Critic’s Score: 4.7 / 5.0
4.7
Legislation & Order: SVU Season 26 Episode 16 bought me good.
I didn’t perceive why we wanted a sequel to Ellie’s coma story, however it all got here collectively superbly.
I particularly appreciated the connection to Benson’s private historical past—one thing Legislation & Order: SVU used to do commonly however has forgotten lately.
First, A Refresher About Benson’s Historical past In Case You Want It
Benson’s historical past as a product of rape was established in Legislation & Order: SVU’s pilot episode in 1999.
The pilot was additionally the one and solely time we met her mom, who nervous that Benson was getting in over her head by working for the Particular Victims Unit.
Throughout Benson’s argument together with her mom, Benson challenged her about what she would do if she had an opportunity to get revenge on her rapist, which was the primary indication that Benson was a product of rape.
I don’t keep in mind if it was the pilot or a couple of episodes later, however it additionally rapidly got here up that Benson had joined SVU as a result of her historical past made her wish to assist different survivors.
I’ve at all times thought that Legislation & Order: SVU made a mistake by eliminating Serena from Benson’s life (after which killing her a couple of seasons later), so I used to be thrilled that Legislation & Order: SVU Season 26 Episode 16 bookended the primary story with Benson visiting her mom’s grave.
I’m a sucker for these sorts of scenes anyway — I additionally beloved it on Blue Bloods when anybody visited Joe Reagan’s grave — however this one was significantly efficient as a result of Benson’s wrestle to forgive her mom for previous sins tied so immediately into the case.
Benson’s Ache Made This Unhappy Sequel Value It
Ellie’s story was tragic sufficient the primary time round. On Legislation & Order: SVU Season 26 Episode 6, she lapsed right into a coma as a result of her boyfriend had crushed her up so badly.
It appeared merciless to have somebody rape her whereas she was in a coma after what she’d already endured, and I wasn’t certain I used to be up for a sequel, even when did imply extra display time for Graham Patrick Martin.
This story was much more compelling than I anticipated, and the best way it tied Benson’s ache to the primary story was a giant a part of that.
Benson recognized with each Ellie and her unborn little one, and it might simply have was yet one more story about her turning into overly hooked up to the folks she was as soon as actively serving to with an SVU case.
That terrible, seemingly unending Maddie Flynn story on Legislation & Order: SVU Season 25 is burned completely into my mind, and I used to be afraid we had been in for an additional ridiculous arc like that when Benson hugged Ellie’s mom.
Thankfully, that didn’t occur, although this story was moderately Benson-heavy.
Normally, I choose tales wherein the entire group works collectively to research after which Carisi does his factor in courtroom.
Nevertheless, Legislation & Order: SVU Season 26 Episode 16 didn’t go there, even when it did come shut by having Benson spend a lot time making an attempt to easy issues over with Laura and dealing to make sure Laura and Chris’ mom thought-about the likelihood that the child wasn’t Chris’
Fin and Curry Each Had Necessary Roles Supporting Benson On Legislation & Order: SVU Season 26 Episode 16
The opposite factor that elevated this episode above others the place Benson going the additional mile was unhealthy obsession is the diploma to which Benson’s buddies had been there for her.
Fin’s been largely within the background throughout Legislation & Order: SVU Season 26, so it was doubly glorious for him to be a giant a part of Benson’s assist system.
Fin tried to maintain Benson from going too far and known as her out on appearing from her previous ache.
Benson denied that, after all, however at the least Fin tried to make her see what she was doing and why.
Fin has by no means been afraid to confront Benson when he thinks she’s taking place an unhealthy path.
Up to now, although, he has executed it in an obnoxious approach.
In the course of the Maddie Flynn story (that silly arc ruined everybody and every little thing!) he got here off as controlling and overly opinionated.
I appreciated that this time, he didn’t push Benson that tough and that he tried to be respectful of her privateness.
He was cautious in what he stated to Bruno and Curry, although after all, in Curry’s case it didn’t matter since she already knew Benson’s historical past.
I appreciated that Curry was additionally in a position to cope with Benson’s situation sensitively. I beloved when she identified that she already knew Benson’s background and will discuss brazenly with Fin about how Benson was doing.
Benson wants extra feminine buddies, particularly now that Rollins is now not with the unit full time.
As bizarre as it’s that Curry went from being the IAB agent who investigates her to somebody who might doubtlessly be a detailed pal, I like the concept.
Benson has a tough time letting anybody in, and it’ll in all probability be even tougher for her to belief Curry as a result of Curry was an IAB agent.
A friendship between them might result in some attention-grabbing drama, given Benson’s belief points right here.
Random Ideas About Legislation & Order: SVU Season 26 Episode 16
- Did anybody else really feel unhealthy that the connection between Luara and Benson appeared to have been ruined by Laura’s refusal to get a DNA check and even contemplate the likelihood that her daughter had been raped?
- The neurosurgeon who was too busy to offer a DNA pattern was top-of-the-line pink herrings in current reminiscence. Nicely performed, SVU — I used to be satisfied he did it till he introduced the youth pastor up.
- My goodness, that pastor was delusional (and creepy!) Why it’s that creepy guys on Dick Wolf exhibits at all times appear to have a spouse and new child within the background whereas the cops are investigating?
Over to you, Legislation & Order: SVU fanatics.
What did you consider Legislation & Order: SVU Season 26 Episode 15? Did it meet your expectations?
Whether or not you liked it, hated it, or something in between, I wish to know YOUR ideas.
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Legislation & Order: SVU airs on NBC on Thursdays at 9/8c and streams on Peacock on Fridays. The following new episode airs on April 3, 2025.
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