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Reviewing the Case:
This is something of a hodgepodge mess of a show, tacking together several real-life headline cases (the teenage pregnancy pact, a mother who harrasses a teen online, resulting in her eventual suicide, videotaped beatings of the homeless) that never quite jells. A schizophrenic young man impregnates one teen, then is burned alive by her brother. Mom learns the daughter got pregnant on purpose to be part of the crowd of girls at school who were doing the same thing, then the ringleader tuns up a suicide. But in the end, Stabler manages to put a big bow on top of the mess in what feels like an afterschool special ending.
This is something of a hodgepodge mess of a show, tacking together several real-life headline cases (the teenage pregnancy pact, a mother who harrasses a teen online, resulting in her eventual suicide, videotaped beatings of the homeless) that never quite jells. A schizophrenic young man impregnates one teen, then is burned alive by her brother. Mom learns the daughter got pregnant on purpose to be part of the crowd of girls at school who were doing the same thing, then the ringleader tuns up a suicide. But in the end, Stabler manages to put a big bow on top of the mess in what feels like an afterschool special ending.
Noteworthy Discoveries:
John Cullum’s recurring Barry Moredock has been promoted to a judgeship here; Jesse McCartney is a teen pop singer who once toured with Britney Spears; and Kathrine Narducci is back in the
L&O
fold after a long stint on
The Sopranos
—and in her second penis-severing episode of the franchise (
Law & Order
’s “Mayhem” episode, 1994).
Episode 209: WildlifeJohn Cullum’s recurring Barry Moredock has been promoted to a judgeship here; Jesse McCartney is a teen pop singer who once toured with Britney Spears; and Kathrine Narducci is back in the
L&O
fold after a long stint on
The Sopranos
—and in her second penis-severing episode of the franchise (
Law & Order
’s “Mayhem” episode, 1994).
Original Air Date: November 18, 2008
Teleplay by Mick Betancourt, directed by Peter Leto
Additional Cast:
Andrew Divoff (Andre Bushido), Reg E. Cathey (Det. Victor Tibor), Isabel Gillies (Kathy Stabler), Vanessa Aspillaga (Agent Brianna Kalke), Carlos Leon (Oscar Assadorian), Caitlin Fitzgerald (Anna/Natalie), Antwan “Big Boi” Andre Patton (Gotz Money), John Bianco (Michael Solano),
Andrew Divoff (Andre Bushido), Reg E. Cathey (Det. Victor Tibor), Isabel Gillies (Kathy Stabler), Vanessa Aspillaga (Agent Brianna Kalke), Carlos Leon (Oscar Assadorian), Caitlin Fitzgerald (Anna/Natalie), Antwan “Big Boi” Andre Patton (Gotz Money), John Bianco (Michael Solano),
Reviewing the Case:
An episode light on story, heavy on stylish point-of-view perspectives, flashbacks, and wild animals: A model is mauled by a tiger and turns out to be a rare-animal smuggler with a less-than-successful rapper as one of her clients. Stabler goes undercover where the wild things are as a dirty customs agent, but quickly his life is put in danger. Can Benson find her partner as he tries to catch the smugglers (bloody) red handed?
An episode light on story, heavy on stylish point-of-view perspectives, flashbacks, and wild animals: A model is mauled by a tiger and turns out to be a rare-animal smuggler with a less-than-successful rapper as one of her clients. Stabler goes undercover where the wild things are as a dirty customs agent, but quickly his life is put in danger. Can Benson find her partner as he tries to catch the smugglers (bloody) red handed?
Noteworthy Discoveries:
Antwan Andre Patton is better known as real-life rapper “Big Boi” and this is his first appearance on a dramatic TV series. Fans of
The Wire
and
Oz
will recognize Cathey, who usually plays a stand-up guy—and may be playing to type in this episode, too.
Episode 210: PersonaAntwan Andre Patton is better known as real-life rapper “Big Boi” and this is his first appearance on a dramatic TV series. Fans of
The Wire
and
Oz
will recognize Cathey, who usually plays a stand-up guy—and may be playing to type in this episode, too.
Original Air Date: November 25, 2008
Teleplay by Amanda Green, directed by Helen Shaver
Additional Cast:
Brenda Blethyn (Linnie Malcolm), Clea DuVall (Mia Latimer), Nathaniel Marston (Brent Latimer), Peter Hermann (Trevor Langan), Didi Conn (Nurse), Audrie Neenan (Judge Lois Preston), Kelly Bishop (Attorney Julia Zimmer), Judith Light (Elizabeth Donnelly), Mike Farrell (Jonah Malcolm)
Brenda Blethyn (Linnie Malcolm), Clea DuVall (Mia Latimer), Nathaniel Marston (Brent Latimer), Peter Hermann (Trevor Langan), Didi Conn (Nurse), Audrie Neenan (Judge Lois Preston), Kelly Bishop (Attorney Julia Zimmer), Judith Light (Elizabeth Donnelly), Mike Farrell (Jonah Malcolm)
Reviewing the Case:
A domestic abuse case that ultimately leads to tragedy also leads detectives to unearth a long-sought-after fugitive who’s been on the run for thirty years. But once Benson hears the captured fugitive’s story, her heart softens. It seems the woman will simply get probation, until the former prosecutor on the case, Elizabeth Donnelly, takes off her judge robes and returns to the DA’s office to exercise a little vengeance on the escapee who made her look like a fool.
A domestic abuse case that ultimately leads to tragedy also leads detectives to unearth a long-sought-after fugitive who’s been on the run for thirty years. But once Benson hears the captured fugitive’s story, her heart softens. It seems the woman will simply get probation, until the former prosecutor on the case, Elizabeth Donnelly, takes off her judge robes and returns to the DA’s office to exercise a little vengeance on the escapee who made her look like a fool.
Noteworthy Discoveries:
Brenda Blethyn is a veteran British actress with two Oscar nominations; Mike Farrell is best-recognized from his work on
M*A*S*H
.
Episode 211: PTSDBrenda Blethyn is a veteran British actress with two Oscar nominations; Mike Farrell is best-recognized from his work on
M*A*S*H
.
Original Air Date: December 2, 2008
Teleplay by Judith McCreary, directed by Eriq La Salle
Additional Cast:
Ryan Kwanten (Master Sgt. Pruett), Dominic Fumusa (Lt. Gary Rosten), Amy Spanger (Marlene Ross), Rosa Arredondo (Rochelle Rodriguez), Karen Mason (Ann Crewes), Jay Patterson (Lt. James Reed), Brooke Adams (Margo), Frank Whaley (Navy Commander Grant Marcus), Robert C. Kirk (General Bolinger), Samantha Zweben (Jessica Crewes)
Ryan Kwanten (Master Sgt. Pruett), Dominic Fumusa (Lt. Gary Rosten), Amy Spanger (Marlene Ross), Rosa Arredondo (Rochelle Rodriguez), Karen Mason (Ann Crewes), Jay Patterson (Lt. James Reed), Brooke Adams (Margo), Frank Whaley (Navy Commander Grant Marcus), Robert C. Kirk (General Bolinger), Samantha Zweben (Jessica Crewes)
Reviewing the Case:
While undergoing therapy for her assault six months earlier, Benson’s therapist asks her to locate a missing patient from another group—a Marine who was raped and impregnated. Benson finds the AWOL soldier dead in a trunk, the baby cut out of her, and clues all point back to the military. Greylek and a Judge Advocate General attorney battle over jurisdiction and Benson (paired with Fin) battles her demons as they locate two likely suspects. But when DNA points only to one, there’s a last surprise over who else was responsible.
While undergoing therapy for her assault six months earlier, Benson’s therapist asks her to locate a missing patient from another group—a Marine who was raped and impregnated. Benson finds the AWOL soldier dead in a trunk, the baby cut out of her, and clues all point back to the military. Greylek and a Judge Advocate General attorney battle over jurisdiction and Benson (paired with Fin) battles her demons as they locate two likely suspects. But when DNA points only to one, there’s a last surprise over who else was responsible.
Noteworthy Discoveries:
Longtime
ER
actor Eriq La Salle also directed Episode 172, “Burned,” in 2007 for
SVU
. Fin was in Mogadishu as a U.S. Army Ranger in 1993.
Episode 212: SmutLongtime
ER
actor Eriq La Salle also directed Episode 172, “Burned,” in 2007 for
SVU
. Fin was in Mogadishu as a U.S. Army Ranger in 1993.
Original Air Date: December 9, 2008
Teleplay by Kam Miller, directed by Chris Eyre
Additional Cast:
Michael Trucco (Eric Lutz), John Cullum (Judge Barry Moredock), Christine Ebersole (Hilary Regnier), Christy Pusz (Laurel Andrews), Ryan Dunn (Riley Slade), Sharon Washington (Dr. Crosthwaite), Stephen Gregory (Dr. Kyle Beresford), Kelly Hu (Kelly Sun), Asa Somers (Colin Andrews), Christina Hogue (Shannon Browning)
Michael Trucco (Eric Lutz), John Cullum (Judge Barry Moredock), Christine Ebersole (Hilary Regnier), Christy Pusz (Laurel Andrews), Ryan Dunn (Riley Slade), Sharon Washington (Dr. Crosthwaite), Stephen Gregory (Dr. Kyle Beresford), Kelly Hu (Kelly Sun), Asa Somers (Colin Andrews), Christina Hogue (Shannon Browning)
Reviewing the Case:
Porn made me do it! At least, that’s what a serial rapist claims when the detectives catch him with multiple videos, in which he forces sex on women while demanding they pretend to love it. But the rapist has a secret up his sleeve—he drugs them with a rare substance that paralyzes victims’ ability to fight back, and leaves them without memories later.
Porn made me do it! At least, that’s what a serial rapist claims when the detectives catch him with multiple videos, in which he forces sex on women while demanding they pretend to love it. But the rapist has a secret up his sleeve—he drugs them with a rare substance that paralyzes victims’ ability to fight back, and leaves them without memories later.
Noteworthy Discoveries:
Clearly, Stabler lives deep in Queens; he notes at one point: “A thousand people go through Grand Central every day.” Commuters only wish that were so—stats prove it’s more like 500,000 visitors, with 125,000 of them trying to get to work.
Episode 213: StrangerClearly, Stabler lives deep in Queens; he notes at one point: “A thousand people go through Grand Central every day.” Commuters only wish that were so—stats prove it’s more like 500,000 visitors, with 125,000 of them trying to get to work.
Original air date: January 8, 2009
Teleplay by Dawn DeNoon, directed by David Platt
Additional Cast:
Tess Harper (Mrs. Hallander), Kate Baldwin (Erica Hallander), Ellen Waglom (Heather Hallander), Natalia Payne (Nikki Hallander), Patrick Collins (Mr. Hallander), Lindsay Crouse (Judge), Peter Lewis (Carl Vasko), Christopher Mann (Det. Stu Freeland), Margaret Reed (Defense Attorney)
Tess Harper (Mrs. Hallander), Kate Baldwin (Erica Hallander), Ellen Waglom (Heather Hallander), Natalia Payne (Nikki Hallander), Patrick Collins (Mr. Hallander), Lindsay Crouse (Judge), Peter Lewis (Carl Vasko), Christopher Mann (Det. Stu Freeland), Margaret Reed (Defense Attorney)
Reviewing the Case:
A teenager, missing for years, suddenly shows up at the door of the family she insists is her own. Nobody quite recognizes the girl, but there is a familiar four-leaf clover tattoo on her wrist. As with any twisty
SVU
plot, this story unveils many deep, dark secrets and an alarming sex-slave situation before arriving at a resolution that’s both happy and tragic.
Episode 214: HothouseA teenager, missing for years, suddenly shows up at the door of the family she insists is her own. Nobody quite recognizes the girl, but there is a familiar four-leaf clover tattoo on her wrist. As with any twisty
SVU
plot, this story unveils many deep, dark secrets and an alarming sex-slave situation before arriving at a resolution that’s both happy and tragic.
Original air date: January 13, 2009
Teleplay by Charley Davis, directed by Peter Leto
Additional Cast:
George Tasudis (Joseph Lychkoff), Neal Matarazzo (Ezra Kriegel), Misha Kuznetsov (Alik), Aya Cash (Katrina Lychkoff), Juliet Brett (Elisa Lychkoff), Sarah Hyland (Jennifer Banks), Funda Duval (Mrs. Lychkoff), Gretchen Egolf (ADA Gil), Will Rogers (Danny Burke), Enid Graham (Suzanne Banks), Anna Stone (Grace Metcalf), Eric Gores (Brian Walem), Carol Jacobanis (Jane Siddons), Gabriela Modorcea (Veronica Pankovich), Ian McWethy (Andrew)
George Tasudis (Joseph Lychkoff), Neal Matarazzo (Ezra Kriegel), Misha Kuznetsov (Alik), Aya Cash (Katrina Lychkoff), Juliet Brett (Elisa Lychkoff), Sarah Hyland (Jennifer Banks), Funda Duval (Mrs. Lychkoff), Gretchen Egolf (ADA Gil), Will Rogers (Danny Burke), Enid Graham (Suzanne Banks), Anna Stone (Grace Metcalf), Eric Gores (Brian Walem), Carol Jacobanis (Jane Siddons), Gabriela Modorcea (Veronica Pankovich), Ian McWethy (Andrew)
Reviewing the Case:
The murder of an adolescent math prodigy is only a proverbial tip of the iceberg in a case that involves immigrant smuggling, forced prostitution, and drug addiction. Not to mention a Russian pimp. Plus, the dead girl’s volatile father has an approach to educating his daughters that borders on torture. There’s also a battle of wills a between New York and New Jersey prosecutors.
The murder of an adolescent math prodigy is only a proverbial tip of the iceberg in a case that involves immigrant smuggling, forced prostitution, and drug addiction. Not to mention a Russian pimp. Plus, the dead girl’s volatile father has an approach to educating his daughters that borders on torture. There’s also a battle of wills a between New York and New Jersey prosecutors.
Noteworthy Discoveries:
Benson poses as “Claudia,” a fashionably dressed woman from Chicago trying to procure young girls for her pedophile clients.
Episode 215: SnatchedBenson poses as “Claudia,” a fashionably dressed woman from Chicago trying to procure young girls for her pedophile clients.
Original air date: February 3, 2009
Teleplay by Mick Betancourt, directed by David Platt
Additional Cast:
Dabney Coleman (Frank Hagar), Ron Eldard (Geno Parnell), Burt Young (Eddy Mack), Wallace Shawn (Prof. Ray Batters), Michelle Ray Smith (Liz Rinaldi), Michael C. Williams (Pete Rinaldi), Daisy Tahan (Rosie Rinaldi), Anthony J. Gallo (Louie Buratta), Alyssa May Gold (Amy Sarkis), Joe Lisi (Parole Off. Craig Lennon), Chadwick Brown (Jake)
Dabney Coleman (Frank Hagar), Ron Eldard (Geno Parnell), Burt Young (Eddy Mack), Wallace Shawn (Prof. Ray Batters), Michelle Ray Smith (Liz Rinaldi), Michael C. Williams (Pete Rinaldi), Daisy Tahan (Rosie Rinaldi), Anthony J. Gallo (Louie Buratta), Alyssa May Gold (Amy Sarkis), Joe Lisi (Parole Off. Craig Lennon), Chadwick Brown (Jake)
Reviewing the Case:
When little Rosie is abducted, the child’s mother blames her jailbird ex-husband. He’s out of the slammer but, in proclaiming innocence, seems more determined to find his daughter than anyone else. Stabler believes him. The trail takes them to the girl’s maternal grandfather, a jewel thief slowly succumbing to dementia. The police aren’t sure who to trust, as the burden of guilt keeps shifting.
When little Rosie is abducted, the child’s mother blames her jailbird ex-husband. He’s out of the slammer but, in proclaiming innocence, seems more determined to find his daughter than anyone else. Stabler believes him. The trail takes them to the girl’s maternal grandfather, a jewel thief slowly succumbing to dementia. The police aren’t sure who to trust, as the burden of guilt keeps shifting.
Noteworthy Discoveries:
Ron Eldard, who once portrayed a medical professional on
ER
, delivers a moving performance as the conflicted ex-con.
Episode 216: TransitionsRon Eldard, who once portrayed a medical professional on
ER
, delivers a moving performance as the conflicted ex-con.
Original air date: February 17, 2009
Teleplay by Ken Storer, directed by Peter Leto
Additional Cast:
Alex Kingston (Miranda Pond), Bridger Zadina (Henry/Haley Van Kuren), Frank Grillo (Mark Van Kuren), Wendy Makkena (Ellen), Daniela Shea (Blake), Heidi Marnhout (Molly “Misty” Lambert), Paul Lazar (Sid Gabbert), Lea DeLaria (Frankie), Dequina Moore (Sapphire), Aisha Hinds (Jackie Blaine), Audrie Neenan (Judge Lois Preston), J. Paul Nicholas (Attorney Linden Delroy), Barbara Rosenblatt (Selma Peters)
Alex Kingston (Miranda Pond), Bridger Zadina (Henry/Haley Van Kuren), Frank Grillo (Mark Van Kuren), Wendy Makkena (Ellen), Daniela Shea (Blake), Heidi Marnhout (Molly “Misty” Lambert), Paul Lazar (Sid Gabbert), Lea DeLaria (Frankie), Dequina Moore (Sapphire), Aisha Hinds (Jackie Blaine), Audrie Neenan (Judge Lois Preston), J. Paul Nicholas (Attorney Linden Delroy), Barbara Rosenblatt (Selma Peters)
Reviewing the Case:
Sexual identity sits on the front burner in this whodunit, in which the father of a teenage boy who feels more like a girl is savagely beaten. The son wants to take hormone blockers that would fend off female puberty to make later gender-reassignment surgery easier. Although Dad doesn’t want his offspring to undergo the operation, a social worker at the kid’s school is particularly simpatico about the choice to change.
Sexual identity sits on the front burner in this whodunit, in which the father of a teenage boy who feels more like a girl is savagely beaten. The son wants to take hormone blockers that would fend off female puberty to make later gender-reassignment surgery easier. Although Dad doesn’t want his offspring to undergo the operation, a social worker at the kid’s school is particularly simpatico about the choice to change.
Noteworthy Discoveries:
Alex Kingston has a cameo as an honorable defense attorney. She played a doctor on
ER
, which also featured Mariska Hargitay in a recurring role during the 1997-98 season.
SVU
showrunner Neal Baer was an executive producer on that now-defunct medical show. Taucher-Leto Pharmaceticals, which figures in a red herring subplot, is a playful nod to
SVU
production designer Dean Taucher and episode director Peter Leto.
Episode 217: LeadAlex Kingston has a cameo as an honorable defense attorney. She played a doctor on
ER
, which also featured Mariska Hargitay in a recurring role during the 1997-98 season.
SVU
showrunner Neal Baer was an executive producer on that now-defunct medical show. Taucher-Leto Pharmaceticals, which figures in a red herring subplot, is a playful nod to
SVU
production designer Dean Taucher and episode director Peter Leto.
Original air date: March 10, 2009
Teleplay by Jonathan Greene, directed by David Platt
Additional Cast:
John Gallagher Jr. (Jeff Lynwood), John Cullum (Judge Barry Moredock), Mariette Hartley (Lorna Scarry), Lawrence Arancio (Gilbert Keppler), Tim Ransom (Logan Coldwell), Robert John Burke (Lt. Ed Tucker), David Thornton (Lionel Granger), Fredric Lehne (Clive Lynwood), Laura Leigh Hughes (Virginia Lynwood), Ann Dowd (Lillian Siefeld), Ross Bickell (Michael Rowan)
John Gallagher Jr. (Jeff Lynwood), John Cullum (Judge Barry Moredock), Mariette Hartley (Lorna Scarry), Lawrence Arancio (Gilbert Keppler), Tim Ransom (Logan Coldwell), Robert John Burke (Lt. Ed Tucker), David Thornton (Lionel Granger), Fredric Lehne (Clive Lynwood), Laura Leigh Hughes (Virginia Lynwood), Ann Dowd (Lillian Siefeld), Ross Bickell (Michael Rowan)
Reviewing the Case:
After a prolonged stay in witness protection, Cabot suddenly shows up at a crime scene. The SVU detectives are astonished to learn she stopped hiding three years earlier but never contacted them. There’s also an explanation that defies all odds about why it’s now safe to reassume her own identity. Don’t ask, don’t tell. Earlier, Greylek makes a brief appearance, never to be seen again. None of which has much to do with the story, about a doctor who’s a sexual predator and a developmentally delayed young man who reacts to ridicule with unbridled anger. Justice is multi-faceted in this case because corporate malfeasance once again figures in the mix.
Episode 218: BallerinaAfter a prolonged stay in witness protection, Cabot suddenly shows up at a crime scene. The SVU detectives are astonished to learn she stopped hiding three years earlier but never contacted them. There’s also an explanation that defies all odds about why it’s now safe to reassume her own identity. Don’t ask, don’t tell. Earlier, Greylek makes a brief appearance, never to be seen again. None of which has much to do with the story, about a doctor who’s a sexual predator and a developmentally delayed young man who reacts to ridicule with unbridled anger. Justice is multi-faceted in this case because corporate malfeasance once again figures in the mix.
Original air date: March 17, 2009
Teleplay by Daniel Truly, directed by Peter Leto
Additional Cast:
Carol Burnett (Bridget “Birdie” Sulloway), Vincent Curatola (Marv Sulloway), Matthew Lillard (Chet), Lindsay Crouse (Judge), Robert Klein (Mr. Stannich), Yuval Boim (Efraim), Raquel Almazan (Maricela), Daniel Frith (Kevin), James Stahl (Stan), Dominic Colon (Leo Morales), Eliezer Meyer (Rabbi Elli), Enrique Sebastian Rivas (Alejandro Reyes)
Carol Burnett (Bridget “Birdie” Sulloway), Vincent Curatola (Marv Sulloway), Matthew Lillard (Chet), Lindsay Crouse (Judge), Robert Klein (Mr. Stannich), Yuval Boim (Efraim), Raquel Almazan (Maricela), Daniel Frith (Kevin), James Stahl (Stan), Dominic Colon (Leo Morales), Eliezer Meyer (Rabbi Elli), Enrique Sebastian Rivas (Alejandro Reyes)
Reviewing the Case:
Like Norma Desmond in
Sunset Boulevard
, aging entertainer Birdie Sulloway relishes her bygone glory days. She shares a posh apartment with a thuggish but age-appropriate husband and a much younger “nephew,” who is slavishly devoted to her. After various people bite the dust, however, the faded superstar’s self-centered lifestyle begins to unravel.
Like Norma Desmond in
Sunset Boulevard
, aging entertainer Birdie Sulloway relishes her bygone glory days. She shares a posh apartment with a thuggish but age-appropriate husband and a much younger “nephew,” who is slavishly devoted to her. After various people bite the dust, however, the faded superstar’s self-centered lifestyle begins to unravel.
BOOK: Law & Order: Special Victims Unit: The Unofficial Companion
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