Monday, December 28, 2015

Law & Order SVU “A Misunderstanding” Episode Information


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

Law & Order SVU “A Misunderstanding” Air Date January 20, 2016 (9 PM ET/8C Wednesday NBC)

A murky he-said, she-said date rape case ruins the futures of two high school students. Directed by Mariska Hargitay. Starring Mariska Hargitay, Ice T, Kelli Giddish, Raúl Esparza and Peter Scanavino. Guest starring Andy Karl, Delaney Williams, Elizabeth Marvel, Charlie Ray, Sean Grandillo and Bill Irwin.


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My recap and review of Law & Order SVU “A Misunderstanding” 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.

Thursday, December 24, 2015

Law & Order SVU “Catfishing Teacher” Previews

Here are preview clips from Law & Order SVU “Catfishing Teacher” which will air on Wednesday, January 6, 2016 at 9PM ET on NBC. The clips feature Mariska Hargitay, Peter Scanavino, Ice-T, and Andy Karl. (Some clips may not be viewable in all countries. These clips also have a limited life and may be removed at any time.)

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



Added December 31, 2015


SVU_17001Clip1_16x9 by tvwatchr


SVU_17011Clip3_16x9 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.

Tuesday, December 22, 2015

Law & Order SVU “Townhouse Incident” Episode Information


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

Law & Order SVU “Townhouse Incident” Air Date January 13, 2016 (9 PM ET/8C Wednesday NBC)

Benson (Mariska Hargitay) is taken hostage when she tries to stop a violent home invasion. Also starring Ice T, Kelli Giddish, Raul Esparza and Peter Scanavino. Guest starring Andy Karl, Robert John Burke, Joe Reegan, Amber Skye Noyes, James McMenamin, Wendy Hoopes and Bronwyn Reed


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My recap and review of Law & Order SVU “Townhouse Incident” 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.

Monday, December 21, 2015

Law & Order SVU “Catfishing Teacher” Photos

Here are advance photos for Law & Order SVU “Catfishing Teacher” which will air on Wednesday, January 6, 2016 at 9PM ET on NBC. The photos feature Mariska Hargitay, Peter Scanavino, Ice-T, Andy Karl, Kelli Barrett (as Phoebe Phelps), and Noah Fleiss (as Nat Dennehy).

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








Photos by: Michael Parmelee/NBC 2015 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.

Thursday, December 17, 2015

Law & Order SVU “Catfishing Teacher” Promo

Here is the promo for Law & Order SVU “Catfishing Teacher” which will air on Wednesday, January 6, 2016 at 9PM ET on NBC.

My recap and review of Law & Order SVU “Catfishing Teacher” 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.

Monday, December 14, 2015

Law & Order SVU “Catfishing Teacher” Episode Information


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

Law & Order SVU “Catfishing Teacher” Air Date January 6, 2016 (9 PM ET/8C Wednesday NBC)

A high school student plans a clandestine hookup with his female teacher but ends up in a far more sinister situation. Starring Mariska Hargitay, Ice T, Kelli Giddish and Peter Scanavino. Guest starring Andy Karl, Michael Gaston, Robert Sean Leonard, Kelli Barrett, Jordan Gelber and Jeanine Pirro.


# # #

My recap and review of Law & Order SVU “Catfishing Teacher” 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.

Thursday, November 19, 2015

Law & Order SVU “Depravity Standard” Recap & Review



“Depravity Standard” was a follow up to Law & Order SVU “Manhattan Vigil”, the show’s 300th episode.  That episode involved a 2012 case, and Lewis Hodda was eventually arrested for the murder of Hector Hernandez, plus the kidnapping of Wyatt Morris. Tom Sizemore reprised his role as Hodda. Also returning was Alex Karpovsky as Stephen Lomatin, who at one point was also a suspect. In “Depravity Standard,” we find ourselves three years later. At first it seems Hodda and his attorney have arranged a deal with ADA Barba. Everyone gets a surprise at the plea hearing when Hodda decides to claim he was coerced into confessing, and, saying he didn’t do it, forces Barba to go to trial. It gets ugly quick when Benson’s interrogation tactics in 2012 come into question. She admits to labeling Hodda as a “chomo” which could prove dangerous to him in prison. This was not on the interrogation video the jury sees, but Benson knows – as viewers know – she did say those words. Her intentions were good in 2012; she was using that threat to get Hodda to tell them where the missing boy was being held. But the fact that they could not use that kidnapping case in the murder trial meant Benson’s intentions would not be heard by the jury. One would think that Benson had already learned her lesson about making idle threats to perps, thinking back to a previous episode (I can’t recall the name right now) where Benson’s life was in danger from a man whom she had threatened would be raped in prison, and later, he was. Maybe with the Hodda case, the lesson will really stick with Benson this time. (Update: thanks to a fan who reminded me that episode was Law & Order SVU “Perverted” from season 11. )

BD Wong’s Dr. George Huang finds himself working against the prosecution. Retired from the FBI and now hired as a consultant, his testimony for the defense sheds light on Hodda’s behaviors and doubt for the jurors. Benson gets in Huang’s face about it, but he must remind her that, without that confession, neither he nor she knows really what happened when it comes to the murder of Hector. I think he knows Benson would never intentionally coerce a confession, but he does have to follow his own conscience and base his finding only on what he knows as fact. It was great to see BD Wong again, and the fact that he and Benson have a previous connection made the elevator scene much more intense.

Stephen Lomatin comes off as being even more unhinged as before, and I hope that Barba does as promised by letting the NYPD know what Lomatin did regarding his tampering with a juror. I can see where Lomatin’s behavior in 2012 would give some jurors reasonable doubt about Hodda,  so the hung jury was almost inevitable.

It was interesting to have Carisi as “shadow” counsel, although I can see where he may even become more annoying to the SVU – and Barba - with his increasing legal exposure. I was shocked he did keep silent as Barba instructed…well, most of the time. I enjoyed the banter between Barba and Carisi, which went from Barba being irritated to a bit of appreciation, especially when Carisi gushed compliments at him.

The defense attorney, Lisa Hassler, was aptly named, as she was a major hassle for Barba. Robin Weigert, a “repeat offender” from multiple Law & Orders, SVU, and Law & Order LA episodes, never disappoints. I hope we see her again.

Andy Karl was missing in action. As it was mentioned that Thanksgiving is a slow time for the SVU, I suppose he wasn’t needed. But with Benson and Carisi involved in the case and Fin keeping watch on Rollins, I would think that at least the SVU Sergeant would have been holding down the fort.

The big shocker was the cliffhanger where Rollins appears to be in labor, then things take an unexpected turn. Kelli Giddish did a fantastic job in conveying the pain that Rollins was in during her now troubled delivery. Things look VERY serious. But we won’t know how things turn out for Rollins or her baby until Law & Order SVU returns on January 6, 2016. It’s a long wait and I am sure many fans will be on pins and needles waiting for the outcome.

This was an excellent episode, perfectly executed in acting and in writing. The dialog for every character matched their personalities perfectly; Barba’s snappy comebacks, Carisi’s overdone chatter, and even Huang’s calmly standing by his principles. Mariska also did an excellent job in showing Benson’s frustration with being hung out to dry. (When Barba told her to sit her ass down, I found myself wishing, just for fun, that he would have delivered that line as Jesse L. Martin used to do on Law & Order: “Sit yo ass down!)

The case was riveting and the ending with Rollins was very unsettling. We know that Barba is likely not done with Lewis Hodda, but if we never see him again, it may not be that big of a deal. But we DO care what happens to Rollins. All I can say is…stay tuned!


Here is the recap:

Cast:
Mariska Hargitay – Lieutenant Olivia Benson
Ice-T – Detective Odafin “Fin” Tutuola
Kelli Giddish - Detective Amanda Rollins
Raúl Esparza - ADA Rafael Barba
Peter Scanavino - Detective Dominick “Sonny” Carisi, Jr.

Guest stars:
Tom Sizemore - Lewis Hodda
BD Wong – Dr. George Huang
Robin Weigert - Counselor Lisa Hassler
Alex Karpovsky - Stephen Lomatin
Joe Grifasi - Judge Hashi Horowitz
Liza Colon-Zayas – Delores Rodriguez
Mili Avital – Laurie Colfax
Steve Rosen – Public Defender Guthrie
Kathryn Meisle – Sharon Daley
Betsy Aidem – Dr. Sloan
Jenna Wolfe - herself
Allyson Morgan - Nurse Shelby Roberts
Steven Reich - Juror # 4
Natalie Carter - Juror # 5


In a prior time, Lewis Hodda is on video, in the SVU interrogation room, being questioned by Benson, who can only be heard on the video. She is questioning him about the death of Hector Rodriguez, saying she has to hear him say it. Benson calmly questions him, trying to get him to admit that he killed Hector. Hodda claims that nothing happened, and dances around the issue. He then admits that he snapped his neck, nothing happened but he would tell his mother something did, so he snapped, and so did his neck. He put him under a concrete slab. He asks her why she asked him this, they had an agreement.

In the present day, in Supreme Court in 2015 on Friday, November 13, Lewis Hodda enters the courtroom, and the judge asks Hodda’s attorney Mr. Guthrie if his client has a plea. He states yes, Hodda pleads guilty to the charges of murder in the second degree and kidnapping in the first degree. Benson, sitting in the gallery, nods. The judge tells Hodda he needs to hear that from him. Hodda pauses and the judge prompts him for a reply. When Hodda still does not answer, the judge then prompts Guthrie, who whispers something to Hodda. Hodda shakes his head and then stares back at Benson. He sighs, and then says no, and as Barba looks up, stunned, Hodda adds he is not doing time for this, repeating loudly “I am not doing time for this! No.” The judge questions if they have a plea, or don’t they? Barba quickly states they all agreed to one, but Hodda shouts back that everyone was yelling at him. The judge asks who was yelling at him, and Hodda replies that Barba was, his own lawyer was, and before that…he motions towards Benson and says “she was.” Benson look surprised. Hodda goes on to say he didn’t harm these boys, none of them. He says, “I swear to God your honor, I’m innocent.” Benson shakes her head.

After wards, Hodda is taken into the judge’s chambers, accompanied by Benson and Barba. Hodda explains that he fired his attorney, calling him a hack. He says he will be his own lawyer, Guthrie wanted to put him in a box just like Benson does. The judge asks Barba why Benson joined them, and Benson explains she took Hodda’s confession. Hodda pipes in and says there was no confession. She reminds him it was on video. Barba states he would like to remind Hodda how strong their case is and it is in his best interest to honor the deal they made. Hodda screams there was no deal, Benson put words in his mouth and she threatened him. He screams that she hammered at him for hours. Benson, trying to control her anger, says it was because he admitted to kidnapping Wyatt Morris, a 7 year old child who would be dead in that basement if Hodda didn’t tell them where he was. Hodda states that he saved his life, asking if that was his crime, to save his life. Benson calmly counters that Hodda admitted to kidnapping him, just like he admitted to killing Hector Rodriguez. He claims Benson but words in his mouth. The judge recommends Hodda get an experience lawyer and he agrees but that means they go to trial. Barba shoots him a look as Hodda goes on to say that means if they want to take him down, they are going to have to prove it. He laughs, saying ALL of them. He claims again he didn’t do it, as the officer takes him out of the judge’s chambers.

Later, in Barba’s office, he and Benson speak with Hector’s mother Delores and Wyatt’s mother Laurie Colfax about Hodda changing his plea. Barba explains they will go to trial and wants to go with the strongest case first – Wyatt’s kidnapping. Benson explains the evidence is fresh and Wyatt can identify Hodda as the man who took him.  When Hector’s mother is concerned they are not addressing Hector’s death, Barba explains the evidence is 16 years old and is only circumstantial. She counters Hodda confessed, and Barba explains he just recanted. Benson states this is a major felony and he will be put away for a long time. But Laurie says Wyatt is still traumatized and she doesn’t want Wyatt to go through with this and she won’t cooperate. Despite Benson and Barba’s explanations, and begging from Hector’s mother, she refuses to help and leaves the room. Delores turns to Barba, saying now they have to put Hodda trial for what he did to Hector, and Barba admits they’ll have to. She says they’ll have to say what Hodda did to those other boys, but Barba explains that is up to the judge, but he will do his best.

At a later date, Carisi races up to Barba in the courthouse hall, asking if he is going to the Hodda motion hearing. Barba replies he wishes he weren’t. Carisi comments that Barba knows he is going to law school at night – Barba quips he alerted the bar association – and Carisi asks if he can shadow Barba in this case as he could learn a lot. Barba brings up Benson being short staffed but Carisi checked with Benson who told him Thanksgiving is slow and this is the perfect time. Barba agrees but gives him the first lesson: shadow counsel do not speak and has no opinion. Carisi says Barba won’t even know he is here. As they move to enter the courtroom, Counselor Lisa Hassler calls out to Barba and asks if he brought backup. He asks which cause brought her to court, and she explains she is taking over Hodda’s defense, asking who is the arm candy? Carisi introduces himself as working for SVU and going to night school at Fordham Law. He adds he knows all her father’s cases and as he starts to go on about it, Hassler looks at Barba and suggests he save the taxpayer’s money and plead this out with time served. Barba replies he knows she is the pro bono queen but comments that Hodda rapes and kills children. She reminds him “allegedly and singular.” She looks at Carisi and says it’s nice to meet him, and she enters the courtroom. Carisi comments to Barba that her old man was a legend. Barba adds that she is still trying to impress him, even though he’s been dead for 11 years.

In the courtroom, Judge Horowitz hears their arguments for bringing up the Wyatt’s kidnapping in the trial. Barba thinks it is relevant and probative and Hassler counters it is not even proven. Barba says they are reserving the right to charge him on the kidnapping, but the judge doesn’t want to muddy these waters and tells Barba it is inadmissible. Hassler brings up the alleged coerced confession but Barba counters that the confession is on video and to let the jury decide whether it is valid. The judge states to Hassler that as her dad used to say, it was worth a shot, ruling that the confession is admissible.

Carisi returns to SVU and announces that the hearing was awesome. Benson counters that Barba didn’t think so. Carisi says Barba took a hit but the badinage is Hodda walked out with that new lawyer. Fin asks if they are supposed to be happy for him, but Carisi admits no they are not. He adds that Barba said it would be really good if they could find anything linking Hodda to Hector while Hector was still alive. Fin dryly states they gave him everything they had from 1999. Benson asks about that auxiliary cop, the one that found Hector’s lunchbox, saying she saw him at Hodda’s plea hearing. Fin says Lomatin is nuts, adding that Munch thought he was good for the crime. Benson comments for a minute but he didn’t do it. Fin comments he’s still nuts; he’s been leaving messages for Rollins at 3AM. Benson states Lomatin knew Hector, he knew the neighborhood, and he was the one that noticed the arson pattern that got them to Hodda. Fin states Lomatin will only talk to Rollins, and Benson says have her call him.


Tuesday, November 17, 2015

Law & Order SVU “Depravity Standard” Photos

Here are advance photos for Law & Order SVU “Depravity Standard” which will air on Wednesday, November 18, 2015 at 9PM ET on NBC. The photos feature Mariska Hargitay, Raúl Esparza, Peter Scanavino, Ice-T, Robin Weigert (as Counselor Lisa Hassler), Alex Karpovsky (as Stephen Lomatin), Joe Grifasi (as Judge Hashi Horowitz), Jenna Wolfe (as herself), Tom Sizemore (as Lewis Hodda), and BD Wong ( as Dr. George Huang).


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












Photos by: Michael Parmelee/NBC 2015 NBCUniversal Media, LLC




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

Friday, November 13, 2015

Law & Order SVU “Depravity Standard” Sneak Peek

Here is a preview clip from Law & Order SVU “Depravity Standard” which will air on Wednesday, November 18, 2015 at 9PM ET on NBC. The preview features Mariska Hargitay and Robin Weigert.


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


Please note: this video has a limited life and may be removed at any time, so catch it while you can!






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

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

Thursday, November 12, 2015

Law & Order SVU “Melancholy Pursuit” Recap & Review



Law & Order SVU “Melancholy Pursuit” was a dull, lifeless episode, the weakest of this season so far. And, based on the emails I’ve received from viewers, some were quite annoyed with the way the episode was promoted. The promo showed that Noah went missing while he and Benson were in the park, implying something sinister occurred. Of course, being very experienced with the years of misleading SVU promos, I knew there was never any danger. I don’t blame fans for being upset at this clearly cheap ploy to get viewers to tune in to what turned out to be a non-event and something that added zero to the overall story line. Noah wasn’t kidnapped, he just wandered off and was playing with another child. I found myself wondering how such a little child could have wandered so far in such a short time, especially since we hardly ever see Noah walk; Benson always seems to be carrying him.  (He’s also very quiet – almost too quiet. I suspect they have to pay the child actor more if he dares utter a word.) Think about it: in the apparent short time Benson had her eyes off him, Noah covered a lot of ground, so much that Benson was running quite a distance in the park to find him. Granted, we didn’t see what happened the whole time Benson was talking to the woman stranger (who was a little too friendly) so it is possible more time could have passed where Benson didn't have eyes on him than it appeared. It does make one wonder how Benson allowed herself to get so distracted, seeing that she seems like she can't go a second without holding Noah.

The case itself plodded along,  very much like a normal investigation would, which can potentially involve a lot of suspects. While Dodds seemed very affected by this case, taking it too personally, I  couldn’t feel anything for the victim, the family, or Dodds. Seeing Lily’s body in the morgue, Dodds almost reacted as if he’d never seen a dead body before. Yes, Dodds is kicking himself for making a mistake in misjudging the case, but he acted like he never realized bad things can happen to kids. I can’t put my finger on it, but this whole story line felt forced. Unlike Dodds, I felt nothing.

I know I have mentioned this in past recaps, but why is it that when detectives/cops approach a suspect that they call out the suspect’s name while they are very far away, giving the suspect a head start to run? This is not just an SVU thing, it’s a crime show thing. Dodds and Carisi were just plain stupid to call out to Gary while they were such a distance away. Gary clearly was in the middle of making a delivery so the they would have plenty of time to walk right up to him and prevent him from getting that head start. Yes,  I know it is done to set up an action scene, but all it does is make the detectives look foolish.

It was great to see Tamara Tunie return as ME Warner. But no Raúl Esparza, again. What gives? That's the only mystery in this episode that is worth solving.




Cast:
Mariska Hargitay – Lieutenant Olivia Benson
Ice-T – Detective Odafin “Fin” Tutuola
Kelli Giddish - Detective Amanda Rollins
Raúl Esparza - ADA Rafael Barba
Peter Scanavino - Detective Dominick “Sonny” Carisi, Jr.

Guest stars:
Andy Karl – Sgt. Mike Dodds
Tamara Tunie – Dr. Melinda Warner
Ali Wentworth - Shari Parker
Angelica Page – Mrs. Evans
Ross Gibby – Patrick Evans
Brian Avers – George Marino
Jonathan Judge-Russo - Gary Ryan
Joanna Bonaro – Camille Marino
Nick Cordero – Robby Marino
Alice Barrett Mitchell - Stella
Pilar Witherspoon – Helen Ryan
David Dean Bottrell – Stan the Homeless Man
Lorenzo Pisoni – Brendan Cahill
Carolee Carmello – Brendan’s Birth Mother
Pedro Morillo Jr. - Diego
Matthew Schechter - Peter Best
Tony White – Cleon Johnson
Sam Gedymin - Kyle
Bradley Dubow – Noah Porter Benson

Here is the recap: 

Benson is in the park playing with Noah and another woman comes by and begins to chat with Benson. The woman asks Benson if Noah is “her only” and Benson states “for now.” Meanwhile, Fin and Carisi speak with Mr. & Mrs., Evans, in their home, about their daughter Lily, 15, who is late coming home from school. The principal had told the parents that Lily was out today. Her cell phone is going right to voice mail. They last saw her when she left at 6:15 in the morning for the swim team practice at Asphalt Green, who confirm she was there but left around 7:30. They have called everyone and no one has seen her.

Back at the park, the woman is still chatting with Benson who realizes the time and that she has to get Noah home. But when she looks for him, he is nowhere to be found. Benson calls out his name in a panic and the woman, whose child is still in the park, walks with Benson as she screams out for Noah.

Back at the Evans house, the detectives find that Lily’s friend Peter has also not seen or heard from Lily all day. Carisi sees her iPad but it is password protected, and asks what is her cat’s name or her birthday.

At the park, Benson, in full panic mode, races around calling for Noah, and the woman chatting with Benson asks if he wants her to call the police. Benson, breathing hard, puts her hands to her head,. But she turns and sees Noah sitting on the ground nearby, playing with another child. She races to him and picks him up, saying he gave mommy a scare.

Back at the Evans home. Dodds has arrived and asks Fin that SVU gets called for missing teens now, and Fin says the lady is a clerk at the DA’s office and she didn’t want lights and sirens. Dodds seems to blow it off, saying they made a courtesy call and unless there is contact with an older male…Fin states if it a junk case they will kick it back to the precinct. Carisi shows Dodds photos Lily had on her tablet in provocative poses. Carisi asks the parents if Lily ever talked about someone named Diego, and they state Lily does not know a Diego. Carisi explains she was texting him photos this morning. He shows them a photo of Diego and they don’t recognize him, saying he is no one Lily knows. Dodds states they will track him down and ask.

Back at SVU, Benson races in and Dodds tells her that email was just an update and she did not have to come in. But she chides him for not calling her earlier, asking how long the child has been missing. Dodds states maybe 12 hours, and she is not a child, she is 15, probably a runaway, and explains she was sexting to Diego. There is no trace of her cell phone. Fin is retracing her steps and Carisi is talking to the parents, implying they are in denial about their daughter. Dodds explains all the other things he has checked and done so far, and states she has been acting out. They found cigarettes and condoms in her bedroom and Dodds comment she doesn’t want to see the selfie. Carisi comes in with Lily’s friend Peter Best who is concerned for Lily.

Later, in the break room, Dodds speaks with Peter who says Lily has been weird lately, cutting class and leaving at lunch and coming back. She smelled like cigarettes or pot a couple times.

Meanwhile, Carisi and Benson speak with the parents in another room who says Lily is not moody and is always smiling and singing and she likes cats and swimming. Mrs. Evans is upset they haven’t sent out an Amber Alert and Benson explains they have to be certain it is an abduction.

Peter tells Dodds that Lily said she could not talk to her parents, and she has been hanging out with a new squad and she said she wanted to go from a pool girl to a cool girl. The cool girls have been crashing frat parties at Tompkins Square.

At the Tau Omega Fraternity House at 39 Stuyvesant Street on Tuesday, October 6, Diego enters the frat house and his friend Kyle asks if he is here to party. When Diego sees no one else is there, he wonders what is up. Fin enters calls out he is NYPD and for Keith to put his hands up. Keith asks Kyle if knows about this and set him up, but Fin tells him not to talk to Kyle, talk to the detectives. Carisi finds no weapons but did find some weed. Fin shows him a photo of Lilt and asks where is she, and Keith claims he does not know who that is. Fin shows him another photos of just her body, and Keith says anything she says about him is a lie. Carisi asks when was the last time he talked to her, and Keith replies when he found out she was 15, 15 will get you 20. Carisi tells him he’s got that right, and it makes the pictures on his cell phone child pornography. They take him away.

Later, Keith is in interrogation as Fin and Carisi continue to question Keith who says he doesn’t know what happened to her. Benson watches from her office and Fin walks into Benson’s office, saying Keith claims he was at work all day and asks if anyone checked his alibi for that morning. Dodds replies that Keith was teaching extreme combat class all morning. Dodds confirms Keith has no connection to where Lily swims, and that is upper east, and Keith is in Brooklyn. The police checked his apartment and there is no sign of the girl. Carisi exits the interrogation room and tells the others that Keith swears he was in Brooklyn since last night and only came into the city when Kyle asked him for weed. He adds Lily is not the only girl sexting him; Carisi doesn’t think Keith is good for this. Benson says they have enough to hold him, and asks Fin to see if Keith can think of anyone Lily would be hanging with. She shakes her head, saying that 16 hours – she could be anywhere. Carisi comments along with all the other teenage girls that slipped out tonight. Dodds adds that his dad has a saying: little kids you find, elderly you find, teenagers you solve. He thinks she’s hooked up with someone she knows, they just have to find out who that is. Benson counters that, no offense to his father, but the longer this goes on, the less likely that scenario is. Carisi, looking at his phone, comments that he has something – a homeless guy just tried to use her debit card and said he found it when he was looking for cans and bottles, and the unis are with him.

At 2347 12th Avenue on Tuesday, October 6, Carisi and Dodds speak with Sam the homeless guy who shows them where he found the debit card. They see what is likely Lily’s bag.

Back at SVU, the Evans confirm that is Lily's bag and Benson explains they are bringing in the homeless man.  Mrs. Evans loses her cool and Benson and Mr. Evans try to calm her.

At 791 West 135th Street on Wednesday, October 7, Carisi, Fin and Dodds are on the scene with a group of officers and dogs scanning the area and Carisi sees a foot peeking out under a moving blanket. He calls the others over and he carefully opens it as Fin says he will call Benson and the ME. They see it is Lily and she is dead. Dodds is taken aback.

Law & Order SVU “Depravity Standard” Promo

Here is the promo for Law & Order SVU “Depravity Standard” which will air on Wednesday, November 18, 2015 at 9PM ET on NBC. BD Wong guest stars.


My recap and review of Law & Order SVU “Depravity Standard” 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.

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

Dick Wolf Talks Possible Law & Order Return

Photo by: Elizabeth Sisson/NBC 2015 NBCUniversal Media, LLC

At the “NBC Chicago Celebration” for Wolf Films’ Chicago Fire, Chicago PD, and Chicago Med shows, Dick Wolf gave the latest information on a possible return of the beloved mothership, Law & Order. Wolf mentioned an "event" series of 10 to 13 episodes, hoping for Rene Balcer as showrunner. (I'm all in for that!)

Read the full story here: Variety: Dick Wolf Talks ‘Chicago’ Crossovers and Potential ‘Law & Order’ Revival




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.

Friday, November 6, 2015

Law & Order SVU “Melancholy Pursuit” Sneak Peeks

Here are previews from Law & Order SVU “Melancholy Pursuit” which will air on Wednesday, November 11, 2015 at 9 PM ET on NBC. The preview features Mariska Hargitay, Ice-T, Peter Scanavino, and Andy Karl.

Please note: These videos have a limited life and may be removed at any time, so catch it while you can!






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

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

Thursday, November 5, 2015

Law & Order SVU “Melancholy Pursuit” Photos

Here are advance photos from Law & Order SVU “Melancholy Pursuit” which will air on Wednesday, November 11, 2015 at 9 PM ET on NBC. The photos feature Mariska Hargitay, Ice-T, Peter Scanavino, Andy Karl, Tamara Tunie, and Ali Wentworth (as Shari Parker).


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













Photos by: Michael Parmalee/NBC 2015 NBCUniversal Media, LLC






Photos by: Will Hart/NBC 2015 NBCUniversal Media, LLC




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

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


Law & Order SVU “Patrimonial Burden” Recap & Review



Law & Order SVU “Patrimonial Burden” was a very predictable episode – I correctly guessed who did it only a few minutes in. Still, this episode loosely based on the Duggar family scandal was very well written and well acted. I think Sgt. Mike Dodds is fitting in very well, despite the fact that he still may not completely get what working Special Victims is all about. He seems a little torn between the advice he’s received from his father the Deputy Chief, and how things work in the real world, in the trenches. His comment about his father's advice on not leaving until the boss leaves, implying the boss is a man, may have been an innocent slip on Dodds’ tongue, but may also indicate that his father, being in the upper ranks, still can’t relate to women in leadership positions in the NYPD.

One thing about Mike Dodds/Andy Karl that got me in the episode – making me laugh a bit – is that for weeks I have been trying to figure out who Andy Carl resembles. It finally hit me that there is something very John Munch-looking about him, like he could be a long lost son. It was something that I saw in his facial expressions and in his profile. Now that my brain has realized this, I am not sure I can “unsee” it.

We also learn that Rollins is now on complete bed rest. I like the way they worked Kelli Giddish’s pregnancy into this episode. They dedicated just enough time to it so it didn’t detract from the main story.  Clearly, Rollins is getting concerned about what she got herself into with this pregnancy, but Carisi assures her all will be okay because his mother lit a candle for her in church.  Yes, I am sure that will mean all will be fine (wink).  Speaking of Carisi, I think Peter Scanavino does a great job in his role. I know it's the writers who give Carisi his lines, but I think Peter really brings them to life.

No Barba. Again. What's the deal here?

The disclaimers at the beginning of the episode that states the story is fictional and does not depict any actual person or event has always makes me laugh. The whole Law & Order brand uses the “ripped from the headlines” tag line as a promotional tool, making the disclaimer hypocrisy in its highest form. I know why they do it but it never ceases to amaze me that there have been few lawsuits filed by people whose stories upon which these episodes are based.   The episode was highly promoted as based on the Dugger story, so the disclaimer is rather meaningless!



Here is the recap:


Cast:
Mariska Hargitay – Lieutenant Olivia Benson
Ice-T – Detective Odafin “Fin” Tutuola
Kelli Giddish - Detective Amanda Rollins
Raúl Esparza - ADA Rafael Barba
Peter Scanavino - Detective Dominick “Sonny” Carisi, Jr.

Guest stars:
Andy Karl - Sergeant Mike Dodds
Geneva Carr - Pam Baker
Karen Tsen Lee – DNA Tech Susan Chung
Richard Poe – Elias J. Barnes
Betsy Aidem –
Kieran Mulcare - Rick
Ryan Devlin - Pastor Eldon
Christopher Sieber - Frank Baker
Victoria Leigh - Lane Bake
Chris Elliott - Pete Matthews
Gordon Tashjian - Officer Doug Tramwell
Katie Claire McGrath – Sophia
Ron Dizon - Nurse
Rachel Annette Helson -Tymber Baker
Angus O’Brien – Graham Baker
Bridget McGarry – Summer Baker
Luke Trevisan – Parky Baker


The reality show “13aker’s Dozen” – the “B” in Baker looking like the number 13 - is filming the Baker family in a sexual purity promised/pledge ceremony with Frank Baker and his daughter Lane. The large family standing by. Mom Pam Baker explains the Virtue ceremony. Later, we see Lane preparing for the ceremony and ball with her whole family in New York City.

Later, at the Virtue ball, Pastor Eldon invites the fathers and the daughters out to the floor for a special dance. Frank Baker dances with his daughter Lane. A camera records a female members of the family, while we hear family members explain the importance of virtue. Summer, talking about her promise ring and sister Tymber with husband Rick mentions the only man she has ever kissed is her husband. One of the sons, Graham, asks when they will get to eat the cake, which looks like a large wedding cake with a topper depicting a father and his daughter. Pam Baker asks Summer if she is watching her brother, and when she calls to Tate, Graham says he will get him. Pam says the little ones are very spirited. Graham picks up Tate and Pam adds, “so are the big ones.” Meanwhile Frank is still dancing with Lane and says she is beautiful, just like her mother. She smiles broadly and says, “Daddy, stop.” As he spins her as they dance, she continues to say, “daddy stop” and then, getting wobbly, faints and drops to the floor in her father’s arms. Pam rushes to her and the cameraman Pete Matthews says she is out cold. Frank calls for water and Pete calls 911. While the family looks on, Pam tells Lane that mommy is here as Lane’s siblings watch with concern,

Afterward, Benson arrives at the hospital to a waiting Fin and Carisi and they tell her about Lane Baker and explain the virtue ball and that Lane, despite her promise of virtue, is 3 months pregnant. Benson sees the siblings standing in a circle and praying for their sister.

Frank and Pam speak with Benson who explains the doctor had to call the police as there is mandatory reporting in these situations as Lane is 13 and pregnant. Frank says this is a family matter and refuse Benson and Fin talking to Lane; they want to talk to her first as she doesn’t know she is pregnant. Fin asks if Lane has a boyfriend, and Frank explains no, their children don’t date. Pam says they don’t need their help but Benson presses that they have a job to do and Lane’s condition could be the result of a criminal act. Pam thinks if Lane was hurt in any way she would have told the,

The doctor explains to Carisi there were no signs of ongoing trauma and that she had low blood pressure which caused the fainting and otherwise healthy. She adds that, without violating confidentiality, Lane didn’t get a chance to tell her anything, her parents were with her every second.

Frank and Pam insist they are good parents but Benson says this wasn’t an Immaculate Conception, asking if Lane has been alone with any boys. Frank says no and Pam says they home school as they believe in faith based education. Pastor Elson arrives and Frank introduces him to Benson and Fin, and they explain to Eldon that they want to talk to Lane. He says that Frank, Pam and Lane would be more comfortable speaking to the local authorities and as their pastor – and lawyer – he will contact the Allanville PD. Benson looks less than thrilled.

Back at SVU, Benson expresses her frustrations to the detectives and Rollins thinks they are being protective of their brand and mentions the scandal with the Duggars. Carisi defends their right to their beliefs. Dodds says given there is no evidence of an assault or a complaint from the girl or her parents, why are they pursuing it. Benson explains Lane is 13; it is statutory rape. He knows that but he has been there before mentioning an issue with the Hasidim in Crown Heights and how religious communities close ranks. Benson counters this is why they don’t let it go, adding Lane lives in an insular environment and whoever got her pregnant is a predator with access. Carisi comments is it access outside of their jurisdiction and asks if Benson wants him to put in a call to Allanville PD. Dodds doubts that with local celebrities in a small town that they will be much help. Rollins jumps in an says she may have found something. She informs them their entire life is an open blog and finds that, if, as the doctor says Lane is 10-12 weeks pregnant, it happened in - Carisi says September/August and Rollins corrects him to July – it was when they were in Harlem doing mission work. Benson states this is probable cause for statutory rape in New York City, and Dodds looks like he knows he made an error. When Rollins asks if she and Carisi should take a run at the hospital, Fin reminds her she is on desk duty. When Rollins tries to make her case, Benson decides to send Dodds and Fin.

Fin and Dodds get in the elevator, and Dodds asks Fin if Benson is always this proactive. When Fin asks if there is a problem, Dodds explains that when this happened with a Hasidim in Brooklyn, the DA called them off. He adds it is like his father said to pick your battles. Fin counters than Benson has been doing this a long time, and if something is wrong, it is.

When Fin and Dodds get to the hospital, they find Lane was already discharged that morning.

Law & Order SVU “Melancholy Pursuit” Promo

Here is the promo for Law & Order SVU “Melancholy Pursuit” which will air on Wednesday, November 11, 2015 at 9PM ET on NBC.


My recap and review of Law & Order SVU “Melancholy Pursuit” 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.

Monday, November 2, 2015

Law & Order's Fred Dalton Thompson Dies


Fred Dalton Thompson died Sunday, November 1, 2015, at the age of 73, in Nashville, TN, from a recurrence of lymphoma. Fred played DA Arthur Branch on Law & Order from 2002 to 2007, and also appeared on Law & Order spin-offs SVU, Criminal Intent, Trial by Jury and Conviction.

Before his tenure in the Law & Order universe, Fred had an impressive career in politics, serving as a U.S. senator from Tennessee, and was a candidate for president. He also served as committee counsel for the Senate Watergate Committee which investigated President Richard Nixon.

A full story of Fred’s life can be found here:

The Tennessean: Fred Thompson, with larger-than-life persona, dies at 73





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.

Friday, October 30, 2015

Law & Order SVU Universal Channel UK Promo

Here is a new promo from Universal Channel UK titled “100% Character” highlighting Law & Order SVU’s Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay).







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 “Patrimonial Burden” Preview

Here is a preview clip for Law & Order SVU “Patrimonial Burden” which will air on Wednesday, November 4, 2015 at 9PM ET on NBC. The preview features Mariska Hargitay and Andy Karl.


My recap and review of Law & Order SVU “Patrimonial Burden” 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 “Depravity Standard” Episode Information


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

Law & Order SVU “Depravity Standard” Air Date November 18, 2015 (9 PM ET/8C Wednesday NBC)

Lt. Benson (Mariska Hargitay) seeks justice in the trial of child abductor Lewis Hodda (returning guest star Tom Sizemore), but when a plea deal is rejected, Barba (Raúl Esparza) must rely on decades-old evidence to make his case and faces off against former SVU colleague Dr. Huang (guest star BD Wong). Also starring Ice T, Kelli Giddish and Peter Scanavino. Also guest starring Robin Weigert, Alex Karpovsky, Liza Colon-Zayas, Mili Avital and Jenna Wolfe.

# # #


My recap and review of Law & Order SVU “Depravity Standard” 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.

Friday, October 23, 2015

Law & Order SVU “Melancholy Pursuit” Episode Information


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


Law & Order SVU “Melancholy Pursuit” Air Date November 11, 2015 (9 PM ET/8C Wednesday NBC)

The hunt for a missing teenage girl takes an emotional toll on Sgt. Dodds (Andy Karl), and DNA evidence becomes a crucial lead in finding the girl's abductor. Starring Mariska Hargitay, Ice T and Peter Scanavino. Guest starring Tamara Tunie, Brian Avers, Jonathan Judge-Russo, Nick Cordero, Carolee Carmello and Ali Wentworth.


# # #



My recap and review of Law & Order SVU “Melancholy Pursuit” 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 “Patrimonial Burden” Photos

Here are advance photos for  Law & Order SVU “Patrimonial Burden” which will air on Wednesday, November 4, 2015 at 9PM ET on NBC. The photos feature Mariska Hargitay, Ice-T, Peter Scanavino, Andy Karl, Chris Elliot (as Pete Matthews), Christopher Sieber (as Frank Baker), Geneva Carr (as Pam Baker), Ryan Devlin (as Pastor Gregory Evans), and Victoria Leigh (as Lane Baker).

Update October 27, 2015 - 5 pics added below.

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








Added October 27, 2015






Photos by: Michael Parmelee/NBC 2015 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.