Law & Order SVU “Producer’s Backend” Preview Clips

Here are preview clips for from Law & Order SVU “Producer’s Backend” which will air on Wednesday, October 8, 2014 at 9 PM ET on NBC. The clips feature Mariska Hargitay, Kelli Giddish, Ron Rifkin, and Stevie Lynn Jones. These preview clips may have a limited life so catch them while you can!

My recap and review of Law & Order SVU “Producer’s Backend” can be found at this link.





New clip added October 3, 2014

Law & Order SVU preview clip 1604 by tvwatchr

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

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

Law & Order SVU “American Disgrace” Recap & Review

Real-life news stories are gifts that keep on giving to Law & Order SVU. In “American Disgrace,” the story draws from the May 2014 news story of Solange Knowles and her elevator fight with her brother-in-law, Jay Z. It also used the April 2014 news story of an audio recording of Donald Sterling, owner of the LA Clippers, making racist comments.  (The writers may be saving the Ray Rice domestic violence elevator story and the ensuing NFL handling of that incident for a later time. After all, only so much can happen in a short elevator ride. And why load in yet another good stand-alone ripped from the headlines story into an episode that already used two?)

In this episode, star basketball player, Shakir “The Shark” Wilkins (Henry Simmons), and his partnership with the Orion Bay corporation for a clothing line, is derailed by a very public rape accusation by a female press rep. An elevator scene depicting security camera footage has no audible dialog, and viewers can only guess what’s being said. (I found this scene slightly amusing, probably because it was so blatantly lifted from the Solange/Jay-Z altercation.) Clearly something has happened which sets off the female press rep, and when the elevator opens to a gang of waiting reporters, we hear her making a rape accusation against Shakir. The SVU team gets involved, and later find themselves sucked into a set-up perpetrated by Orion Bay’s owner, Orion Bauer, a bitter, racist man. Stacy Keach was excellent as Bauer, playing a borderline feeble old man and the scheming, manipulative racist.

In a twist, it’s the accused sports star who is the real victim, the rape accusations being orchestrated by Orion because his daughter Cordelia (Teri Polo) had a fling with Shakir and was pregnant with his child. It’s Orion’s own racism which eventually causes the set-up to be exposed; he paid one of the rape accusers – a black store clerk – less than he paid the others two accusers, who were white. The greedy  store clerk, upset over the inequity,  inadvertently spills the beans.  As Barba’s case unravels, the full extent of the set-up is exposed.  It's too late for Shakir, whose reputation has been destroyed, and for Cordelia, whose pregnancy is no more.

During the initial stage of the investigation, Benson cautions the detectives about their biases, telling them she does not want to hear that a woman lied and Shakir is a hero and he never could have done such a thing. In this case, it’s Benson who is biased, favoring the approach of the women being victims, causing a wrongly accused man to have his life ruined.   I also find it hard to believe that the Manhattan justice system can move so fast that Shakir would be in supreme court – with a fully seated jury no less – within a few days from the start of the investigation. Maybe if the detectives and prosecution spent more time investigating this case, and the defense doing the same, the credibility of the witnesses would have been flushed our sooner.

I’m also liking Sonny (Peter Scanavino) even more. He’s unafraid to say what’s on his mind and gives unfiltered opinions. Benson could be discounting his opinions because he is so forward.  Maybe after this case, where his instincts seemed right on the money, she will pay attention to his input.

This case also gave Rollins an excuse to visit her former precinct in Atlanta where it appears she had some issue with the deputy chief, indicated by the fact that the deputy chief made himself scarce during her visit. Also in this episode, Rollins tells one of the girls who claimed rape that, from personal experience, pretending something didn’t happen doesn’t make it go away. We can only guess from this comment that something happened in Atlanta which may have had a lasting effect on her.  My guess is this scene was a set up for a personal Rollins story line in some later episode.

The writers built a solid, yet somewhat predictable, story around real life events. At times, with the focus on Bauer's motives for the set up and the ending scene with Shakir and Cordelia,  "American Disgrace" felt like a Law & Order Criminal Intent episode.

Amaro was missing in this episode but the extra Barba time, and his expensive suits, made up for it.

Are there any lessons to be learned from this episode? First: cameras and recording devices are everywhere, and there is no such thing as a private moment – anywhere - so watch what you say. And don't always take what you see on security cameras at face value.   Second: before you accuse your staff of being biased, be mindful of your own biases. Third: take more than a few days before you prosecute your case in supreme court.

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:
Peter Scanavino - Detective Dominick “Sonny” Carisi Jr.
Stacy Keach - Orion Bauer
Teri Polo – Cordelia
Henry Simmons - Shakir “The Shark” Wilkins
Elizabeth Marvel – Counselor Rita Calhoun
Kelley Missal - Carla Cannon
Lakisha May – Tiana Raynes
Patricia Noonan - Macie-Lynn Pearce
Myk Watford - Captain Sam Reynolds
Sandy Duncan - Judge Virginia Farrell
Al Trautwig – as Himself


At Orion Bay corporation, a press conference lead by Orion Bauer and his daughter Cordelia, is held to announce Shakir “The Shark” Wilkins new clothing line, “Sharkwear MVP” and that Shakir’s contract has been renewed.

Meanwhile, Rollins and Fin watch the event on TV in a bar and Rollins comments she never lost a dollar bet on Shakir.

After the press conference, Cordelia is on the phone, asking where is it? Bauer asks what is going on, and Cordelia says Shakir’s driver has gone AWOL. Bauer tells her to Uber it and looks at Carla and says she can go in. Carla asks if someone else can do that. He asks her if there is a problem. Cordelia calls over to Shakir and says Carla will get him out of there. They all move to the elevator as the reporters continue to snap photos.

In the elevator, from the vantage point of the security camera, Shakir, Cordelia, Orion Bauer and a bodyguard are in the elevator as Carla walks in. While Cordelia moves toward her father to show him something, Shakir moves over to Carla and touches her arm. She looks shocked and pulls away, and he backs off. Then she lunges at him and starts to hit him, the bodyguard moving in to restrain her while Bauer and Cordelia watch on in shock. Cordelia moves in to intervene. The elevator opens, with reporters standing outside, their cameras filming as Carla is pulled out of the elevator by the bodyguard. As Carla kicks and fights being restrained, she yells for them to get off of her, they can’t shut her up and she is not their “thot” they can’t just make this go away. She says he know what he did. Bauer yells that is enough, and Carla continues to scream that his life can go on, more money, more fame, no responsibilities? Cordelia tells to get Carla out of here. Shakir asks what the hell is she talking about as Cordelia moves him off and tells her father to go. Reporters continue to record the event.

Back at SVU, the whole squad is watching the video of the altercation as Benson walks in and asks what is going on? The group breaks up and Sonny says there is breaking news at Orion Bay and asks if she knows Shakir Wilkins. Benson comments he is America’s hero, and Sonny states, “Not anymore.” He shows her the video of Carla being taken away, shouting at the cameras that he is not a role model, he is a rapist, and that he raped her. Benson asks when did this happen, and Sonny explains it was a half hour ago, and asks if she wants him to talk to this girl. Benson asks where is Fin and Rollins, and he explains they are at a working lunch. Benson asks him to tell them to get them back in there. Sonny picks up the phone to call them.

Later, at SVU in the interview room, Benson and Rollins speak with Carla who is reluctant to talk about the situation. She explained the rape happened on Memorial Day – 3 months ago. She explains it was the summer kick off in the Hamptons and she drove Shakir back to the city and he invited her to his hotel. The last thing she recalls is having one drink with him at the hotel bar and woke up in his room, in his bed, naked and sore. She did not go to the hospital or a doctor. She confronted him today as there was a problem with his car and she was told to get Shakir back to his hotel and it triggered her. She is worried she is going to lose her job and when Benson asks her to explains, Carla says Shakir is the face of Orion Bay and it is like peeing on Mt, Rushmore. She said Mr. Bauer said it back then that nothing good can come from this. When Benson presses on this comment, Carla admits she told Bauer about the rape, who suggested she was confused or that her feelings were hurt because Shakir didn’t sent flowers. He said if she kept the conversation between them, he would recommend a bonus any time her name came up. Rollins asks if she can prove that, and Carla says last week she got $5,000.

Later, at Orion Bay Headquarters on Tuesday, August 19, Rollins and Fin discuss the matter with Orion Bauer and his daughter Cordelia. Rollins thinks he is just protecting his interests. Rollins would prefer to speak to Bauer alone, but he informs them Cordelia is also his attorney. They ask about the money paid to Carla and Bauer says they are family and they take care of each other. When she came to him, she said she did not remember all the details . She is a good kid and maybe she got drunk and he didn’t want any hard feelings. Fin states the problem is it looks like Bauer is covering up a rape. Cordelia portrays Carla as being unstable and wonders why she did not report it to the police. Fin replies that she has now. Bauer states Shakir is like a son to him and he would not do something like this. He suggests he talk to him but Rollins cautions him not to, saying it is an official police investigation and any conversation could look like conspiracy.

Later, Shakir is playing basketball with some kids for his summer youth program and Fin and Rollins question him. He thinks Carla has emotional problems and does not want to press charges, but they inform him it is about her accusation of rape. He says she has emotional problems and hope she gets the help she needs. He has only known her about a year. Rollins asks about Memorial day and going back to the hotel, and Shakir says his town car overheated and she drove him back to the city. They had a drink at the bar and a bite to eat and she left. Rollins explains the rape accusation and Shakir says that did not happen and thinks this is a shakedown. He is going through a divorce now and there is a custody battle and she knows about it He feels badly for her and is trying not to overreact but if anyone was assaulted it was him, in that elevator. Rollins asks if he will press charges, and Shakir decides to talk to his lawyer and says he needs to get back to the kids. Fin asks how long he will be in town, and Shakir says just for the week. Rollins says if he leaves, he needs to tell them where he is going.

Back at SVU, the detective watch the elevator footage and Benson wonders what set off Carla. Sonny is suspicious, staying she waited 3 months until all the hotel video was erased and she had a lobby full of press. Fin thinks she put on a show for the security cameras and Shakir thinks it is a shakedown. Benson says she does not want to hear that a woman lied and Shakir is a hero and he never could have done such a thing, adding this is SVU and they take disclosures seriously. Rollins replies copy that but adds for what it is worth, Shakir has been a public figure for 20 years and there has never been a whisper about anything like this. Sonny adds this girl can’t remember any details, and Fin agrees. Benson reminds them they’ve had cases where athletes have drugged women, and when she sees Rollins distracted by her phone, she asks Rollins if she is with us. Rollins explains she has a message from her old captain in Atlanta; a girl down there claims that Shakir did the same thing to her,. After seeing him on the news. Sonny comments that they are piling on now. Benson tells her to go down and talk to the girl and not to let her hero worship blind her. Rollins says “will do” and then adds she may check on her mom while she is down there.

At the Atlanta Police Department, Precinct Zone 8 at 205 Spring Street NW in Atlanta GA on Wednesday, August 20, Captain Sam Reynolds asks Rollins if she is going to see her mom. She says no, then asks him to tell her about the victim. He is not sure she is one, she claims Shakir raped her 6 months ago and there was no outcry and no physical evidence. They are not pursuing. Rollins asked why he called her, and he thought she may wanted to know and maybe he just wanted an excuse. She asks if he is separated again, and he says this time it is for good. His little girl is in college and asks her if she is up for a beer later. She asks for a rain check and explains she has to catch the 5 o’clock back to New York. She adds they work her hard up there. He suggests next time. She asks if the deputy chief is in, and he explains she just missed him, he said he knew she was coming and he extends his regards.

Rollins speaks with Macie-Lynn who says she was Shakir’s stylist on a shoot. She was thrilled to meet him at first. He invited her to his hotel and they had some wine. The next thing she remembers she was in his bed, naked. She says he raped her like the other girl said./ She didn’t tell anyone, it is a small town and people talk. She called Mr. Bauer and he told her the same thing the captain said = no good can come from making a complaint. Rollins asks if Bauer offered any other help, and she says he didn’t want any hard feeling so if she let it go, he would see that he got a bonus. She supports her family and her daddy lost his job and she needed the money.

Law & Order SVU “Producer’s Backend” Promo

Here is the promo for Law & Order SVU “Producer’s Backend” which will air on Wednesday, October 8, 2014 at 9 PM ET on NBC.


My recap and review of Law & Order SVU “Producer’s Backend” 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 “Producer’s Backend” Advance Photos

Here are advance photos for Law & Order SVU “Producer’s Backend” which will air on Wednesday, October 8, 2014 at 9 PM ET on NBC. The photos feature Mariska Hargitay, Danny Pino, Kelli Giddish, Raúl Esparza, Peter Scanavino, Hoda Kotb (as herself), Dana Wheeler-Nicholson (as Donna Evans), Ron Rifkin (as Marvin Exley), and Stevie Lynn Jones (as Tensley Evans).


My recap and review of Law & Order SVU “Producer’s Backend” can be found at this link.

Photos by: Barbara Nitke/NBC & Will Hart/NBC

2014 NBCUniversal Media, LLC

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

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

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

‘CHICAGO FIRE,’ ‘CHICAGO P.D.’ AND ‘LAW & ORDER: SVU’ STORIES CONVERGE WITH THREE-PART CROSSOVER TO AIR NOV. 11-12 (Press Release)

Press Release
September 29, 2014

‘CHICAGO FIRE,’ ‘CHICAGO P.D.’ AND ‘LAW & ORDER: SVU’ STORIES CONVERGE WITH THREE-PART CROSSOVER TO AIR NOV. 11-12

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. — September 29, 2014 — Dick Wolf’s Universal Television/NBC series “Chicago Fire,” “Chicago P.D.” and “Law & Order: SVU” will be united during a major three-part crossover airing Nov. 11-12.

The three series will share a storyline about a child pornography ring that stretches from Chicago to New York and will arc over three episodes, beginning with “Chicago Fire” (Tuesday, Nov. 11, 10 p.m. ET/PT) and continuing on “Law & Order: SVU” and “Chicago P.D.” (Wednesday, Nov. 12, 9 and 10 p.m., respectively).

“Warren Leight (“SVU” showrunner) and Matt Olmstead (“Chicago Fire”/“Chicago P.D.” showrunner) are two of the best writers in the business. We wanted to figure out a way to create a crime that connects all three shows. Warren, Matt and I came up with a story that was big and unique enough to transit to all three,” Wolf explained.

Each of the three shows opened their seasons to strong ratings, with “Chicago Fire” averaging a 2.6 rating, 8 share in adults 18-49 and 9.1 million viewers overall Tuesday, Sept. 23 to match its second-highest rating ever in 18-49 and deliver its #2 total-viewer result to date. “Law & Order: SVU” debuted Wednesday, Sept. 24 with a 2.2/6 in 18-49 and 10.1 million viewers overall, making it the show’s most-watched season premiere since 2007. “Chicago P.D.” followed with a 1.9/6 in 18-49 and 8.5 million viewers overall to win the hour among ABC, CBS and NBC in total viewers with the show’s biggest overall audience since its series premiere on Jan. 8.

All three shows are produced by Wolf Films in association with Universal Television. Dick Wolf, Matt Olmstead, Michael Brandt, Derek Haas, Danielle Gelber and Peter Jankowski are executive producers of both “Chicago” series. Dick Wolf, Warren Leight, Julie Martin, Jonathan Starch and Peter Jankowski are executive producers of “Law & Order: SVU.”

 

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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 “American Disgrace” Preview Clips

Here are preview clips for Law & Order SVU “American Disgrace” which will air on Wednesday, October 1, 2014 at 9PM ET on NBC. The previews feature Mariska Hargitay, Kelli Giddish,  Raúl Esparza, Elizabeth Marvel, Teri Polo, Stacy Keach, and Henry Simmons.


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


These previews have a limited life and may be removed at any time, so catch them while you can!


SVU_16002_Clip2_16x9 by tvwatchr



Clip added September 30, 2014


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 “Holden’s Manifesto” Episode Information

Here are the details for a new episode of Law & Order SVU, “Holden’s Manifesto’”


Law & Order SVU “Holden’s Manifesto” Air Date October 15, 2014 (9 PM ET/8C
Wednesday NBC)

A YOUNG MAN LEAVES BEHIND HIS MANIFESTO BEFORE EMBARKING ON A CRIME SPREE

New York City bike messenger Holden March (guest star John Karna) creates a video diary of his troubles with women. Talk soon escalates to action, and the SVU scrambles to find his manifesto before he commits another violent act. When Rollins (Kelli Giddish) and Amaro (Danny Pino) come face to face with Holden, they find out just how dangerous a desperate man can be. Meanwhile, as Benson (Mariska Hargitay) balances the responsibilities of motherhood and career, the new Deputy Chief of SVU (guest star Peter Gallagher) calls her leadership into question. Also starring Ice-T (Detective Odafin Tutuola). Also guest starring Antoinette Lavecchia (Adriana March), Nicole Balsam (Haley Morton), Sarah Clements (Gwen Young), Joe Urla (Thomas Eldridge), and Katie Henney (Jean Asher).

# # #

My recap and review of Law & Order SVU “Holden’s Manifesto” 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 “Girls Disappeared” Recap & Review

Law & Order SVU started season 16 with a story line carried over from the season 15 finale “Spring Awakening” which ended with Benson becoming foster mother to Ellie’s baby, Noah. “Girls Disappeared” begins with Benson making a promise to Noah that she will get his mother’s killer, and we see a brief flashback of events that happened 4 months earlier to refresh the viewers' memories.

Back in the present, Amaro is now working as a traffic cop, and he makes an arrest of a john and his under-age hooker. He soon learns from his former colleagues at SVU that the hooker is a material witness in Ellie Porter’s murder. It was a nice tie-in, bringing both the SVU squad and Amaro  together to  work the case to get Ellie’s killer plus and take down an operation of the trafficking underage girls. This was an extremely well written story, filled with the right balance of action, drama, and suspense. Also making the episode very satisfying was some nice staging of scenes and camera work, which brought a fresh perspective on some of the usual settings which had become a little stale over the years.

In the last season, Fin was too subdued and had become a dull character who seemed to be going through the motions. It was a pleasant change that he appeared edgier and quick on his feet in this episode. Thankfully, he was also quick on the trigger during the final moments of the episode.

I had two worries going in to this episode: the first being too much focus on a “baby Noah” story, the second being the addition of a new detective, Sonny Carisi (Peter Scanavino). While putting a lead character’s child in danger is an overused plot device, I thought that it was good to get it out of the way while there was a logical way to fit it into the story line. And the writers DID fit it in very well. Hopefully, though, they won’t go to this well again. The writers also included just the right amount of short scenes with Benson and Noah to emphasize Benson’s resolve to find his mother’s killer and to show the joy that Noah brings to her life. (Anyone else notice the tipped stroller added to the opening credits? Update - the stroller has been in the opening, I guess I mjust noticed it because I had the baby story line on my mind!)

My worry with Sonny Carisi, based on the short clips that I saw prior to the premiere, was that we were going to have another “Stuckey” on our hands. (Fans will know exactly who I am talking about.) Instead, my worries quickly disappeared when I found that I liked Sonny coming in and jumping right into the mix in a very forward way. He added a bit of a spark and possibly a new approach.  I hope that I will continue to feel this way about Sonny in his future SVU appearances.

Season 16 is off to a great start!

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:
Peter Scanavino – Detective Dominick “Sonny” Carisi Jr.
Lobo Sebastian - Joaquin Menendez
Manny Perez - Angel Perez
Emma Greenwell – Ellie Porter
Michael Kostroff – Attorney
Amina Robinson – Officer D'Bora Maresko
Jayne Houdyshell - Judge Linden
Alexa Mansour - Luna Garcia
Laura Gomez - Selena Cruz
Lenny Venito - John Gatto
Gavin-Keith Umeh - Little Tino
Bronwyn Reed – Lucy Huston
Sara Contreras – Alminia Aguilar
Chelsea LJ Lopez – Missy Brooks
Maria Rivera – Carmen
Ciara Renee – Sra Perez
Williams Watkins – Uni
Angel Romero - Miguel


Benson puts a sleepy Noah in the crib and she whispers to him about him missing his mommy and his mother's hard road. She wonders if she will even be able to tell his mother’s story. Benson whispers that his mother loved him very much and that her name was Ellie.

Four months earlier…

Flashback to Ellie, Benson and Fin at the halfway house. Benson tells her Little Tino is out but he is wearing a bracelet. Benson tells her she will be safe here. Fin explains she will have to testify at the grand jury tomorrow. Benson wants her to focus on being clean and working the program, Ellie tells Benson she does not want Noah to grow up in foster care and wants him to grow up being loved. Later, the detectives find Ellie’s dead, burned body. Little Tino is questioned at SVU, and Benson is asked to be Noah’s foster mother.

Back in the present...

Benson continues to whisper to Noah to reassure him they are trying to find the man who hurt his mom, saying he has a lot of friends. She promises she will not rest until she gets him.

Elsewhere, Amaro is now working as a cop and he and his partner stop at a car parked on the street next to a hydrant and the man, in the car with a woman, is exposing himself. Amaro and his partner get the couple out of the car and in the process of checking them out, the young girl kicks the officer and grabs her own purse and runs off. Amaro races after her and tells her she does not have to run. As he restrains her and cuffs her, she is worried her pimp will kill her. A car, presumably the pimp’s, drives by with another young girl watching in the back seat.

Rollins and Fin arrive at the 116th Precinct for Luna Garcia and the find Amaro is working there. He apologizes for not calling them, saying he has been busy doing as much OT as he can. He explains that Luna is underage and her prints came in form INS a half hour ago. Rollins explains she is also a material witness in the rape-homicide of Ellie Porter. Amaro recognizes Ellie’s name is being Noah’s mom and asks if Benson knows, and Fin explains that is why they are here. Amaro explains his partner did the paperwork and if he had seen the want card he would have called right away. Fin explains Benson wants them to bring Luna in and Amaro understands.

Outside the precinct as Rollins takes a cuffed Luna to the car, Luna doesn’t know what is going on and Rollins says she will be fine, they just want to talk to her. As they get to the car, a shot is fired and a nearby car window is shattered and they all duck for cover. Fin then moves to another spot for cover and tells the shooter he is police and to drop the gun. The shooter continues to fire ad Fin returns fire. The shooter runs into the street and is hit by a passing car. On the ground, he reaches for the gun, but Fin races up, his gun drawn, telling him if he moves he will cap his ass. Fin kicks the gun away.

Benson steps out of the elevator and asks Rollins where is the shooter, Rollins explains he is at the hospital with Fin. Luna is in interview and is shaken up. Benson wonders how the shooter knew they were picking up Luna, and Rollins explains Amaro thinks they were followed to the precinct. Benson is surprised it was Amaro who said that and Rollins explains he was the arresting officer. A detective walks up and interrupts, saying that they shot at a cop right outside the station so they want them to know they are crazy. Benson comments that he must be her new detective, and he holds his hand out to Rollins to shake it, introducing himself as Dominic Carisi Jr., and asks them to call him Sonny as he shaken Benson’s hand, saying he brought food. Benson half questions that she asked for an experienced, empathic detective and they sent him. He replies he is way experienced, sensitive and moody too and he can do that whole empathy thing. Benson and Rollins smile and as Benson walks off, Rollins asks where is Sonny from. He says he was at Staten Island SVU form 2 months and Brooklyn for almost a month – and Benson’s smile fades from her face – he adds also Queens last week. Benson quips that they love him wherever he goes, calling him Carisi. He reminds her to call him Sonny, adding he was supposed to start tomorrow but started a day early when he heard about the shooting on the police scanner. He asks what is our read. Benson says the 116 had a witness from one of their open cases and they took a shot at her. Sonny asks if it was the girl giving a smoothie to the mook in the minivan, asking what she was a witness to. As Benson takes out a folio from her briefcase, a pacifier falls onto the desk and she quickly picks it up before anyone can see it. Rollins explains that few months ago a trafficked girl was gang raped and set on fire. Sonny recalls hearing about it, saying it was horrible, saying a pimp green lit her. Benson explains it was Little Tino, who took the rap but they don’t think he ordered the hit. Sonny thinks they think Luna will give up Mr. Big, and asks Benson if she wants him to take a run at her. Benson says with sarcasm that she can certainly see why he is so popular, then tells Rollins to talk to the john and she tells Sonny to come with her, she needs him to follow her lead or he will be 0 for 4 in his all-borough tour of SVU will continue in t he Bronx. She walks out of her office.

Meanwhile, Rollins questions the guy about being in the car with a 16 year old and he inadvertently admits to statutory rape. Rollins shows him a photo of Ellie and he doesn’t know her. Separately, Benson, with Sonny, questions Luna about Ellie and Luna begs to be put in jail. Benson says they want her dead and they killed Ellie and if she works with them they will keep her safe. Sonny pipes up saying she will be as safe as she can be. Benson glares at him and he says if she is not going to talk to them and keep blowing smoke. Benson sits back and lets Sonny question her. He talks to her very frankly and Benson finally asks him to get Luna something to drink. Luna shouts that she told them she doesn’t know her, and Sonny gets up to leave and tells Benson it’s no problem but before he goes, he strongly tells Luna that wasn’t a warning shot, He adds her papi green lit her ass. Benson says that is not helping but he goes on to say she has one hope: teen non-immigrant status for traffic girls. She will get a new identity and move to a new city, adding “welcome to America.” He says he can pull those strings and make that happen but Luna has to make a statement...at least they can offer her a chance. Benson says it is either us or them, she wants them to live but they don’t. She then says that Sonny will get her something to drink

Afterwards, Benson walks into her office with Sonny in tow and says he got pretty lucky in there offering her T status and asks what is he, and immigration lawyer? He explains he is halfway there, he just did a term paper on the issue. Benson questions that he wrote a paper and now says he has pull, but he thinks because he got her to believe he does. Benson says that may work on Staten Island but that is not how they do things here. He apologizes but knows after what happened to Ellie Luna knows they can’t keep her safe. Benson said so he scared her, asking what happened to that empathy thing. He asks when was the last time she got empathy from a man? She is used to her pimp telling her what to do, a nice guy is just playing her. Benson says fine, just get her to talk.