeslot among the hour’s regular dramas in the key 18-49 demo. “SVU” also leads the time period in adults 25-54 and all key adult-female demos.

“SVU” is a highly time-shifted series, more than doubling this season in 18-49 rating when going from “live plus same day” to L+7 Nielsens, and adding more than 3.2 million viewers.

“SVU” is frequently acknowledged for its guest players, with Emmy wins for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series for Ann-Margret (2010), Ellen Burstyn (2009), Cynthia Nixon (2008), Leslie Caron (2007) and Amanda Plummer (2005), and nominations for such renowned talent as Brenda Blethyn, Carol Burnett, Robin Williams, Marcia Gay Harden, Angela Lansbury, Marlee Matlin, Mare Winningham, Barbara Barrie, Martha Plimpton, Jane Alexander and Tracy Pollan.

“SVU” won the Imagen Foundation Award in 2015 for Best Primetime Program, recognizing the positive portrayal of Latinos in media. The series was honored with the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Drama Series in 2012. Fourteen episodes of “SVU” were nominated for the Prism Award and six have won, recognizing their accurate depiction of substance abuse and mental illness. Three episodes have been nominated by the GLAAD Media Awards for outstanding representation of the LGBTQ community, and the show was honored with 11 Edgar Allan Poe Award nominations and two wins for Best Television episode.

The “Law & Order” brand has tremendous global appeal and to date “SVU” has been sold to more than 250 territories around the world.

“Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” is a Wolf Entertainment production in association with Universal Television. Dick Wolf is creator and executive producer. Michael Chernuchin, Julie Martin, Mariska Hargitay, Alex Chapple, Arthur Forney and Peter Jankowski are executive producers.

# # #

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

Law & Order SVU “Blackout” Recap & Review

Law & Order SVU “Blackout” is the best episode of the season, making one recurring character, Nikki Staines (Callie Thorne) the victim,  and casting some suspicion on another recurring character, Chief Dodds (Peter Gallagher). It feels odd that an episode can be both very predictable and very suspenseful at the same time, and I credit the guest cast and fine acting that made the story so intense. Titus Welliver was well cast as hot-shot lawyer Rob Miller. When he was too helpful to Benson in providing information for the SVU investigation, it was clear he had his own agenda. It’s almost unfortunate they caught up with him so quickly as he was a shifty character that I could love to hate, and I would have enjoyed seeing him again. Benson had her suspicions about Rob, but it was Rollins, sensing there was something off with Rob’s comment on her “Loganville accent”, who began to dig deeper. In doing so, she uncovered an issue with a judge who Rob had helped to cover up his plagiarism from law school. We don’t know what was in the memo that was delivered to the judge during the opening trial, but we can only assume that Rob was exerting his influence on that case.

Benson immediately feels the sting from Rob when she uses his invitation for drinks as an opportunity to collect evidence. But she was forced to play her hand quickly; Rob easily spotted the bus boy handling his wine glass with the skill of a crime scene officer. After leaving that encounter, Benson, while driving home with Noah, gets stopped by a state trooper for a minor infraction, which  gives the trooper the chance to accuse her of driving under the influence. The fact that Rob had no problems setting this up knowing that Noah would be with her in the car shows how low he is willing to go to intimidate. (I was surprised at how indignant and uncooperative Benson was when the trooper stopped her. )  Lucky for Benson she didn't have that second glass of wine.  Of course, this incident only inflames Benson and she immediately goes head to head with Dodds. He helps her case by speaking with Rob while wearing a wire, Rob falling for the oldest trick in the book.

Callie Thorne – this time as a victim – was excellent both in her frustration at how the SVU was handling her case, but also as a victim who had regrets about how she’s treated other victims during the course of her job.

We finally get some closure on a memo from Chief Dodds that Fin used as a bargaining chip to help Benson in the episode "Flight Risk" (season 19). I believe that Fin also may have used this same memo to stay at SVU in his new job as Sergeant. We still don’t know the contents of the memo, but it seems to confirm the assumption that it involved the questioning of Benson’s fitness as the head of SVU. Now that Dodds knows that Benson is aware of this memo, its powers may be diminished. But Benson must be concerned that the contents are still damaging as she questions whether she should be worried about her job.

The main cast was used to its fullest, giving everybody a chance to contribute to the story. It felt like an ensemble again! (Philip Winchester did not appear in this episode, however.)

A question - they found a hair that led them to the podcaster J.J. Austen, but the issue of how his hair got there was never explained.  Did I miss something?

This episode had a run time of Run time 40:22 (including credits but no commercials) which seems much shorter than normal.

A+

Here is the recap:

In the courtroom, Benson is testifying on the stand, being questioned by defense attorney Nikki Staines, while a court officer brings a notice to the judge. Benson explains she supervised the detectives on the case, and was the senior officer. Nikki questions that it was Benson’s decision to hold her client, Mr. Stevens, solely responsible for organizing a sex party. Benson explains the issue wasn’t that it was a sex party, the issue was most of the girls in attendance were underage. The judge reads the notice as Nikki asks to approach and he puts the notice down. Nikki informs him she is going to file another motion to dismiss the charges. As Benson listens with disgust, the prosecutor asks how many more hail marys do they have to put up with. She adds this is the second time within a week that Nikki has made assertions without any basis. The judge says he may see a basis this time, and, to Benson’s surprise, adds he is seriously considering dropping all charges, calling the lawyers to his chambers.

At The Flat Health & Fitness on 23 West 24th Street on Thursday, March 7, Benson tells her trainer she knows her left hook needs work, but he says she is looking really good. He say the next time they box, he is hitting back. She jokes now he is scaring her, and she walks off, and Nikki is there, commenting it is the second time in a day. Benson says Nikki got a real break today with the charges being dropped. Nikki admits she was surprised herself, and just to show there are no bad feelings, she has an extra ticket to the police philanthropy event tonight, and how did she know she’s be getting divorced when she bought a pair of them 6 months ago. Benson wonders if that is appropriate, and Nikki says yeah, why not? Benson replies because Nikki is suing the NYPD for $50 million. Nikki laughs that it is a civil liberties case about the department conducting illegal surveillance on activist groups and it has nothing to do with Benson’s unit. Benson says she will see her there because she already has a ticket. Benson walks off.

Later, at the event, Benson comments to Rollins that 2 hours of glad-handing the brass, she is ready to be on her couch with her feet up. Rollins suggests or in bed, and Benson says or that, suggesting one more time around the room and they are out of there. Rollins comments she was ready to go when they got there. They approach a table where Nikki is there, talking with Carisi and Fin. Fin comments that they save the city, but Nikki counters they cannot protect the rights of citizens by violating the rights of its citizens. Carisi suggest she call a constitutional law professor the next time somebody breaks into her car. Benson comments so much for small talk. Nikki says it is just a little sparring after hours, nothing personal. Fin retorts, “Says you.” Nikki replies “back at you, Sergeant” and says she needs a refill and walks off. Benson suggests to Rollins they say good night to Dodds and get out of there, and Rollins says she is right behind her. Carisi says they will catch up. Benson and Rollins approach Dodds, who asks if he is allowed to say they look lovely tonight, and Benson jokingly replies only if he says the same thing to Fin and Carisi. He laughs and says he will get right on that. A man standing next to Dodds asks if he is going to introduce him, and Dodds introduces Rob Miller, co-counsel to their lawyers on the civil rights lawsuit. Benson says that is the case that Nikki is co-litigating, and Ron replies so she has heard of him. Benson comments he did make the top 10 attorneys in New York Magazine last year. He states that’s what you get for picking up the check at lunch with a starving publisher. That at &2.75 gets you a ride on the bus. Dodds tells them don’t believe it, Rob is one of the people who really runs this town. Rob says hardly, adding he is a huge fan of the work Benson’s unit does. Rollins comments that is always nice to hear. Rob asks if that is a Georgia accent…Loganville? Rollins gives him a stare, saying that is a first. Rob says he went to school down south, then tells Benson it is nice to put a face to a name and suggests they grab a coffee sometime. Rollins gives her a look and Benson looks surprised, then tells Rob that the Chief knows how to get a hold of her. Rob walks off. Dodds asks if he can get Benson and Rollins a drink, and Benson explains he has a…Dodds finishes she has a sitter on the clock. He thanks both of them for making an appearance, and he walks off. Benson asks Rollins what does she say, and Rollins comments that Mr. High-Powered Lawyer is making the moves on Benson. Benson is surprised, thinking he was moving on Rollins, commenting about Loganville. Rollins scoffs, saying all she has time for is kids. Benson says Noah is waiting up for her as they speak. They leave.

Nikki is staggering in the street, falling against a car. She steadies herself and then continues to stagger off.

The next morning, two police officers arrive at a location and ask a waiting woman “where is she?” As they race into the building a woman says, “I didn’t want to touch her, I didn’t know if she’s alive or dead.” Nikki Staines is laying, unconscious, on the stairs and one officer checks and says Nikki has a pulse. The other officer calls for a bus. Nikki becomes partially conscious and weakly asks for help. Later, as the EMTs take her to the ambulance on a gurney, Fin and Rollins arrive. An officer tells them the victim is a white female, in her 40s. She said she was assaulted and was pretty out of it, but asked the police to call SVU. Fin recognizes it is Nikki Staines. They approach her as she is being loaded into the ambulance. Rollins asks what happened to her. Nikki replies that she can’t remember, adding she must have been drugged. Rollins assures her they will take care of you, and Fin asks if she knows who did this to her? Nikki shakes her head, and, having difficulty speaking, say no, all she knows is she needs “a goddamn rape kit.”