Richard Belzer – TV’s “John Munch” - Has Died

Richard Belzer, who played John Munch on Law & Order, Law & Order SVU, and Homicide:Life On The Street (and many other shows) has died at his home in France.  

Details at the following link: The Hollywood Reporter: “Richard Belzer, Extraordinarily Smart-Ass as a Comic and a TV Cop, Dies at 78”

Law & Order SVU “Fashionable Crimes” Recap & Review

The best part of “Fashionable Crimes” was the return of Richard Belzer as the beloved John Munch. Munch had returned to help the SVU on a current case that had loose ties to a case he worked with Fin 12 years ago involving Alvin Gilbert. (If there was an actual case mentioned in a previous SVU episode, I am unable to find it.) There were only 3 scenes with Munch in them, but the only one that had any real meat to it was the closing scene where Munch had been babysitting Noah. He explains how he felt when he first left SVU, thinking that he – and the place – would fall apart. But he has realized that life is good. He also imparts a tidbit that some rabid, obsessive SVU fans should take to heart: “Turns out there is more to life than SVU. ” I really enjoyed when Munch explains he taught Noah an important word (“Why?”) and a life lesson: “Always question authority.”  I almost got a tear in my eye when Noah said “Bye Munch” as I worried this would be the last time we’d see him on the show. I also must admit that Richard looks even more frail than the last time he appeared on the show. I hope that he is well and hope that the really isn’t the last we’ve seen of John Munch.

Otherwise, this was a tepid episode, and despite Munch commenting that he didn’t see it coming that a brother killed his brother, I thought it was obvious. The writers tried too hard to make it look like Matt would eventually kill Alvin, telegraphing this many times by Matt making several public threats. I also couldn’t really empathize with the victim. No one deserves what happened to her. But, like her boyfried, she seemed too eager to advance her modeling career and when it became advantageous for her to drop the charges, she did so in a nanosecond. I would have had more sympathy for her had she not constantly caved into her overbearing boyfriend’s demands when her modeling career would benefit.

I don’t recall Dodds ever mentioning before that he has a brother, but this information is revealed when Dodds explains how he’s had to bail him out many times and has been hiding these problems from their father, the Deputy Chief.  (Update: it has been brought to my attention - and I have verified - that it was first mentioned in the episode "Maternal Instincts," the episode where Dodds makes his first appearance.)

In the segment where Benson has arrived at the murder scene, she questions whether Maria, who found the body, was the one who did it, and Carisi doesn’t think so, saying “Her screams were real.” How can he determine, without seeing the person scream, that it was real or not? Screams can be easily faked. I thought this was a ludicrous statement and was indicative of what I see as writing that is being dumbed down to the level of a teenager.

This is just a nitpick on my part, but it looked a little too bright for “magic hour” (more commonly known by photographers as the “golden hour”) photography.

P.S. I forgot to mention this episode appears to be based on fashion photographer Terry Richardson and the allegations of sexual assault.

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:
Richard Belzer – John Munch
Andy Karl - Sgt. Mike Dodds
Fisher Stevens - Alvin Gilbert
Griffin Dunne - Benno Gilbert
Francesca Faridany - Claire Gilbert
Hari Dhillon - Counselor Sunil Varma
Tom Pelphrey - Matt Kroger
Sandrine Holt - Nora Wattan
Virginia Gardner - Sally Landry
Jack Nawada-Braunwart - Noah Porter Benson
Jonathan Bock – Counselor Jason Gruber
Errin Ruth – Maria Carla Channing
Stephen Bradbury – Judge Colin McNamara
Sadie Newman – Eva
Jandra Dee – Tilda
Mick Szal – Mai
Bethany Barber - Cintra
Germar Terrel Gardner – Security Guard

Sally Landry enters the Alvin Gilbert Studio, escorted in by Nora Wattan. She is told that Alvin is the best. Nora takes Sally to a changing room and when Sally asks to call Matt, Nora says Alvin doesn’t like boyfriends or managers around, it keeps it more intimate. As Sally undresses, Alvin enters, surprising Sally. He tells her that today they will make magic. He slaps her on her backside a few times.

Elsewhere, Benson, with Noah, and Rollins, with Jesse, are at a merry-go-round with Carisi taking photos. Rollins doesn’t think she needs this, with hundreds of shots on her phone, but Benson says Rollins can text those but she needs something she can frame. Carisi also comments about the light; she can’t beat magic hour. Rollins wisecracks that Carisi gets a camera and suddenly he is a professional, adding that he says magic hour but she says witching hour, saying she only has ten minutes. The merry-go-round begins to move and Carisi snaps photos.

Meanwhile, back at Alvin’s studio, he takes photos of Sally and when he moves in to expose her breasts, she recoils. Alvin backs off and tells Nora to get Sally something to chill. Nora brings her a drink and tells Sally that Alvin is intense but he is worth it. Sally mentions her inexperience with a shoot like this, but Nora assures her she is fresh and that is why Alvin is responding to her. She adds if Alvin is into her, it is all good. Later, after her drink, Nora is taking the photos while Alvin rapes Sally, who is sobbing. He says that is amazing, and that it worked, asking Nora if she got all of it. He looks at the photos and says it is good stuff. He walks off, telling Nora to clean her up. Nora hands Sally a towel. Sally says she didn’t want him to do this, but Nora counters that is not what the camera saw. Sally sobs.

Benson, still at the park with Rollins, gets a call about a 17 year old girl who is in with the nurse. Benson says she will be there in 30 minutes. Rollins comments, “So much for magic hour.”

At Mercy Hospital at 365 West 32nd Street on Tuesday, March 22, Benson and Rollins speak with Sally who explains what happened, including that Nora took pictures. Sally is shocked when Benson and Rollins explain that Sally was raped. But Sally doesn’t know if she wants to file charges as her boyfriend Matt doesn’t know she was there and if he finds out he will kill her.

Later, in the SVU squad room, Dodds enters with Benson, who asks him how was the training at Quantico. Dodds replies that he can neither confirm nor deny he was there. Benson says okay, and Dodds apologizes to the others if he left them in a lurch. Fin comments that they managed. Dodds asks if they caught a case last night. Benson says yes, explaining that Sally Landry, 17, who was reluctant to press charges but the convinced her to come in. Rollins adds Sally is an aspiring model, fresh off the bus from Iowa, and is there for Fashion Week. Fin says he hates Fashion Week, and Carisi adds he does too; it’s nonstop gridlock. Benson gets them back on track by saying that Sally was raped by Alvin Gilbert in his studio yesterday. Dodds asks if this is the fashion designer, and Rollins says no, that is his older brother, Benno. She adds Alvin is the bad-boy photographer that does all their photo shoots and campaign designs. Fin adds he’s a real bad boy; he and Munch caught that case 12 years ago. Carisi asks what happened, and Fin explains some big time Italian model got assaulted during a shoot, and while they were investigating, she becomes the face of their new perfume. The case goes away. Rollins is not sure this one will; Sally is green and she is very upset, and Alvin’s assistant, Nora Wattan, may have taken pictures of the assault. Benson adds the rape kit came back positive for semen so they are running the DNA now. Rollins says Sally’s blood alcohol was high because Nora was feeding her drinks. Dodds asks if the Gilberts know that Sally disclosed, and Benson replies that she doubts it, she didn’t even want her boyfriend to know. Sally enters with her boyfriend, who has his arm around her and kisses her, and Carisi asks if that is Sally. Rollins says from that chokehold that guy has on her, she is guessing that her boyfriend knows. Benson approaches and asks Sally how she is doing today. She says she is okay, and she introduces her boyfriend, who says his name is Matt Kroger and he is her boyfriend and manager. He yells that he warned Sally about that Gilbert creep, and Benson, Fin, and Carisi work to separate the two so they can talk.

In the interview room, Sally explains to Benson and Rollins that she had to tell Matt and that he is angry at her and Alvin. Benson notices a bruise under Sally’s eye and she says it must have been from the assault. She says Matt has been understanding. She does not talk to her family any more. Rollins comments that Sally is new in the business and Alvin is a famous photographer, and Benson questions if there is anything that may have happened that she didn’t want to tell them or Matt. She thinks they think she is making this up, insisting she wouldn’t, and, upset, insists that Alvin raped her. Benson explains it was just a question, they have to ask.

Meanwhile, with Fin and Carisi, Matt explains how he discovered Sally, he got her pictures and connects and goes to her with every gig until Alvin cuts him out. He says Sally is too trusting and he has spoken to her about this. But he can’t guard her 24-7. He says Alvin is not going to get away with this; if they don’t take care of him, he will.

Law & Order SVU “Fashionable Crimes” Photos

Here are advance photos for Law & Order SVU “Fashionable Crimes” which will air on Wednesday, May 4, 2016 at 9PM ET on NBC. The photos feature Mariska Hargitay, Richard Belzer, Kelli Giddish, Raul Esparza, Ice-T, Andy Karl, Sandrine Holt as Nora Wattan, Francesca Faridany as Claire Gilbert, Griffin Dunne as Benno Gilbert, Jack Nawada-Braunwart as Noah Porter Benson, Virginia Gardner as Sally Landry, Tom Pelphrey as Matt Kroger, Hari Dhillon as Counselor Sunil Varma, and Fisher Stevens as Alvin Gilbert.


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

Photos by: Michael Parmelee/NBC 2016 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 “Fashionable Crimes” Episode Information

Here are the details for a new episode of Law & Order SVU, “Fashionable Crimes.” Richard Belzer returns!

Law & Order SVU “Fashionable Crimes” Air Date May 4, 2016 (9 PM ET/8C Wednesday NBC)

RICHARD BELZER RETURNS AS DETECTIVE JOHN MUNCH - A young model is raped by a renowned fashion house photographer, who looks to his successful brother to make the charges disappear. Starring Mariska Hargitay, Ice T, Kelli Giddish, Raúl Esparza and Peter Scanavino. Also guest starring Andy Karl, Virginia Gardner, Sandrine Holt, Griffin Dunne, Tom Pelphrey, Fisher Stevens and Jonathan Bock.

# # #

My recap and review of Law & Order SVU “Fashionable Crimes” 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 “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.

John Munch’s Uncut Roast

Here’s the complete and uncut roast of John Munch (Richard Belzer), part of which aired in the SVU episode “Wonderland Story”.



The #FarewellMunch Roast Uncut from SVUWritersRoom on Vimeo.




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 “Wonderland Story” Recap & Review; John Munch Retires

In Law & Order SVU “Wonderland Story”, fictional (and beloved) character Sergeant John Munch retires from the Special Victims Unit. Munch is an iconic TV figure, born in 1993 on the excellent yet under-appreciated series “Homicide: Life on the Street.” In addition to living in the SVU universe, Munch also popped up in various other fictional stories such as The Wire, 30Rock, and my personal favorite, The X-Files (in the episode “Unusual Suspects”). Richard Belzer has brought such life to the character, and, coupled with excellent writing for the character over the years, it may be hard for some to tell the difference between the fictional Munch and the real Belzer. Fans have been somewhat disgruntled over the lack of regular Munch time on SVU over the last few seasons but fans should not be sad over his retirement. John Munch will continue to live on, working - much like Lennie Briscoe did for a short time - as an investigator for the DA’s office. Various entertainment sources state that we could see Munch in future SVU episodes.

Retirement is mandatory before one reaches the age of 63 in the NYPD, so, as Cragen mentioned in last week’s episode “Internal Affairs”, his time will be coming soon. It seems odd that in this day and age that there are any jobs that have a mandatory retirement age, but I suspect in the case of the NYPD, they assume that at the age of 63, a person’s physical stamina may not be at the level required for certain parts of the job. As Munch seemingly has been absent more than he has been on the job the last few seasons, the series may be able to move along without replacing him. If the series goes past season 15 – or past Cragen’s mandatory retirement – another captain will be needed. Setting up for his eventual departure, Cragen suggests to Benson that she take the Sergeant’s exam.  What seems like a few seasons ago, a possible new or expanded role for Benson was mentioned, and taking the exam makes perfect sense to advance the character’s story line (assuming, of course, that she takes the exam and passes).

The episode featured a tepid, predictable story about a victim from a previous case (from the season 13 Law & Order SVU episode “True Believers” ) but in a grand case of missed opportunity, the story had no trace of John Munch’s fingerprints on it. I would have been great to revisit a case that Munch worked – even if he wasn’t working the present case – giving the chance for the cast to flash back to Munch. The only flashback scene we get is from Munch himself at the very end, and it looks like a scene not from SVU but from Homicide: Life on the Street. A strange and disappointing writing choice to say the least. The real mystery here is why we didn’t get ANY SVU flashbacks.  It was nice, however, to bring back Munch's 2 ex-wives, a colleague from Baltimore, and his brother (who I don't recall seeing depicted before) for the party.

While the detectives bid farewell to John Munch, I prefer to just tell Munch “So long for now” as I hope we’ll be seeing him – on SVU or somewhere else – at a later time. And best wishes to Richard Belzer, who has entertained and informed us in many various ways over the years – and we all hope he never stops.

Here is the recap:


Cast:
Mariska Hargitay – Detective Olivia Benson
Ice-T – Detective Odafin “Fin” Tutuola
Richard Belzer – Sergeant John Munch
Dann Florek – Captain Don Cragen
Kelli Giddish - Detective Amanda Rollins
Danny Pino - Detective Nick Amaro
Raúl Esparza - ADA Rafael Barba



Guest stars:
Dean Winters – Brian Cassidy
Sofia Vassilieva - Sarah Walsh
Finn Wittrock - Cameron Tyler
Amelia Rose Blaire - Nicole Price
Todd Almond – Andre
Aisha De Haas – Wedmore’s Mother
Jacqueline Hendy – Cameron’s Lawyer
Michael Mastro – Judge Serani
Matt DeCapua – Matthew Forte
Clark Johnson – Party Guest (Former colleague from Baltimore)
Carol Kane - Party Guest (one of Munch’s ex-wives)
Ellen McElduff – Party Guest (one of Munch’s ex-wives)
David Steinberg – Party Guest (Munch’s brother David)
Kaneza Schaall – Ilana
Leslie Shires – Celine Dubbois
Ilona Saic – Lia
Dee Dee Vega – Singer

At a bar where a farewell party is being held for Munch, Rollins comments to Cragen that it is a pretty good turnout, and Amaro observes there are 3 judges there. One guy walks buy and adds that they had him at “open bar.” Cragen asks Fun if the bartender knows it is well drinks only, and Fin says he is on it. Benson and Cassidy arrive and Cassidy comments about the full house, telling Benson they will take a hit on this one. Benson asks the others where is Prince John, and Amaro says he will call him. Benson asks Cassidy if he wants the usual, and he suggests she make it a double. As Benson walks off, Rollins asks Cassidy how Benson is doing, and Cassidy replies she is good – he thinks – adding that Rollins knows Benson, don’t ask don’t tell. Munch enters the bar, wearing a white tuxedo and carrying a cane, to much applause. He tells them not to make a fuss, saying “as you were, hoi polloi.”

AS the party progresses, members of the SVU squad speak about their memories of Munch. Benson talks about her first day with SVU meeting Cassidy and Munch. When she jokes that she felt this had to be a mistake, thinking it was traffic enforcement or post office security, Munch comments “Prick me Olivia, do I not bleed?” She adds that Munch was a brilliant detective and a very soulful man, and she will miss him. To the sounds of “awwww”, they hug. Munch mentions his ex-wives are there, and they want to have a three way – unfortunately, with his brother David, the story of his life. Cragen stands up, saying none of them want to be there more than he does, and they were hoping, like a good soldier, Munch would just fade away. Cragen quips that their loss is the DA’s loss, as, in a couple weeks, Munch will begin the third – or the fifth – act by becoming a special investigator for the DA’s office. There is much applause. Fin also stands up and thanks Munch, saying he taught him a lot: that Oswald never fired a shot, we probably never landed on the moon, and that Hoover had a gay hit squad. He tells Munch he loves him and will miss him. He also gives Munch a shadow box with his NYPD shield and Baltimore shield. A colleague from Baltimore shouts out that they ran his butt out of B’more. Munch then says what he had to say tonight does not come from here – pointing to his head – but it comes from here – pointing to his heart…where he pulls out a large piece of paper – his notes. He tells them not to cry for him, but then points to Benson and says she can cry for him as she is the heart of SVU. He adds that Fin is the pancreas. He recounts that 12 years in, he showed Fin a report that a rapist strikes somewhere in America every two minutes, and Fin told him that they have to catch this guy. When he first saw Amaro, he realized he - Munch - is still the best looking guy in the squad, but it is kind of a blessing that now in the squad room there is someone even more paranoid than he, and he thanks Amaro. Amaro jokingly asks what does she mean, He tells Cragen he knows what he is saying to himself tonight, and then says, “Ask not for who mandatory retirement tolls, it tolls for thee. “ Meanwhile, Benson gets a message and tells Amaro they have to go and Munch notices they are getting up to leave, asking if it is something that he said. Benson replies it was everything he said, Munch quips that he hasn’t gotten to the Cassidy jokes yet, and as Benson and Amaro leave, he says when he sees Benson and Cassidy together, he thinks that they both can do better.

As Benson and Amaro leave the bar, Benson asks if Amaro remembers Sarah Walsh, and he does, it is the piano student whose rapist got away. Benson said Sarah just texted her; she thinks she got raped – again.

At Sarah's apartment, Benson asks Sarah if she thinks she was raped, and Sarah explains that she woke up naked and her clothes were on the floor and she is sore down there. Benson asks what happened to her ear, and Sarah sobs, saying she thinks he must have ripped out her earring and pulled her head down by her ear. Benson tries to assure her, and says something happened, but Sarah asks again? Amaro asks what is the last think she does remember, and Sarah says she met her friend Nicole and her finance Matthew in the meatpacking District at 8:00 at the Brass Monkey. They were playing Jenga. Amaro asks if she had been drinking, and she said maybe one beer or two. He asks if it was from a bottle or glass, and Benson gives him a “what are you doing?” look as Sarah says a glass. Sarah chides herself, saying she was so stupid and should not have gone out, and Benson tells her to take it east and sit down. Benson assures her it is nothing that she did. Amaro asks her if she remembers leaving the bar, and she says yes, Nicole and Matthew walked her out at 10 or 11 and after that it is a blur. She does not remember how she got home. She gets frantic and then says it was Michael Wedmore, and Amaro asks if that was the man who raped her two years ago, asking if she saw him last night. Sarah replies that she thinks so, and in the past few weeks he has been following her. Amaro asks if it’s been in her neighborhood, and if she is sure. Benson seems concerned at Amaro’s tone. Sarah insists it was him, commenting about his grin – she doesn’t forget that.

Later, Fin tells Rollins that Wedmore’s boss says he is off today and he worked a 12 hour shift last night. Rollins comments about the proximity of his work to Sarah’s apartment, and Fin says the supervisor says he has been there 2 years and his mother works there too. They find her nearby taking a smoke break. She seems annoyed with them and explains her son is at a church retreat with his fiancée. He knows not to go near Sarah and admits he has seen her on the street but if she says more than that, she is lying, just like the last time. She and her son were on duty all night and had dinner in the cafeteria. She says they are done talking.

Back at SVU, Benson and Amaro explain Sarah’s status to Cragen and what they know so far. Fin and Rollins enter and explain where Wedmore is and his mother alibied him for last night. Benson argues as if she doubts Wedmore’s innocence, but Rollins gets a text that the rape kit came back and Sarah was drugged with GHB but no DNA from semen. Benson thinks he used a condom, and thinks it is him. Amaro counters about the timeline and that Sarah does not remember anything after 10:00 in Manhattan but Benson says that does not mean she was drugged there, memory loss could be retroactive. Rollins has doubts that he did it and Cragen suggest they talk to Sarah’s friends in the city, maybe they will put Wedmore at the bar. Benson worries that in the meantime, Wedmore is violent and could go after her. Cragen replies that when Wedmore gets back, he will see if he can put a squad car on Sarah’s block.

At an apartment on Lafayette Street, Fin and Rollins speak with Nicole who is house-sitting. She and her fiancé went out with Sarah that night and Sarah left a message and she has not called back. She did not see Sarah with any guys last night and Fin shows her a photo array and she does not recognize anyone. Rollins asks how long she was out with Sarah, and Nicole says 11, they gave her the watch and then she and Matthew went home. The watch is an entry pass to an underground party. The location changes, you meet a guide on the corner, give the guide the watch that you got from someone who went to the last party. She has another watch and she gives it to Rollins. Rollins reads back the inscription on the watch which says, “Alice came to a fork in the road - which road do I take, she asks” and Nicole explains it is an Alice in Wonderland theme, which Rollins already surmised. Matthew enters and Nicole explains what is happening. Nicole asks if it is OK to call Sarah back, and Rollins says yes and Fin says they will keep the watch.

Meanwhile, Benson and Amaro arrive at Sarah’s apartment and it has been trashed, just like the last time. She explains Nicole called her and Amaro explains that Wedmore was at work that night. Sarah thinks he is lying and continues to think he did it. Amaro thinks this was a different kind of predator, and when she asks if they think she was raped twice by two different men, Benson explains they do, saying it is called re-victimization and it happens more than one thinks. Benson tries to assure Sarah it is not her, adding predators pick up on vulnerability. Sarah thinks she let her guard down and set herself up, and Benson continues to try to calm her but it is not working. Sarah gets more upset and says to forget she called them and then tells them to go and leave her alone. The do so.

Little Known Facts* About John Munch (*And Entirely Made Up)

As a short tribute to the retirement of John Munch from the Special Victims Unit, here are some little known facts* about John Munch, in the form of a Q&A.

(*and entirely made up)

Don't forget to watch tonight's episode of Law & Order SVU “Wonderland Story” which features John Munch's retirement.


Question: What do you get when you feel like snacking constantly during an episode of Law & Order SVU?
Answer: The Munchies

Question: What is the name of the disorder when you see conspiracy theories everywhere?
Answer: “Munch-howsen” syndrome.

Question: What proposed 1964 TV show about the history of the strange members of Munch family never made it to the small screen?
Answer: The Munch-sters

Question: If John Munch had children, what term of endearment would he use to reference them?
Answer:  Munchkin

Question: Who was the original painter of what was then known as a self portrait titled “The Scream” (see below)?
Answer: John Munch. He painted it after watching Law & Order SVU “Zebras”

No pillow fights while watching tonight's episode:

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 “Wonderland Story” Cast Interviews & Behind the Scenes Videos

Here are cast interviews and behind the scenes video of Munch’s farewell party from Law & Order SVU “Wonderland Story” which will air on October 16, 2013 at 9PM ET on NBC. The videos feature Richard Belzer, Mariska Hargitay, Dean Winters, Dann Florek, Danny Pino, Kelli Giddish, and Ice-T.


My recap and review of Law & Order SVU "Wonderland Story" can be found at this link.


Update October 15, 2013 - Interview with Richard Belzer has been added. 

Update October 11, 2013 - Two episode preview clips have been added below and are available for a limited time only and must be removed shortly after the episode originally airs. Catch them while you can!




















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 “Internal Affairs” Recap & Review

It’s rare that I can describe an episode of Law & Order SVU in one word, but in the case of “Internal Affairs” I can: perfection. This episode delivered a suspenseful story peppered with just the right amount of personal drama and it kept me interested all the way to the very end. It was also visually exciting, getting the detectives out into real world settings, making the story itself feel more real.

In “Internal Affairs”, the SVU team is approached by the Internal Affairs Bureau’s infamous douche bag Lt. Ed Tucker, in an unusual situation where Tucker needs their help. The case - inspired by a real life case of NYPD officers acquitted of rape - had the SVU team dealing with the prospect that those who were sworn to serve and protect are really rapists and abusing their power in other ways.  The SVU team found it annoying at having to work the case at the behest of Lt. Tucker, who has been nothing but a pain in the ass to SVU over the years. Brian Cassidy gets sucked into the case by Tucker with the promise of getting his detective shield back by working undercover to expose the dirty cops. In true Tucker form, he isn't concerned that his actions put Cassidy’s life in danger and doesn't seem in a hurry to keep his promise.

We also got a look at Benson and Cassidy’s new apartment, which, according to an article from Entertainment Weekly, says the apartment is “in the 50′s on the West Side in some sort of new construction.” (I’ll defer the debate to the experts in New York real estate/rentals on whether the view out the window matches the location and whether Benson & Cassidy could realistically afford the place.) The new apartment looks fresh and modern. It’s a huge improvement over Benson’s previous apartment, which always had a lonely and depressing look, recently made worse by the abuse that Benson suffered there at the hands of William Lewis. The new apartment is an apt symbol for Benson starting a new phase of her life, maybe one that seems lighter and brighter. A big question remains – is Cassidy Mr. Right or simply Mr. Right Now? While Benson and Cassidy did have a past relationship, it wasn’t a long, lasting one. We can only wonder if this time around the relationship will be something more meaningful.

Of course, a new apartment can’t erase what Benson does for a living. She can’t escape the dark nature of her day job, which sometimes brings her in contact with the lowest of the low. This case creates an uncomfortable situation for Benson when she has to listen to Cassidy play his undercover role to the hilt, giving the appearance he is still fast and loose with women. At the end, however, they both seem to be in a good place.

A promo appeared during the episode to tease next week’s episode and John Munch’s retirement. Seeing Munch carrying what seemed like a box of his belongings gave me a flashback to seeing Lennie Briscoe do the same in Jerry Orbach’s final Law & Order episode, a scene which still tears me up a bit just thinking about it. I am not looking forward to Munch leaving SVU,  as I suspect it will mean another sad scene that will stick in my memory for years.   Cragen also tipped off that he hits mandatory retirement in 6 months, so he may be out before season’s end. These developments should be no shock to fans if they paid any attention to the fact that two similar publicity photos for the cast were released at the start of the season – one which did not include Richard Belzer and Dann Florek. As far as the reasons for Munch’s retirement – Cragen said the Mehcad Carter case hit Munch pretty hard – I would have thought the reason would have been that Benson’s abduction and torture would have hit Munch even harder. (A side note - while Munch is retiring from SVU, he will continue to be a recurring character on the show, according to TVLine: “Law & Order: SVU Vet Richard Belzer Switches to Recurring Status, As Munch Retires” )

It was also interesting to see Dr. Lindstrom give Benson a replacement necklace for the one she always wore which is still in evidence. It was a nice gesture but I wondered if it was appropriate for him to give a patient a gift. As Benson later admitted that she had directed many rape survivors to the doctor, I decided to look at this gift as being from one friend (not doctor) to another. Outwardly, Benson does seem to be projecting a look of happiness by wearing a bright patterned dress, unlike her usual bland detective attire. Hopefully, her happiness is beginning to reach deeper than what we see on the surface.

Here is the recap:

Cast:
Mariska Hargitay – Detective Olivia Benson
Ice-T – Detective Odafin “Fin” Tutuola
Richard Belzer – Sergeant John Munch
Dann Florek – Captain Don Cragen
Kelli Giddish - Detective Amanda Rollins
Danny Pino - Detective Nick Amaro
Raúl Esparza - ADA Rafael Barba

Guest stars:
Dean Winters – Brian Cassidy
Bill Irwin – Dr. Lindstrom
Robert John Burke – Lt. Ed Tucker
Marc Menchaca – Office Michael Groves
David Conrad – Officer West
Nadia Dajani - Officer Ryan Quinn
Lance Roberts – Lt. Terrence Wood
Megan West – Tanya Jenkins
Matt Wood – Officer Kenneth Parker
Osh Ghanimah – Cabbie
Danielle Dallacco – Gretchen Lyons
Jack Ferry – Suit #1
Danny Schoch – ESU Cop #1
Trace Lysette – Lila

At Dr. Lindstrom’s office, he tells Benson this is a good place to stop. She agrees, and mentions next week, to which Lindstrom reminds her he will be away. She jokes about having abandonment issues but assures him she can survive. He knows she will, and then he says he got her something to remind her of that. He hands her a box, saying that she had commented the one she used to wear was being held as evidence. She opens the box to find a duplicate necklace. She thanks him, her voice cracking.

At the Bronx courthouse in the locker room, Cassidy is arriving for the day and Officer Michael Groves comments that Cassidy is late. Cassidy bitches about the time it took to get there Groves comments that the NYPD stands for Now You are Persecuted Daily. Groves looks around, and then hands Cassidy a small envelope, telling him it is a safety deposit box key and asks Cassidy to hang on to it. He adds that Cassidy doesn’t need to know where the box is at yet, and if anything happens to him, a friend will tell Cassidy where the box is, and that Cassidy should take the contents to the New York Times. He comments that since he turned on them at the 12th he is being followed. Other officers enter the locker room and they tell Groves not to move. They restrain him and Groves yells to out Cassidy but they quickly taser Groves. As Groves falls to the floor, Cassidy quickly pockets the key and shuts his locker door.

Later, at Benson and Cassidy’s new apartment, Cassidy unpacks a cattle skull. Benson, carrying in another box, begins to comment about the new place when Cassidy interrupts and says it looked bigger when it was empty. Benson replies that they will figure it out. Cassidy stops and looks around, seemingly distracted, and Benson asks if he is OK. He apologizes, saying it is a work thing. Benson asks if he wants to talk about it, he’s allowed. Cassidy explains that Mike Groves, a cop on his shift, they came for him and tased him and hauled him off to Bellevue on a psych hold. He was acting paranoid and then they did come for him. Groves told him he was exiled to the Bronx for making noise about his former precinct the 12th for cooking the books. Benson seems to agree on Groves being transferring the whistleblower but questions that he was sent to the rubber room. Cassidy adds that after the 12th got rid of Groves he didn’t get the hint and he went to IA. Benson cringes that they drove him crazy and then sent him to the psych ward, and Cassidy thinks maybe they did it to discredit him and that Groves is actually crazy and wonders if he should got to IA and tell them what he saw. Benson’s mouth drops open and she questions going to IA, reminding him that they took his shield and wonders if he wants to rattle that cage. Cassidy wonders if Groves is telling the truth. Benson suggests he go to the PBA, and when Cassidy seems surprised at this, she suggests a lawyer or family. She tells Cassidy for once in his life, he should take care of himself…and whispers “and me.” He says OK and kisses her on the forehead.

The next day at SVU, Rollins ask Benson how was the move, and Benson says good, she hasn’t had a roommate since the Academy. She adds she can’t believe how many t-shirts Cassidy has. Rollins suggests that Benson can winnow them down a few at a time, he won’t notice. Lt. Tucker from IAB enters SVU and Rollins asks what he is doing there, and Tucker cracks it is nice to see her too, and asks if Cragen is in. Cragen walks out of his office and addresses Tucker, asking what brings him to SVU. Tucker asks if his office is free and also asks Benson to come in. As she walks into Cragen’s office, she tells Tucker she was just talking about him last night. He says enough of the small talk; he has a problem and he needs their help.

Benson says, “IAB needs SVU’s help? You gotta be kidding me.” Tucker retorts it is not his dream, either. He says he can tell them to look at compstat issues from the 12th, some of the cops are losing complaints. Yesterday a key witness who had been an officer in the precinct, had been forcibly institutionalized and medicated. Benson looks at Tucker with a blank face as Cragen comments about it being at the 12th's request, feeling that was hardball and he looks at Benson. Tucker said the officer was deemed a danger to himself or others. Benson asks what that has to do with them, and he explains that among the stats that saw a drop were sexual assaults. He adds they have investigated a few but their whist blower, whose credibility is now shattered, claims he knows a woman, Tanya Jenkins, who reported a rape to him and it was never entered into the complaint system. He hands Benson a file, and she looks at it and says she is confused, this is a complaint AGAINST Tanya Jenkins for assaulting a cabbie. Tucker replies that there may be more to it than that and he needs them to check it out. Benson is shocked, asking now, noting this was from Christmas and questions how long IAB has been sitting on it. Tucker says he will do his job, she should do hers, and that Jenkins is a possible rape victim and Tucker thought Benson would be sympathetic to that.

Afterwards, still in Cragen’s office, Rollins comments that she hopes Benson told Tucker to shove that file where the sun don’t shine. Cragen tells Rollins that wouldn’t be politic. Amaro asks that some cop is accused of assault because some cop in the cuckoo’s nest in says Jenkins is a rape victim – he thinks IA is setting them up. Cragen admits that is always a possibility, advising them not to put words in the vic’s mouth, just dot their Is and cross their Ts. Benson reminds them they have all heard rumors about the 12th and if somebody is covering up rapes, they need to go down for it. Fin cracks that he does not like this already. Cragen replies that makes 5 of them, and tells Fin and Rollins to go talk to the cabbie and tells Benson and Amaro to talk to the woman and report to him, for reasons that should be obvious; he will middle with Tucker.

Outside the precinct, Amaro questions that Benson thinks Cassidy went to IAB, and she explains that Officer Groves – Tucker’s witness – Cassidy was with him when Groves got tased. When Amaro adds that the next day Tucker comes to SVU and asks what Cassidy said to her about it, Benson says she can’t get hold of him. Amaro asks if Tucker knows they are living together, and Benson shoots him a look and then throws him the car keys, telling him to take 6th, there is less traffic. She gets in the car

At 20th Street and 9th Avenue, Fin and Rollins speak with the cab driver who said Tanya was puking and said she had no money. He threw her out and she started swinging at him and the cops pulled up, who suggested he file assault charges against her. He dropped the charges a week later because she did not say anything and he did not want to go to court. He does not know if she was arrested, he drove off and they dealt with her. He adds if this girl is accusing him of doing something now, she is lying.

Meanwhile, Benson and Amaro speak with Tanya Jenkins who says it was her fault, she had been drinking and she is going to meetings now. Amaro explains she is not a suspect, they want to know what happened to her that night. She replies they can just tell “them” she said nothing happened and it is all cool. She starts walking away as Benson asks to tell who. Tanya says she was confused and she was wrong, she was drunk and got in a fight with the cabbie. She says she has to go. As she leaves, Benson and Amaro discuss what really happened that night and Benson suspects something did happen that night. They wonder that if they were trying to keep stats down they told her that she could be charged with assault, and if she was raped, he is still out there. Amaro notes that West and Quinn were the responding officers that night and asks if there is any chance they will be straight with them.
At the 12th precinct at the office of Lt. Terrence Wood, Benson and Amaro discuss the cabbie’s complaint and if Tanya said anything to the arresting officers. West and Quinn are just about to start so Wood calls them in. West and Quinn explain that Tanya was a mess and West says they weren’t really looking at the cabbie as Tanya was drunk and disorderly. He adds that with binge drinkers, they have a “catch and release” policy, and Wood explains he tells them to make sure the person gets home safe. When Amaro asks that they took her home, Quinn explains Tanya would have been easy prey. Benson comments that the cabbie had her address and wonders if there was a chance he came back. West comments maybe, and who knows, this girl was so wasted she wouldn’t remember anything that happened. Quinn agrees.

Back at SVU in Cragen’s office, Rollins asks if they think the unis buried the rape. Benson replies that something happened to Tanya but she is being pressured to deny it, Amaro adding the officers went out of their way to say Tanya was too drunk to make a credible witness. Benson comments they also wanted them to know they drove her home that night. Cragen asks if there is any chance it was the cabbie, and Fin says none, he tracked his fares. He had an airport run after the cops took Tanya and he sat at JFK until he caught a fare to Westchester. Cragen tells them to check the 911 calls and see how they compare to the precinct logs and see if somebody called in a sexual assault that somehow dropped off.

As they walk out of Cragen’s office, Amaro suggest to Rollins that they check the logs. Benson says she can stay, but Rollins tells her to go home, Amaro adding it may be good to catch up with Cassidy.

Back at the apartment, Benson is still unpacking as Cassidy arrives home, saying it was a bitch of a day at the courthouse. She said she tried calling him and he explains he tried calling her back but they kept missing each other. Cassidy comments that the place looks great. Benson explains Tucker’s visit and that Groves may have been on something about the 12th. She asks if he went to Tucker about it and he says no, but Tucker came to him to work undercover at the 12th. Cassidy said no, because neither he nor Benson trust Tucker. Cassidy asks what Tucker wants with SVU, and Benson explains that two officers from the 12th may have coerced a sexual assault vic into dropping the charges so they are working the case. Cassidy questions that it is OK for her to work IA but not him? Benson gets a message and says she has to go. Cassidy asks now?, and Benson explains Rollins found something on the rape case. She apologizes and says she will be back as she speeds out of the apartment, leaving Cassidy there drinking a beer.

Rollins apologizes for dragging them all back in, and Fin replies says she is not, that is her thing. Rollins explains they checked the 911 calls and there are no assaults but there were a few calls made from pay phones that sounded bogus. A homeless man and a noise complaint were both made from Tanya’s block. Benson asks who responded, and Amaro says it was West and Quinn, and they gave the calls back as unfounded. Cragen comments this puts them on her street, and Rollins adds for pretty much the whole night. Amaro explains that the building next door has a security camera, and they go the video. He plays it and Rollins say the good news is that Quinn and West weren’t lying, they did bring her home. Amaro says the bad news is that they didn’t just drop her off, West went back in, twice. Rollins explains that the video is showing the first time they went up, and then Quinn comes back 15 minutes later and waits in the car, leaving West up there for another half hour. Amaro explains that at 3:30, West and Quinn respond to the first 911 call and West goes up for another hour. At 5:00, the second call from the same pay phone, west goes up for another 40 minutes. Cragen thinks the 911 calls were an excuse for West to go back up and Quinn to cover. Benson adds that Groves, Tucker’s key witness, told him that Tanya reported her rape the next day, and wonder if there is any record of that? Rollins answers yes, the precinct reception has her signing in at 11:41 and signing out at 1:02, no report of who she spoke with. Cragen speculates somebody got her to kill the complaint, and Benson thinks someone scared the daylights out of her. .Fin says this is for IA, they go after cops, but Benson replies “These aren’t cops, they’re rapists.”

Later, in Cragen’s office and with Tucker, they play back one of the 911 calls and Amaro thinks both calls were made by Officer Quinn. Cragen thinks they are looking at more than fixing stats. Fin says these guys are rapists, and Tucker replies possibly, all the tapes prove is official misconduct. Benson said Tanya was assaulted that night, but Tucker reminds her it was 8 months ago and there was no rape kit, she was drunk and is a reluctant and unreliable witness against two decorated cops. Rollins counters Tanya was not reluctant, she was intimidated and they need to find out who at that precinct told her to keep her mouth shut. Benson suggests she talk to Tanya to let her know they are on her side, but Tucker tells her to slow down, if these officers find out they are suspects they will lawyer up. Benson accuses him to tying their hands, but Tucker wants them to get all their ducks in a row before they go hunting. Benson rolls her eyes. As Tucker moves to leave, he asks Benson to walk him out. As they walk down the hall, Tucker comments about her boyfriend, saying even for a mick he’s thick. He says Cassidy is doing court duty in the Bronx but if he goes undercover for him, he’ll get his shield back. He adds that Cassidy is tripping over himself with reasons why he can’t and says there is bad blood between them. Benson emphatically says there is. Tucker asks so what, this is a chance for redemption. Benson scoffs, then asks what does she have to do? Tucker explains he would get Cassidy transferred into the 12th and partner him with West, build trust and get an admission, maybe even catch these guys in the act. Benson adds he has to rat those guys out. Tucker comments about getting the thin blue line crap from Benson, adding that these guys are rapists. He says if it make her feel any better he will put her and Amaro on as backup. Benson looks reluctant but Tucker urges her to talk to Cassidy, asking if she wants him busting his hump in the Bronx courts until he breaks like Groves?

Sometime later, Cassidy is at the 12th being brought in with other rookies and Cassidy tells Lt. Wood he knows he has to earn his way back in and appreciates the chance. Wood pairs Quinn with rookie Kenneth Parker and Cassidy with West. Wood explains to West that Cassidy is trying to earn his way back into the department’s good graces and to afford him every courtesy. West tells Cassidy if he gets busted back to walking the beat at his age, to put in for his 20. Cassidy dry replies, “Nice to meet you too.”

As they leave the precinct, West barks out his rules to Cassidy. West asks about the prostitute that Cassidy and Cragen were banging, was she as hot as she looked? Meanwhile, Benson and Amaro are waiting in a nearby car, hearing every word. Amaro comments to Benson that Cassidy will have a hard time with this guy. Cassidy asks West if he is getting in the middle of anything with his partner, and West says “screw you.” Benson tells Amaro Cassidy will be just fine.

As West and Cassidy drive around, Cassidy asks him if at the 12th they get drunk Wall Street guys and club kids, adding name an asshat, they have it. West adds and douche bags too. Cassidy asks if they get any working girls, and West asks if Cassidy has been busted enough, Cassidy replies he is an old dog but he likes new tricks. West tells him to watch the club girls, they get drunk and the next morning with the walk of shame they get buyer’s remorse.. He pulls up to Tanya who is walking on the street and says “like this one” and beeps his horn. He calls out to her and she says she just wants to get home. He says he is just checking up on her, and asks if she is still going to meetings. She looks uncomfortable and says 6 months, one day at a time. She races off as West says that is good, and he is there if she needs a friend. Meanwhile, in the car, Benson and Amaro hear Cassidy say she seems nice, and if someone did a number on her. West says it is more like she did it to herself. Benson comments to Amaro that first he rapes Tanya and now he says he is looking out for her, saying that is control, intimidation, and is a complete abuse of power. Amaro agrees it is ugly but not enough to make a case.

Later, it is night and Cassidy and West are still driving around. Cassidy asks when things will start picking up around here, and West tells him to take it easy, it is a full moon, and they will get there. Benson and Amaro are still following, and Amaro asks how the new apartment is going. Benson says good, it’s nice having someone to come home too. Amaro says he misses it. Amaro asks about the sessions and if he likes the guy. Benson explains she must have sent over a dozen survivors to him and it turns out she was right. She feels safe there. Amaro says he is her any time she wants to talk about anything, but Benson replies that it is great he has been normal with her and she appreciates that more than he knows. A call comes in for available units to respond to a female drunk and disorderly and West responds turns on the lights and sirens on his squad car.

West and Cassidy arrive on the scene to try to handle a drunk Gretchen, who comes on to Cassidy as he tries to control the situation. Gretchen asks them to drive her home and if they want her to assume the position. West grabs her as she begins to tip over and puts her in the back of the car and Benson and Cassidy hear Cassidy tell West he has a live one.

At the apartment of Gretchen Lyons, West gets her out of the car and tells Cassidy to wait there, if he isn’t down in 20 minutes to spring him with a bogus call.  Benson voices concern to Amaro that they are just going to let this happen, but Amaro thinks it sounded consensual and they obviously have a history. Benson raises her voice and reminds him Gretchen is drunk, but Amaro reminds her so are half the people on the street who are going home to have sex and asks what does she want to do. Another squad car pulls up to Cassidy and it is Quinn and the rookie. Quinn asks if everything is alright and Cassidy explains that West is upstairs assisting a woman in need. Benson and Amaro hear Quinn tell Cassidy he knows not to put this in the memo book, and Cassidy asks what memo book. She answers “right” and maybe they will see him later. Cassidy waits in the car, and Benson worries to Amaro that Gretchen has been up there for 20 minutes and Cassidy should go up. Amaro cautions her that they are testing him. West returns and honks the car home to wake Cassidy, and Cassidy asks if it is his turn. West says next time, his girl Quinny needs backup. Cassidy asks that she doesn’t use the radio, and West cracks that Cassidy is quick, like a real detective. West puts on light and sirens and races off and Benson and Amaro follow.