Law & Order: SVU Season 26 Episode 16 Brought Back An Old Story To Help Trigger Benson’s Past Trauma And It Was Glorious

Critic’s Ranking: 4.7 / 5.0

4.7

Regulation & Order: SVU Season 26 Episode 16 received me good.

I didn’t perceive why we wanted a sequel to Ellie’s coma story, nevertheless it all got here collectively superbly.

I particularly appreciated the connection to Benson’s private historical past—one thing Regulation & Order: SVU used to do often however has forgotten in recent times.

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 Regulation & Order: SVU’s pilot episode in 1999.

The pilot was additionally the one and solely time we met her mom, who apprehensive 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 just a few episodes later, nevertheless it additionally shortly got here up that Benson had joined SVU as a result of her historical past made her need to help different survivors.

I’ve at all times thought that Regulation & Order: SVU made a mistake by eliminating Serena from Benson’s life (after which killing her just a few seasons later), so I used to be thrilled that Regulation & 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 notably efficient as a result of Benson’s wrestle to forgive her mom for previous sins tied so straight into the case.

Benson’s Ache Made This Unhappy Sequel Value It

Ellie’s story was tragic sufficient the primary time round. On Regulation & Order: SVU Season 26 Episode 6, she lapsed right into a coma as a result of her boyfriend had overwhelmed 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 screen time for Graham Patrick Martin.

This story was much more compelling than I anticipated, and the way in which it tied Benson’s ache to the primary story was a giant a part of that.

Benson recognized with each Ellie and her unborn youngster, and it might simply have was 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 Regulation & Order: SVU Season 25 is burned completely into my mind, and I used to be afraid we have been in for an additional ridiculous arc like that when Benson hugged Ellie’s mom.

Fortuitously, that didn’t occur, although this story was relatively Benson-heavy.

Normally, I favor tales during which the entire group works collectively to analyze after which Carisi does his factor in court docket.

Nevertheless, Regulation & 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 chance that the newborn wasn’t Chris’

Fin and Curry Each Had Essential Roles Supporting Benson On Regulation & 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 have been there for her.

Fin’s been largely within the background throughout Regulation & Order: SVU Season 26, so it was doubly wonderful for him to be a giant a part of Benson’s help system.

Fin tried to maintain Benson from going too far and referred to as her out on performing from her previous ache.

Benson denied that, after all, however no less than 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 happening an unhealthy path.

Prior to now, although, he has accomplished it in an obnoxious approach.

In the course of the Maddie Flynn story (that silly arc ruined everybody and every part!) he got here off as controlling and overly opinionated.

I appreciated that this time, he didn’t push Benson that onerous and that he tried to be respectful of her privateness.

He was cautious in what he mentioned to Bruno and Curry, although after all, in Curry’s case it didn’t matter since she already knew Benson’s historical past.

I preferred that Curry was additionally in a position to cope with Benson’s challenge sensitively. I beloved when she identified that she already knew Benson’s background and will discuss overtly 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 probably be an in depth good friend, I like the concept.

Benson has a tough time letting anybody in, and it’ll in all probability be even more durable 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 Regulation & 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 take into account the chance that her daughter had been raped?
• The neurosurgeon who was too busy to present a DNA pattern was among the best purple herrings in latest 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, Regulation & Order: SVU fanatics.

What did you consider Regulation & Order: SVU Season 26 Episode 15? Did it meet your expectations?

Whether or not you really liked it, hated it, or something in between, I need to know YOUR ideas.

Vote in our ballot to fee the episode then hit the feedback.

Regulation & Order: SVU airs on NBC on Thursdays at 9/8c and streams on Peacock on Fridays. The subsequent new episode airs on April 3, 2025.

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