"Missing Pieces"

Guest Star Lisa Joyce

This week on Law & Order SVU , the show opens up on Detective Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay) accompanying her ward from last season, Calvin, and his grandparents to what looks like a street fair. Detective Nick Amaro (Danny Pino) is also spending time with his kid. He tells his daughter she’s too young for a bare midrift 'Princess Jasmin' Halloween costume. His mother tells him he’s too protective. So far, this week’s episode is turning out to be a family show. Cut to a blonde woman walking into a bodega, asking for diapers; but not just any diapers, they have to be ‘organic’ diapers. I guess the writers are trying to imply she’s a good mother by having her ask for organic diapers. She runs out of the bodega. A minute later, we hear her scream. The next scene, Benson is questioning her on the street, “They stole my car. My baby was inside.” The cops debrief each other, “Mom says her 3 month old was in the back seat. They’re tourists from Buffalo. A baby taken on Halloween. Just what we need, another tourist horror story.” Cue the theme music.

The bodega owner didn’t see a thing, but the mother, Ali Martel (Lisa Joyce), insists her car was taken with her baby inside. “We need to find Nate. He’s lactose intolerant. He needs soy milk.” Do we believe her? Meanwhile the baby’s dad, shows up on the scene, reeking of alcohol. This is not a summary of the episode, but a recap of the five best moments of the show.


Here’s the countdown to the Five Best Moments of the Show.
#5 Best Moment of the Show. The clock keeps ticking on how long the baby has been missing. The squad room is a flurry of activity. Someone gets a call, “We might have a lead on the car. It’s abandoned on the Willis Avenue Bridge.” Benson and Amaro is first on the scene. The driver side window in smashed. There’s no sign of a baby. Benson screams to check the trunk. Amaro is frustrated at how slow it takes to get the tools. He rips open the trunk. Still no sign of the baby. Benson yells out, “We need a Level One Mobilization”. She means business. They’re going to search the river, ground level, and utilize air support. The baby could be anywhere. Will we find him in time? Meanwhile, the clock keeps ticking, “3 hours missing”.

#4 Best Moment of the Show. The whole squad room is busy taking tips from good Samaritans on the whereabouts of the baby. A Hispanic male walks into the precinct with a empty car seat. “I need to talk to somebody. I didn’t do anything”. Turns out he bought a car seat from a peddler in a park. The man sits in the squad car and IDs the peddler. The peddler has an entire baby paraphernalia spread out for sale, including a cooler. He’s looking good for the crime. Amaro and Benson bring him back to the interrogation room. The peddler denies everything. Lab results come back with soy formula in the cooler. Amaro, “They put their baby in the cooler?” Benson, “The baby’s body.” Now, the parents are looking good for the crime. Meanwhile, the clock keeps ticking, “17 hours missing.”

#3 Best Moment of the Show. Benson is questioning the father. Amaro is questioning the mother. The scene switches back and forth. Benson to the father, “Do you recognize this cooler?” “All those coolers look alike. How do you know this is mine?” “Because it has your finger prints on it.” “The M.E. found fecal matter in it.” “Maybe Ali was busy and she put a diaper in there just for a minute.” “No mother puts a dirty diaper in a cooler. Tell me what did happen. Because we know that baby was not taken. How did the baby end up in the cooler?” The father is overloaded. He shuts down. Amaro is working the mother. “Stop, so far you’ve been telling the truth, but this thing with Nate in the car. That’s a lie, Ali.” Ali breaks, “We had to sleep in a motel, the Binghamton Motor Lodge. We didn’t want my sister to know.” The cops dispatch detectives to the motel. Meanwhile, the clock is still ticking, “33 hours missing.” We all know it, but no one wants to say it. This does not end well.

#2 Best Moment of the Show. Finally, Amaro breaks through to the mom, “She’s going to draw a map where they buried the baby”. The clock reads, “39 hours missing.” The cops are combing the beach, literally; since a cop is using a brush to brush away the sand on the dead infant buried underneath. Benson says, “She buried him with his blanket and his toy.” Amaro answers, “She didn’t want him to be alone.” The sky is raining. The drops fall in the detectives faces, rolling down their cheeks, mimicking tears. They are all in mourning.

Finally, the #1 Best Moment of the Show. All that is left is to determine who did the crime; the mother or the father. The Medical Examiner gives her verbal report.

This baby was cared for. There were no visible signs of trauma. Back to working the father and mother separately. Benson and Tutuola on the dad. Amaro and Rollins on the mom. The dad claims, “I didn’t kill my son.” “Your son is on the autopsy table right now. If you plead guilty and say Ali has nothing to do with it, then Ali goes free. I know you want to protect her.” Amaro on the mom. “Ali, you drew me that map, you wanted us to find Nate. You wanted us to know.” Benson on the dad again. “You love her, that’s why you need to do the right thing.” Finally the dad cracks, “He wouldn’t stop crying. I just wanted him to stop crying so I can close my eyes. So I picked him up and I shook him until he stopped crying.” But wait, back to Amaro on the mom, “I did it. It was me. Nate was crying. And then he quieted down. I put him in the tub. I dosed off. I woke up. Nate was under water.” Wait a minute. Who did it? The ME breaks the tie. “This baby wasn’t dropped, shaken, or hurt. It was SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). It will take a while to confirm, but right now it’s my instinct. So it turns out they were both protecting each other. Amaro tells the mom it was nobody’s fault. Ali, “You mean he just died?” Amaro, “Yes, why didn’t you call for help?” Ali, “Would you believe us?” Oh, snap! She’s right. Who would believe an alcoholic father and an abused mother didn’t kill their baby?

This is not your mother’s Law & Order SVU. The crime was there was no crime. The perps never made it to court. They were let go and sent on their merry way, to pay for this cover-up the rest of their lives. Fade out on the couple consoling each other with Benson and Amaro looking on.


Next week on Law & Order SVU, a music academy student cries rape.  The prosecution says she was promiscuous.  Who do we believe?

"Double Strands"

Guest Star T. R. Knight

This week on Law & Order SVU , the show opens on a pretty blonde ballerina being followed by a baseball capped army surplus jacketed stalker into…what else? A lonely park at night. The next scene is the inevitable victim being interview by Detective Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay). Within earshot is rookie Detective Amanda Rollins (Kelli Giddish). As soon as she hears the victim say, “He had a tai chi tattoo on his neck,” she stops dead in her tracks. “Did he say anything to you?” “Yeah, he said, ‘Tell me you love me, mommy’.” “Do you remember how he got away?” “Yeah, on a bicycle.” Benson is visibly annoyed. She pulls Rollins aside, “I don’t know how you do it down south, but here in New York we prefer to have one detective do the intake, so as not to overwhelm the victim.” That’s when Rollins spills it, “I know this guy. I’ve been chasing him since Georgia. It’s the same M.O. He’s a serial rapist.” Cue the show’s opening theme music.

This week’s show title is another give away. You just know there is a twin somewhere. The cops immediately have a suspect in custody. The victim picks him out of the line-up. But he’s a straight arrow. He’s got a family, a job. How could he possible be the perp? This is not a summary of the episode, but a recap of the five best moments of the show.

Here’s the countdown to the Five Best Moments of the Show.

#5 Best Moment of the Show. Benson and Nick Amaro (Danny Pino) are in the squad room. The dispute continues on whether or not this is the serial rapist Rollins was chasing down south. All of a sudden, in walks another pretty blonde victim. She could be a twin of the first victim. She never reported her rape before, until she saw his picture on the news. The camera pauses on her face. Its obvious Rollins was right. Their perp is the serial rapist, aka the Atlantic Coast Rapist.

#4 Best Moment of the Show. Everyone in the squad room thinks they have the perp, Gabriel Thomas (T. R. Knight). After all, he was picked out of the lineup. But he’s playing it pretty cool. He’s doesn’t even want a lawyer. “He’s got one already. It’s Sherri West (Francie Swift).” Wait a minute. Don’t we know her?

#3 Best Moment of the Show. Gabriel denies all charges, but the DNA doesn’t lie. Gabriel’s DNA is a match to four victims. The next time we see Gabriel, he’s lying in a pool of his own blood. He is so ashamed he can’t live with himself.  Amaro reaches him first. Gabriel says to Amaro, “You tell my boy, I never raped anybody.” before he loses consciousness.

#2 Best Moment of the Show. Benson and Amaro find out Gabriel is adopted and tracks his biological mother down to a Halfway House. The woman is obviously a drug addict. She says Gabriel was a twin. His twin brother, Brian, has been visiting her. She doesn’t like it. She says, “I already gave him up once. You’d think he’d take the hint.” She won’t win any 'Mother of the Year' awards.

Finally, the #1 Best Moment of the Show. The detectives set a trap for the serial killer/evil twin who’s been following his good twin from city to city, committing rapes in the same city so he can pin it on the good twin. All this is unbeknownst to Gabriel, the good twin. Until Rollins let herself be bait, and Brian (T. R. Knight) bites. He is caught in the act of the crime. The case is over. Lock him up and throw away the keys. But wait, Gabriel still has no clue what is going on. That is, until Amaro opens up his cell and walks him over to the one way glass. “You’re free to go. We caught the guy. That’s your twin.” “I didn’t know…” “He did.” Camera pauses on the one way glass on the evil twin in the interrogation room and the good twin outside. Amaro just blew Gabriel’s mind.

The show ended on this big reveal to Gabriel that he has a twin. But unfortunately, his twin has been trying to frame him for his serial rapes all these years. You’re free to go, and by the way, you have a twin brother. But, he’s a serial rapist. Sort of a good news, bad news kind of ending.

Next week on Law & Order SVU , a baby goes missing on Halloween. Do we trust the parent’s story, or don’t we? Tune in to find out.

"Blood Brothers"

Guest Star Kyle MacLachlan

This week on Law & Order SVU , the show opens on a packed church with Catholic school uniformed Hispanic kids in the pew watching a morality play. Suddenly, one of the angelic school girls grimaces in pain, tries to stand, but falls down unconscious. Her friend, a fellow uniformed school boy, Arturo (Anthony Keyvan) runs to her aid, screaming “Ella!”  What’s wrong with the girl?  Cue the ER doctor. This week’s show mimics the headline-grabbing scandal of Arnold Schwarzenegger. The show’s title is an obvious give away. This is not a summary of the episode, but a recap of the five best moments of the show.

Here’s the countdown to the Five Best Moments of the Show.

#5 Best Moment of the Show. Detective Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay) and Nick Amaro (Danny Pino) walks up to the ER doctor, “She’s 13 years old. What’s wrong with her, doc?” “There’s nothing wrong with her. She’s pregnant.” Stunned silence.

#4 Best Moment of the Show. Captain Craigen (Dann Florek) tells Benson to interview the girl and her grandmother, and to “Take Amaro with you. His Spanish is slightly better than yours.” Benson’s hair bristles and gives him push back. Amaro tries to make nice, “Besides the Spanish, abuelitas love me.” The scene ends with Benson giving him the glare. Yes, Benson, we all know he’s no Stabler, but give the new guy a chance, huh?

#3 Best Moment of the Show.  Benson is questioning the girl on her own. Ella hesitates to answer. “Who hurt you, Ella?” “You won’t believe me” “…just tell me who it was.” “It was God. I didn’t have sex. This baby is a miracle.” Cut to Benson’s face. She is obviously in shock.

#2 Best Moment of the Show.  Benson and Amaro trace the flowers delivered by the florist to Ambassador Raines (Kyle MacLachlan). He is a politician with a sophisticated family and unlimited resources. “Do you know this girl?” “Did she say she knows me?” Defensive, much?

Finally, the #1 Best Moment of the Show. The detectives find the dead body of Ambassador Raines’ 13 year old son, Tripp. There is no doubt the boy was the victim of a ‘love triangle’ crime, perpetrated by the boy who truly loves Ella, the son of Ambassador Raines’ housekeeper. The 13 year old boy, Arturo Rivera, is seated in the police interrogation room. Tears stream down his face, as he reveals his anguish at a biological father who refuses to recognize him. “I could have made Ella a princess. I’m a Raines, just like Tripp.” A warning to viewers, this is a five hanky scene. The boy is a good actor. You feel the depth of his unrequited search for his father’s love. His mother, seated next to him, is unable to speak, finally realizing the full ramifications of her extra-marital affair with her employer; her bastard son has killed his half-brother. The boy reaches out pass the symbolic one way mirror that separates him from his biological father, “I just wanted you to call me your son.”

The show hung on the acting chops of a 13 year old boy, actor Anthony Keyvan. Nicely done, Tony. Bets are there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. The boy just wanted his father to love him.

Next week on Law & Order SVU , a serial rapist strikes again. Detective Rollins recognizes his m.o. on his latest victim in Central Park. Detective Benson thinks it’s just another NYC rapist. The guy in custody is a straight arrow. He’s got a family, a job. Who’s right?

"Personal Fouls"

Guest Star Dan Lauria

This week on Law & Order SVU , the newest inductee to the Metro Ball Hall of Fame, Coach Ray Masters (Dan Lauria), a basketball coach, is accused of sexually abusing his players.  Remind you of anyone, Penn State?  Another show ripped from the headlines.  You just know he’s guilty as charged.  Let’s stay tune and see if he gets his day in court.  Although not as sensational as the season premiere, this week’s show does not disappoint.  This is not a summary of the episode, but a recap of the five best moments of the show.

Here’s the countdown to the Five Best Moments of the Show.

#5 Best Moment of the Show.  Detective OdafinTutuola (Ice-T) and Nick Amaro (Danny Pino) approaches the accuser, Stevie Harris (Aaron Tveit), who just fled, by pretending to be basketball fans.  He buys the act, and lets them get close to him on a public court, until Amaro flashes his badge.  Gotcha!

#4 Best Moment of the Show.  Detective Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay) and Amanda Rollins (Kelli Giddish) visit the home of Domenica Ramos, whose son, Ritchie, was abused by the same coach years ago, when he was only 12 years old. When the mom reported the coach to…“ the church, the church said they would handle it. Instead, they did nothing.  They protected the coach.  Two days before the Grand Jury, my son hung himself here, in this room.”  Stunned silence.

#3 Best Moment of the Show.  When Benson and Tutuola questions Coach Ray’s current players, all of them say he’s a good guy, “He gives me money when I’m broke.  He even had me over to his house for Christmas.”  The detectives cannot catch a break.

#2 Best Moment of the Show.  Left with no where else to go, Benson and Tutuola returns to the accuser, hoping to find a lead to someone who will speak out against the coach.  Finally, Stevie digs deep and says there is someone else, “My roommate when I was growing up.  I think he got it worse than me.  But he’ll never talk to you”.  “Who is it?”  Benson and Tutuola follows Stevie’s gaze up the side of the building to a 30 ft. mural of pro-star basketball player, Prince Miller (Mehcad Brooks).  Jaws drop.

Finally, the #1 Best Moment of the Show. Amaro’s cell phone rings.  He looks at it and says, “It’s my wife. I’ve got to take this”.  “Gotcha on a short leash”? asks Tutuola.  “No, she’s in Iraq.” What?!?  Nice writing.  I didn’t see that coming.  The wife is the soldier off to war.  The husband stays behind and keeps the home fires burning.   Role reversal and sexual equality at last.

Next week on Law & Order SVU , a member of a NYC upper crust family, played by Kyle MacLachlan, is the subject of a headline-grabbing scandal ala Schwarzenegger.

"Scorched Earth"

Guest Star Franco Nero

My favorite primetime crime drama, Law & Order SVU, is back for its 13th season.  I was inspired by the show to start this blog.  This is not a summary of the episode, but a recap of the five best moments of the show.


This week on Law & Order SVU , an Italian diplomat and head of the Global Economic Club is seen leaving his posh hotel room; while moments later, a disheveled immigrant hotel maid stumbles out of the same room, obviously disoriented, and a victim of a sex crime.  Remind you of anyone, DSK?  That’s right. This week’s episode is ripped straight from the headlines of the Dominique Strauss-Kahn scandal earlier this year when the head of the International Monetary Fund and shoe in for the next President of France was accused of raping a Guinea immigrant hotel maid.  DSK gets off, pun intended. Does his fictional counterpart? Stay tune and see.


Here’s the Countdown to the Five Best Moments of the Show.
#5 Best Moment of the Show. The Italian diplomat is seated on the airplane on the tarmac, waiting to take off, but he’s still waiting for the laptop he carelessly left behind in the hotel room. Onto the plane walks Detectives John Munch (Richard Belzer) and Odafin Tutuola (Ice-T), “Ah, finally! You got my laptop?” the diplomat demands in an upper crust Italian accent.  Tutuola comes back with, “No, you’re under arrest. Capisci?” 


#4 Best Moment of the Show. Detective Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay) is escorting the victim, Miriam Deng (Anika Noni Rose), a Sudanese immigrant hotel maid, into the squad room when all the chatter dies down.  Everyone stops to stare at the woman who dares to bring down the rich powerful Italian diplomat.  It is so quiet you can hear a pin drop.  Way to be subtle, people.


#3 Best Moment of the Show. The Italian diplomat makes bail.  No surprise there.  Paparazzi, legitimate press, and protestors are camped outside their New York City Sutton Place townhouse, overlooking the East River.  The camera pans to a line of Black and Hispanic immigrant hotel maids in their uniforms demanding justice.  Power to the people!


#2 Best Moment of the Show. District Attorney Mike Cutter (Linus Roache) walks into the bar where all four SVU detectives are relaxing over a beer when he brandishes the headline of the local rag, The Ledger, “A Maid’s Tale”, and announces, “Another maid at the hotel just sold Miriam out”.  Cut to Benson’s look of disbelief.


Finally, the #1 Best Moment of the Show. Are you ready for this?  Olivia Benson speaks perfect Italian!  That’s right!  The camera stays on her as she speaks Italian to someone on the phone.  Just when does she find time to learn Italian in between chasing down perps and consoling victims?
Not bad for a season premiere. We get a glimpse at a new blonde detective transferred from Atlanta, GA.  She’s a little unorthodox, but then, who isn’t on SVU?  By the way, the diplomat gets off at the end on two out of the three charges.


Next week on Law & Order SVU , we are finally introduced to Detective Stabler’s replacement and new leading man, Danny Pino.  He’s tall, dark, and handsome; sure to be a hit with the ladies. The episode centers on a basketball coach who’s abusing his power with his players. Did I mention he’s also on the take?