Law & Order Organized Crime “What Happens In Puglia” Recap, Review, Discussion

“In the nation’s largest city, the vicious and violent members of the underworld 

are hunted by the detectives of the Organized Crime Control Bureau. 

These are their stories. ” 

So begins a new chapter in the Law & Order story, this one involving organized crime. And it brought Elliot Stabler – Chris Meloni – back into the Law & Order universe. His return began in the episode which aired immediately before: Law & Order SVU episode “Return Of The Prodigal Son”.

It’s a new style of Law & Order, one which involves a multi-episode story arc.  Fans who expect a crime to be solved in one episode will have to adjust.  In the normal Law & Order (and its other spin-offs) style,  crimes were solved and criminals brought to trial with lightning speed and, in almost all cases, in one episode.  That won’t work for organized crime. Its multiple members and business connections can mean that solving those crimes and getting to top bosses can be a complex, drawn-out matter.

It’s also a new style of Law & Order as it doesn’t feature the traditional Law & Order sound (the dun-dun, doink-doink, the chung-chung, whatever you choose to call it).    This is not a deal breaker and again, viewers will have to adjust. The opening credits, very slick and glossy with a new version of the usual theme, feature only Meloni’s photo.   This makes some sense as the players connected to the criminal enterprise will likely change over time (if this gets more than one season).  

It’s hard for me to judge a premiere episode of any new series because it can take time to understand all the players.   In the series premiere of  Law & Order Organized Crime “What Happens In Puglia”, we are immediately dropped in to an investigation in progress.   I find myself confused right out of the gate.  Too much happened too fast before I could absorb who everyone was and how they were connected.  People were introduced too quickly with little to no explanation.  I still don’t know who Stabler’s boss was or who were  those other people that appeared in that office.   Throughout the episode, I kept asking myself,  “Who ARE these people?”   It didn’t help that Richard Wheatley’s father had a different last name because Richard decided to take the last name of his first wife Angela, and she was in a relationship before that which produced a child that Richard adopted and…well, you get the idea.  I fully understand the reason that Richard changed his name to agitate his father, but I see that as a totally unnecessary move that only caused confusion in establishing relationships. 

To help sort this out, I thought I’d list the people introduced in this episode.  First – the top-billed characters:

Detective Elliot Stabler (Christopher Meloni) – no explanation needed

Sergeant Ayanna Bell (Danielle Moné Truitt) – Stabler makes a bad impression with her with his behavior at the courthouse holding cells and she ends up leading a task force with Stabler added to her team.

Richard Wheatley (Dylan McDermott) – your standard unhinged, angry, power hungry organized crime guy 

Angela Wheatley (Tamara Taylor) – Richard Wheatley’s first wife, a professor

Jett Slootmaekers (Ainsley Seiger) – the stereotypical quirky computer hacker-type with the appropriate quirky name. 

Others players seen or mentioned in this episode: 

 

Manfredi Sinatra -  Richard Wheatley’s father, also involved in an organization, in a short-lived role (pun intended).  It was obvious he wouldn't be around too long. 

Rafiq “Raffi The Poet”  Wheatley – Angela’s son from a previous relationship, adopted by Richard, already deceased

Richie Wheatley –Richard’s and Angela’s son

Dana Wheatley –Richard’s and Angela’s daughter (mentioned but not seen in this episode)

Pilar Wheatley – Richard’s wife #2?

Ryan Wheatley – Richard’s  son, assume Pilar is his mother but not sure.

I hope I got all that right.  The fact that I had to watch segments of this episode multiple times and STILL not be sure about who is who is a real problem with this episode. 

Besides working the organized crime, we all know Stabler is driven to avenge his wife’s murder.  His task force boss Sgt. Bell reminds him, though, that this is not the focus of the investigation.  I suspect that besides the multi-episode crime story arc, finding Kathy’s killer will be peppered throughout the season.  One thing I hope for is that we don’t have to be subjected to Stabler’s annoying kids any more.  I never cared for the kids when they were involved in SVU episodes and I don’t like the idea of  being distracted by them in this series either. 

Did Stabler make a huge mistake by not wearing gloves when he touched the scene where Manfredi was found killed?  He also touched his body with ungloved hands.  Now his fingerprints and maybe his DNA will be at that scene.   Whose phone did he use to call in that a body was found - was it Manfredi's phone that he found on the scene and what did he do with that phone after he made the call?

I wonder if we will ever learn what Stabler wrote in that letter to Benson.  Benson wanted so badly to reconnect and to discuss it with Stabler. She looked so dejected when she saw he was distracted with what she thought was his work.  It’s  like she had the feeling she was going to be ghosted again.   I felt sorry for her, and for viewers who still want their relationship to go somewhere. 

As far as episode style, I liked the bright, high-contrast looking visuals.  I didn’t like what felt like constant music over many scenes.  This is a problem with a lot of network shows these days. I don’t need the constant music to tell me what’s happening or going to happen.  One day I would love to watch an episode – this one or any SVU or Chicago Fire/PD episode -  with NO music to see how I feel watching it.   My take is that if music is needed to convey what’s going on, the writing isn’t good enough. 

All in all, this was a decent start and I believe this series has possibilities.   Yes, it’s not your father’s Law & Order.  It’s not even your younger sibling’s Law & Order.  Sometimes change can be a good thing.  But I’m not going to lie, I would have preferred  for the original Law & Order to return.  Episodes from that series, which started in 1990,   are  still as relevant and as interesting as they were when the series started.   After this initial episode, I’m not sure if I would feel the same about Law & Order OC 20-30 years later.

Here is the recap:

Stabler loses his cool right away at the courthouse holding cells, when he questions a  man about Sacha Lenski’s death, warning they are all dead men.  This is witnessed by Sergeant Ayanna Bell, so Stabler has already made a bad impression. 

Later, with someone who appears to be his boss, Stabler says he just wanted to see their reaction to Lenski’s death. Stabler is told this isn’t his house any more, but Stabler feels the connection to Lenski is the first concrete evidence to his case.  

Stabler and Benson meet in the park where she gives him the Lenski evidence folder. It includes a burner cell phone found at  Lenski’s apartment.  SVU tech couldn’t crack it but she things Stabler knows someone who can.  Stabler also tells Benson that when he RSVP'd for her award ceremony, they asked him to say a few words, he doesn’t  like public speaking.  He hands Benson an envelope that he was going to give her that evening and tells her to take it and read it – or don’t read it or throw it away, whatever she decides.  Noah is there and he runs up to them and Benson exits.

This leads Stabler and a team to Securico Storage on Brighton Street, registered to Hart LLC, an International Business Corp,   a place that had  been under surveillance. It’s where Rafiq Aaron Wheatley - AKA Raffi The Poet,  operated and where Stabler and a team later  find many stolen and counterfeit certificates and identifications, including one for Stabler himself.  He later hears that similar IDs and certificated has been found in Puglia and were being used to move substandard face masks and PPE across international borders. Organized crime has been making a lot of money  off the pandemic. Stabler wants to meet with Manfredi Sinatra but is directed to Pat Sharkey,  a mob lawyer, locked up at Green Haven and who was on Sinatra's payroll, if Stabler wanted to get a meet with Sinatra.  As Raffi is described as a Black, small time drug dealer, they don’t think the Mafia is involved, but realize the Mafia is not as white as it used to be.  The issue is that Sinatra is a notorious racist, though. Stabler wonders if Raffi has any living relatives.

Later, Stabler is at a lecture, lead by Professor Angela Wheatley, Raffi’s mother.  She states she knows who murdered him and Stabler thinks it was another woman’s son. She wonders why would they put two mothers in pain?  When Stabler explains his wife was just murdered, he manages to get her to talk.  When he explains the IDs she has no idea about it.  She explains Raffi’s father was an addict and she made a choice to get out.  Stabler asks to meet her ex- husband, and she says they were never married and he died in 1997 of an overdose.  He pauses and then asks “How long does it take?” 

Back in his car, Stabler looks at  photos of Kathy. He gets a call back and says he is on his way. 

Later, Stabler meets with Pat Sharkey in Green Haven and tells him to arrange a meet and tell Manfredi “what happened in Puglia didn't stay in Puglia.” 

Stabler and his family attend the graveside services for Kathy. Benson is there. Eli is taking it the hardest.  Afterward, Benson says goodbye to the kids and Stabler thanks her for coming.  She walks off,  Stabler gets a call and tells the kids he has to make a stop and he leaves alone. 

At a different location by the river, someone pats down Stabler and Manfredi Sinatra approaches, asking what he is doing there.  He insists he doesn’t know Stabler. Stabler confronts him on the fake ID and asks about Raffi. They discuss the Puglia issue and Stabler thinks Manfredi was trying to take him out.  Stabler says he took his wife from  him, and Manfredi says he doesn’t make  mistakes like that.   If he wanted him in the dead he’d be the one in the ground right now. 

Meanwhile, Richard Wheatley is at home, talking his security system and wine with his son Richie.  Richie wants to do a startup, Another kid, Ryan,  walks in and knows his wine.  Manfredi arrives and he and Richard discuss Raffi, who Manfredi calls a “low-life.”  Pilar also arrives, makes small talk, and exits. Richard explains that Rafiq was working for him at Contrapos while Manfredi was in prison.  He said it was a legitimate business.  Manfredi says Richard likes to throw it in his face that he is a legitimate businessman, saying he knows what is going on in Puglia.  Richard feigns ignorance. Manfredi says anybody that does business in Puglia comes to him first to ask permission.  Richard scoffs at this.  Manfredi tells Richard that being smart doesn’t make up for him being a meatball, calling him stupid.  Her also mention’s Stabler’s wife being killed  and evidence being found in his warehouse in Raffi’s safe.  Richard tells Manfredi to let himself out. 

Back at headquarters, Stabler hears that the certificates of conformity may have to do with the COVID vaccine.  Stabler explains he didn’t get anything from Manfredi.  His boss says that upstairs is giving the, the task force and tells Stabler he is not in charge of it.  Stabler finds his boss is Sergeant Ayanna Bell – who witnessed his bad behavior at the courthouse. 

They later discuss that first impression and how Stabler threatened a witness essential to her case.  Stabler thinks she is profiling him. She says he doesn’t know a damn thing about being profiled.  She knows he spoke to Angela Wheatley and says she will need to know all about it. He asks if that means he is on her task force and says they will meet at the met tomorrow to talk about it. 

At the Met museum,  Stabler asks why she is taking a chance on him, and Bell explains she has  been looking into Manfredi Sinatra's son for almost two years. He started one of the first online pharmacies back when Sinatra was making his way up as a capo. The company is Contrapos RX.  She adds Sinatra tries to pass off as a respectable businessman, but, he's one of the world's biggest distributors of illegal narcotics.  She just can’t prove it yet.  He also goes by a different name and endowed the exhibit they are in – Richard Wheatley. 

Afterward, Stabler meets Angela and he comments she didn’t tell him she was married. She says “And divorced.”   She didn’t know Richard’s dad was a Mafia don when she married him.  Richard loathes him and Stabler asks if that is why he changed his name.  Angela explains Wheatley is actually her name and he did it because he knew how much it would piss off his father – marry a black woman AND take her last  name.  Richie and Dana chose him and she got Rafiq. While they are talking, Stabler sees suspicious people on a motorcycle and he makes a quick move to protect Angela. Gunfire erupts. They get away and Stabler doesn’t have a clear shot at them. Angela is shaken.

Later, Stabler arrives at the office for the task force and Bell is setting up.  They discuss the drive-by.  He thinks the hit could have been on either of them. He thinks Angela knows more than she is saying.  Bell explains she is after Wheatley but they may get Kathy’s killer but their charge is to bust an international drug cartel that has skated under the radar for two decades. Stabler understands.  He sets up his work area with a photo of Kathy.  Stabler is the only one on the task force and she is vetting others. Stabler suggests the hacker woman Jet Slootmaekers.  When Bell asks him to spell the name, Stabler is distracted by a message on his computer.   It says “9pm. wonder wheel, I know who killed your wife.”  

Later, Stabler is on his way to the wonder wheel.  But Manfredi is also there and he and Richard go up into the wonder wheel.  After a tense talk between both of them in the wheel,  Manfredi makes a lame attempt to apologize for his racism but Richard doesn’t seem to be in a forgiving mood. 

Stabler arrives at the wonder wheel and finds Manfredi in a wheel car, dead from a shot in the head.  Stabler touches him and many surfaces with no protective gloves.  He finds Manfredi's phone,  opens Manfredi’s eyes to use facial recognition to open the phone.  He leaves.

Elsewhere, Richard steps out of his car and walks into his house.  Pilar is there and mentions she thought they were going to Babula, and he explains they are keeping it open for them.  She asks what about this bitch – Angela is there.  He asks Angela if she is alright and she asks what does he think?  She told him she could handle it, he didn’t need to send his goons.  She explains how they opened fire and that it was reckless – he’s still reckless.  It is not so cute anymore.  He says she can’t talk to him like that in his own house, and she states it used to be her house.  She asks where is Florinda, she wants her to make her something. He says that’s why he divorced her.

Meanwhile, Stabler makes a call, trying to muffle his voice (I assume that was Manfredi's phone), to report the body at the wonder wheel.  He arrives at a residence and Benson is there in the lobby.  She calls out to him and he is rattled. He asks what is she doing there and she asks what just happened? He asks what does she mean, and asks if he is okay.  He says he is fine and asks why is she here? She explains she was just out at Hunt’s Point and she read his letter and thought they’d talk about it.   He wants to but can’t right now. He looks wound tight and his phone chimes.  It is Bell.  Benson asks if he is working and he says he has to go.   He takes the call and says he will meet her (Bell) out front in 20. He steps into the elevator and leave Benson standing there, wondering what just happened as we fade to black. 

 

Law & Order SVU “Return Of The Prodigal Son” Recap, Review, Discussion

“You were the most – single most – important person in my life… and you just disappeared.” 

 Olivia Benson, to Elliot Stabler 

Many fans can relate to this line from Benson in the episode Law & Order SVU episode “Return Of The Prodigal Son”. The last time we saw Elliot Stabler was in the Law & Order SVU episode “Smoked” which aired in May of 2011. It’s been a long wait for SVU fans to get a Benson/Stabler reunion, and this much-anticipated reunion didn’t happen the way that Benson OR Stabler planned. When Benson and Stabler first saw each other, I almost heard the collective screaming of the multitude of fans across the country who have been hoping and praying for a reunion for the last decade.

This was an excellent episode that didn’t involve a special victim per se, although Kathy Stabler  was very special to many SVU fans.  I know it’s not nice to speak ill of the dead, but Kathy Stabler was not one of my favorites, nor is the whole Stabler family. Still, seeing a beloved character die simply to advance the storyline of another character is bothersome for many reasons, the obvious being because Kathy was well liked by many.  I’m tired of the overused trope that a male lead character has to have his wife die to give him a compelling story.   But what’s done is done.  If I’d had my way, I would have had Kathy and Elliot divorce a long time ago.   

Despite being one of the most dramatic and heart-wrenching SVU episodes in a long time, the story was not without fault.  I almost hate to criticize it because it was so compelling, but a few things simply did not fit for me.  The most glaring issue is that Benson and the SVU should not have been anywhere near this case.  The fact that Benson did have a personal connection should have been a huge red flag and Garland should have known better.  Had Benson not been involved,  Stabler bullying his way into interrogating a suspect would have never occurred.   Benson should  have known better to let him participate, and it didn’t take long before we saw that Stabler hasn’t changed one bit and he was rolling up his sleeves, gearing for a fight.   Even Stabler should have known better by staying out  of interrogation.  His promise to behave was laughable.  But without smart people making dumb choices, we wouldn’t have much of an episode.

Benson  stated that the cameras are always on in interrogation, so  why is  it that we’ve never seen them watch or use any of this video?  If my memory serves me correctly, we only saw them record an interrogation once, and that was sometime during the Nick Amaro days. 

Benson told Stabler  that he was the single most important person in her life, and he just disappeared.  While I understand how people can leave a job and seemingly drop off the face of the earth, it does take two to tango.   Did Benson make any attempts to contact him and ask why he left without telling her?  Did she ever try to connect with Kathy Stabler during those years?  I recall seeing a deleted scene sometime after the first episode without Stabler where Benson got a  note or card from him – I may have that clip somewhere – but we never saw Benson make any attempt to reach out to him.  My recollection may be faulty though, there’s been about 10 seasons worth of episodes between that time and maybe there has been a reference to her reaching out.  But based on what Benson said, I doubt she did.  

Garland makes a comment that Stabler was Benson’s first partner. According to the Law & Order SVU episode “Rape Interrupted”, her first partner (and mentor) when she worked at the five-five precinct was Patrick Griffin. He may have meant her first partner as a detective, but it’s not like Benson didn’t work with a partner before Stabler.

In a conversation in Benson’s office, Rollins discussed Benson’s friendship with Kathy and explains they got close over time, and her saying it’s “kind of like us.”  I feel like they’re exaggerating the friendship thing a bit with that statement.   Rollins adds that  Nick (Amaro) always felt the brunt of trying to fill Stabler's shoes.  I felt that was more of a reflection of how Danny Pino took the brunt of replacing Meloni, although I can see that statement fitting for both scenarios. 

Stabler mentioned that visiting Kathy in the hospital was hard with COVID, and that they were only allowed one family member in the room at a time.  Yet they allowed Benson and Stabler to be in Kathy’s room at the same time, and neither of them were masked.  A  mixed message there. 

Still, despite my criticisms, it’s a wonderful thing having Chris Meloni back in the Law & Order universe.  The pairing of Benson and Stabler is one of the greatest in the history of television.  It’s that chemistry between characters that every series hopes for but rarely gets.  Even though we won’t see Benson and Stabler every week like we used to in the glory days of SVU, it made me feel like somehow the universe is back in sync.  

Here is the recap: 

Benson  is racing to the scene of a 10-13 and it’s a car bomb.  This was supposed to be her special night of getting an award, and little did she know that Stabler and his wife Kathy were on their way to that event.   Instead, Benson discovers the bombing victim is Kathy Stabler, and she hears Elliot call out her name.   In shock, she whispers “Elliot. Oh my god” and races to him. They are both stunned but for different reasons: Benson at the shock of seeing him after 10 years, and Stabler, in shock because he believes someone tried to kill his wife.   Too bad Kathy Stabler had to die to make it happen. 

At the hospital, Benson is having flashbacks of the last time she saw Kathy in an ambulance and wonders what happened now.  Fin explains Rollins is at the scene, and Fin states Rollins found it was a rental car and Kathy got in. The bomb may have misfired and threw her clear.  He adds that Stabler and his family were living in Italy and that Stabler had to come in for a task force meeting and he and Kathy decided to make it a trip.  Fin states that Stabler called him out of nowhere and Fin may have mentioned Benson’s award as he though enough time had gone down between them. The task force is and NYPD and Stabler is the international liaison in Rome.  Stabler  approaches and says they are still working on Kathy and she has burns,  a concussion, and a fractured pelvis.  Fin wants to get back to the scene, and Stabler commiserates that Kathy  should not have even been driving – he stepped away and gave her the keys. She worried they were going to be late for Benson’s award.  He apologizes that he meant to give her a call and she shakes it off, saying it’s okay, and reassures Stabler that Kathy is a fighter.   Two of Stabler’s kids, Dickie and Kathleen,  approach and Stabler moves to take them to see Kathy. Kathleen in surprised  see Benson, who says she is just here to help.

Back at SVU, Kat brings Benson up to speed on what little information they have.  There was a curfew protest just south on Centre Street which seemed to target police in an area just two blocks away from the car bomb.  About a dozen were arrested. Deputy Chief Garland approaches and Benson explains her relationship with the victim and Stabler’s new role.  Benson mentions the riot and that it was not an NYPD vehicle but a rental.   As she is close to the family, she asks to take the lead, and he says he will put in a call to One PP, adding that Benson will be running the investigation, not Stabler. 

Fin and Rollins are on the scene and Rollins explains the blast threw Kathy up and out before the fireball.  There was an NYPD placard in the windshield. Fin gets a call and hears that intelligence picked up a guy who threw a molotov cocktail into an empty NYPD van three blocks out and they are bringing him in. 

In SVU interrogation,  Fin and Rollins question Jacob Peters who claims he is being set up.  Benson, observing with Carisi and Kat, explains that Jacob is unemployed with 5 arrests in the past year, all for protests, and arson, vandalism, brandishing a gun, and punching reporters.  Kat says his Google search shows he has been going down a rabbit hole of conspiracy videos for years.  He has not lawyered up.  He’s been identified as an instigator and they found explosives, zip ties, and a taser in his backpack.  Stabler arrives and has heard about the suspect.   He listens to some of the questioning.  When Kat gives more information Stabler asks Kat who she is and the introductions with her and Carisi are made.  As they continue to discuss the suspect, Benson  tells Stabler about the NYPD placard on his windshield.  They continue to listen and Jacob denies doing it but they find he was a half block away.  Stabler wants to question him and Carisi throws in his 2 cents, saying Stabler should even be there. Stabler snarks with “said the lawyer to the cop.”  He continues to press, saying he’s worked with terrorists over the last years.   He promises to behave. 

Benson and Stabler enter the room and Fin and Rollins exit.   As they continue to question Jacob, it’s not long before Jacob begins to antagonize Stabler and Stabler begins to get agitated. He rolls up his sleeves and things escalate. Benson shouts to end it but Jacob continues to agitate and Stabler angrily makes a move for Jacob. Benson quickly physically intervenes and tells him to get out now – more than once. 

Later, outside, Benson tells Stabler she should have never let him in that room and that Jacob knew he was baiting Stabler and he has been long gone…Stabler doesn’t want to hear that they don’t do it that way anymore.  She said being a victim’s spouse in interrogation would have made anything they got thrown out.  She reminds him the cameras are always on in interrogation.   He asks if she is going to write him up a rip. When she begins to answer, Dickie comes through a door and asks him does he answer his phone?  Dickie informs him Kathy is awake. 

As Stabler has gone to be with Kathy, Benson returns to her office and tells Fin and Carisi that Kathy is conscious.  Carisi says if she makes a statement another detective has to be in that room. Fin says Stabler won’t blow the case and is a good cop. But Carisi says despite their history, Stabler can’t be near this.  Jacob is blaming Antifa for throwing the Molotov cocktail;  when Benson says that it wasn’t that, Carisi says Jacob doesn’t know that.  Carisi thinks he’s good for the first two, but not Kathy.

At Mercy Hospital, 365 West 32nd Street on Saturday, March 6,  Stabler and Benson speak with Kathy.  Kathy apologizes for ruining Benson’s big award ceremony but Benson thinks she did her a favor, she hates making speeches.  Sadly, Kathy doesn’t recall anything, just that it was dark and Stabler was on the phone.  She adds it is like the old days, the two of them together, always so in sync.  She asks that they really didn’t talk for 10 years, and Benson says she didn’t even know he was back on the job.  She said that’s what Elliot told her but she didn’t believe him, Benson says it is true.  Kathy says she is so tired and Benson exits the room. 

Afterward, Stabler tells Benson that Kathy is asleep.  In the waiting area,  he admits he put Benson in a bad situation at the station and know it’s not the way it was back in the day. It’s her house now. He says he is sorry but she says they don’t have to do this. He looks at her and she asks if he wants to do it now, and then she asks if he is sorry for leaving or for walking and not giving her the courtesy of telling her. He replies both. He thought if he talked to her about…she adds about how he walked away, because that’s what he did, saying she had to find out from Cragen.  She says, “You were the most – single most – important person in my life…” he says, “Olivia” but she goes on, saying, “and you just disappeared.”   He knows this, saying he was afraid if he heard her voice he would not be able to leave.  Benson gets a message and says she has to go, it’s her Chief and he needs he back at the station.  She looks around for the exit and walk  off. 

At Garland’s office, they look at the Stabler video in interrogation and discuss his aggressive behavior and his record.   He should not have been in the precinct and Benson admits that is on her.  He asks why he resigned, saying there was no official reason. Benson explains the shooting in the squad room. She  thinks he didn’t want to go through all the hoops.  She says they never spoke after he left.  She admits he got too rough in the day but it was because he cared so much.  Garland adds it was because he was her first partner and she was his junior when there weren’t many female detectives.  She is not making excuses for him or apologizing for him but she thinks he has changed.  But Garland hopes so but has doubts because Stabler got back on the force. Garland says they can agree to disagree about his evolution but that Stabler’s behavior can’t happen in one of his captain’s squad rooms.  Benson understands. 

At the CSU Garage in Chelsea on Saturday, March 6,  Fin and Kat find that there is some evidence and that it appears to be a sophisticated device, maybe terrorist related.  Kat asks about Stabler, mentioning that the unis say the way Stabler treated Jacob was not a one off.  Fin replies that was then and Stabler knows things have changed. Kat questions have they?  Fin gets a message and that Benson is with Garland and not of the old boys will even tell them why Stabler is in New York. 

At Calle Dao at 148 West 31st Street on Saturday, March 6,  Fin and Stabler re-connect. Stabler explains after SVU he did a walk-about for a few years then private security overseas.  Rome came out of a terrorism task force he was working on, a liaison job opened up four years ago.  He is here for a conference and a few training sessions and testify at a trial about 2 guys involved in extortion and money laundering who were hiding out in Puglia. He picked them up six months ago and they are minor players. Fin says that arson said the bomb looks more international than domestic, and Stabler was worried about that and he needs to give his supervisor in Intel a heads up.  He states half these cases he can’t talk about. Fin asks about Kathy and Stabler says she is hanging in there.  He explains Kathy insisted they go to Benson’s ceremony and Fin says Benson didn’t know and he thought Stabler was going to call her.  He knows he told Fin but he felt that so much time had passed he could not reach out to them both.  Fin brings Stabler up to speed, saying Benson moved on – it took her a minute but she moved on.  He mentions she has a son and a couple relationship and one was pretty solid.  Stabler says good for her and asks who’s the guy? Fin laughs and says Stabler has to ask Benson that. 

Stabler is back at the hospital (with Fin) where Benson has been waiting. She says the lab found DNA on the cell phone and there are no matches so they are checking for close kin DNA. As they discuss the DNA, alarms go off in Kathy’s room and she codes. 

Later, still at the hospital, Fin ends a call with saying “you too” and Benson chides him for not saying “I love you’ back to Phoebe.  He explains her ex husband was a cop and she knows the drill. Stabler approaches and explains Kathy experienced cardiac arrest and is now stable but they are trying to figure out what caused it.   Benson hates to ask for it be she wants his case files and he will ask Intel to send  it to her. 

At SVU, Benson ends a call, thanking the caller for whatever they can give to her and they will keep each other in the loop. She tells Rollins  and Kat that Stabler has  been working anti-terrorism, international sex trafficking and organized crime. Rollins says that doesn’t really narrow it down.  Rollins explains the cell trigger is common in the Middle East, the Mediterranean and North Africa.  Benson tells Kat to make a call to threat assessment and see if there are any groups or individuals targeted by NYPD overseas and see if they have a presence here. As Kat walks off, Rollins closes the door and asks if Benson thinks Stabler was the target and Benson says it looks like it. Rollins asks if Benson is okay and Benson says she has been better,  Benson explains her friendship with Kathy and explains they got close over time, and Rollins says “kind of like us.”  They discuss Stabler and Benson says he had a big presence in the squad room. Rollins says that  Nick (Amaro) always felt the brunt of trying to fill his shoes.  She says he said Benson  had a “complicated” relationship with Stabler.  Benson smiles and said they did but back then, nobody looked out for her the way he did.  Kat barges in, saying they got a break: the lab found a familial match on the DNA on the cell phone trigger. 

At Green Haven Correctional Facility in Stormville  New York  on Sunday, March 7,  Fin and Carisi speak with Yuri Lenski about any relatives of his that went into his “line of work.”  He knows about Kathy being blown up. They try to encourage him to help to help himself cut short his time, but Yuri doesn’t bite, saying he doesn’t turn on family.   

On the drive back, Carisi and Fin update Benson on the phone and Fin mentions Yuri has wife and mistresses visiting him. Benson says they can’t be getting much money while he is there  and will have Kat and Rollins follow up, thinking one of those women wants him home.

At Derasi Auto Body at 33-43 126th Place in Willets Point, Queens on Sunday, March 7,   Kat mentions to Rollins that Benson was right, Lenski’s second mistress gave up Sacha Lenski, 26, no record, and he has no record but has been playing with matches since he was 5. He was supposed to blow up the neighbor’s boat for insurance and instead burned both houses down.  They enter the body shop and get resistance and when Sacha hears his name he tries to flee. But Kat manages to catch up with him and tackle him, taking him to the ground.  Kat and Rollins get him retrained as he claims he didn’t do it. 

Later, out walking together, Benson shows Stabler the photo of Sacha and he means nothing to Stabler.  He has no record and no connections, doing odd jobs, doing auto body work.  It is likely it is his DNA but hasn’t lawyered up.  Stabler suggests they check the Iron Triangle – the Russian mob, the Italian mob, and Albanian. Benson adds he did live in Malta for three years as a teenager and wonders if the question isn’t who paid him but why.  Benson questions Stabler that aside from the defendants he is testifying against, who knows he is here?  Stabler says the joint task force, his boss at Intel, and his kids.   She asks if there is any way they would post it on the internet or social media, and Stabler says their accounts are locked and he told them not to.  Stabler asks for 5 minutes with Lenski and Benson asks if he hears himself, saying not a change and said she told Garland she is not letting him back in that room. He asks when was the last time Garland put cuffs on anybody. She deflects and asks how is Kathy?  He says that was a good left turn, then replies she is fighting, like Benson said.   The doctors say what they always say, they have a new machine and they are going to do a CT scan  on her spleen. The kids are scared. It’s their mom.  He adds that visiting is hard with COVID, you’re only allowed one family member in the room at a time. Benson states that’s why he needs to be here with Kathy.  Benson comments she has to get back, and she walks off. 

Meanwhile, Sacha is in SVU interrogation with Fin and Rollins who press him on the phone evidence which was used as a trigger. Sacha claims he lost it but Rollins isn’t buying it and he continues to make excuses.  They continue to press him.  Benson and Carisi are observing and listening, and when Carisi asks how long they have been shadow boxing with Sacha, Benson replies all night.  Carisi tells her to keep him talking, Sacha thinks he is brighter than he is.  Kat walks in and states she made some calls and it turns out Sacha is not connected but is a wanna be. The Iron Triangle garage has been linked to VIN switches on stolen cars and insurance fraud. Carisi calls it penny ante, thinking that is a big step up to a hit on a cop’s wife.  Benson thinks it is more likely that Stabler was the target.  Carisi thinks that Sacha may have been set up, and when Benson thinks he is still their guy, Carisi adds even if he is, maybe he didn’t realize it was hit on a cop. He wonder who knows what they told him, and Kat wonders if they told  him it was an arson job. Carisi thinks he should be arraigned, and when Benson is concerned he will lawyer up, Carisi says this is what he is hoping for.  If he’s a patsy and looking at 25 years…Benson finishes that the lawyer will get Sacha to cooperate. 

At Arraignment Court part 42 on Monday, March 8,  Sacha’s lawyer pleads for the wrong case, clearly clueless.  He says he just got this.  Carisi asks for a 10 minute recess to get Mr. Cryer up to speed, and the judge gives him 5. 

Carisi meets with Cryer to scare Sacha into cutting a deal, but a new attorney – Spencer Cochrane - arrives and tells Sacha not to say another word. Sacha’s family retained him. 

Later, Benson complains about this to Carisi and the detectives.  Carisi states Sacha is on his way to Rikers; he pleaded not guilty and the bail was set at 10 million. Protective custody has been arraigned.  Benson gets a call from Stabler and hears bad news (Kathy has died). 

Benson arrives at the hospital where Stabler is there.  She says she is so sorry and they embrace as Stabler cries. 

Stabler later explains Kathy’s spleen ruptured. They took her into surgery but it was too late.  He did not get to say goodbye.  Benson whispers she is so sorry. He doesn’t get it – they were so happy. Benson asks where are the kids, and he says he has to call. He says Eli is in Rome and when Benson offers to call the other kids, he says he will do that.  He asks that she make sure this son of a bitch goes down for murder. 

Fin enters Carisi’s office and gives him the bad news.  Carisi will now arraign Sacha for murder but Fin tells him not to get his hopes up  as whoever is paying for his lawyer won’t take a deal.  Carisi thinks Sacha needs to figure that out.  Fin leans in and suggests they just pull him out of Rikers. Carisi thinks that is a good idea. 

Fin and Kat are at Rikers and walk toward where Sacha is being held. When the guard opens the cell, they find Sacha dead with a needle in his arm.  Fin asks who has been in his cell and the guard says nobody, he swears.

Back at SVU, Fin, with Carisi,  has broken the news to Benson, saying it was made to look like an overdose. She asks if there is any way he could have done this to himself, and Carisi replies they all know what this is.  She says they do, telling them to find out who got to him. 

Meanwhile, Stabler  is in the chapel.  Carisi and Fin speak with Yuri and explain what happen to Sacha.  Yuri looks concerned.  Carisi reminds him that others have seen the DA’s office there to see him twice and he is on borrowed time. 

Elsewhere, Fin and Kat and other officers are at the auto body shop, looking at every VIN number for every car and part there. 

Benson is with Garland, and she insists she can be objective on the case and Stabler knows not to go anywhere near this. But Garland informs her SVU has been called off the case.  Benson objects, but he says Intelligence has taken over, and to bring them up to speed.  Benson argues this is their case, but Garland counters not as of now,  she needs to stand down. 

While Stabler prays in the chapel, Kathleen and Dickie arrive and they console each other.  Benson enters and sees this and Stabler sees her and continues to cry as we fade to black. 

Note – part 2 of this story continues with the premiere of Law & Order Organized Crime “What Happens In Puglia”

Law & Order Organized Crime “What Happens In Puglia” Photos

 Here are advance photos for the series premiere of Law & Order Organized Crime “What Happens In Puglia” which will air on Thursday, April 1, 2021 at 10PM ET on NBC. The photos feature Christopher Meloni as Detective Elliot Stabler, Danielle Moné Truitt as Sergeant Ayanna Bell, Dylan McDermott as Richard Wheatley, Nick Creegan as Richard "Richie" Wheatley Jr., and Mariska Hargitay. 

 Also included is an official cast photo for Chris Meloni. 

Added April 2, 2021

All  Photos by: Virginia Sherwood/NBC 2021 NBCUniversal Media, LLC

Law & Order Organized Crime “What Happens In Puglia” Episode Information

Here are the details for the second half of the Law & Order SVU and Law & Order Organized Crime crossover event airing on April 1, 2021 at 10 PM ET on NBC. 

Law & Order: Organized Crime “What Happens In Puglia” Air Date April 1,  2021 (10 PM ET/8C Thursday NBC)

SERIES PREMIERE -- Christopher Meloni stars as Elliot Stabler, who returns to the NYPD to take on the city’s most powerful organized crime syndicates and rebuild his life in the wake of a devastating personal loss. Dylan McDermott, Danielle Moné Truitt, Tamara Taylor and Ainsley Seiger also star. Mariska Hargitay guest stars.