One of my favourite shows, as well as one of the longest running series and most popular ever (with 23 seasons so far!) has to be Law and Order: Special Victims Unit (SVU).
Helmed by the amazing bad ass Mariska Hargitay (who plays Olivia Benson), and starring several beloved characters like Chris Meloni’s Elliot Stabler, and my personal favourite Pete Scanavino as Carisi, this show has stood the test of time.
With a gamut of cases that range from the creepy to the frankly absurd (Wild, anyone?), this show is an important watch for anyone who wants to learn more about what constitutes a sex crime, how laws and policies can often be misused, and just for lovers of procedurals and good acting/writing. Since many people don’t want to start watching from scratch, I’m outlining the top 10 episodes for SVU beginners to watch, which will give them a taste of the show and can be seen as stand alone.
1. Raw (Season 7, Episode 6)
This chilling episode about the seemingly random shooting of a 6-year-old boy in his school, leads to an astonishing revelation. The shooter is traced back to a Neo-Nazi and uncovers a chilling plot filled with racism, a twisted motive and a detective getting shot.
2. Bang (Season 12, Episode 22)
An episode that showcases a new side of Uncle Jessie aka John Stamos. Stamos plays a “reproductive abuser” who is a baby daddy to over 50 children. Playing a smarmy man who aims to spread his seed across the world, his death is quite shocking and the perpetrator, even more so.
3. Signature (Season 9, Episode 12)
Reading more like a thriller film, this episode follows the exploit of a serial killer with a truly creepy signature. A new agent is on board on this case, played by Erika Christensen, who is obsessed with the case, mentally and emotionally. The ending of the episode is truly heart wrenching.
4. 911 (Season 7, Episode 3)
This is a standout episode for Mariska Hargitay and involves her keeping a scared young girl on call while the squad tries to uncover her location in a thrilling 45-minute-long episode.
5. Pique (Season 2, Episode 20)
Chad Lowe stars as a twisted mama’s boy who has been through horrific traumas of his own. When a woman is found raped and stabbed to death, the detectives uncover a family that has its own dirty secrets beneath the surface. The ending which has Lowe writhing in a bed covered in blood is nightmare inducing.
6. Born Psychopath (Season 14, Episode 19)
A chilling episode that delves into the mentality of a sociopathic child and the failures of the system to figure out how to handle the same. Portrayed by Ethan Cutkosky , Henry is a child who shows zero remorse and can come across as both innocent while hiding his murderous intents quite well. There was a great follow up to this episode in later seasons called “Post Graduate Psychopath.”
7. Pornstar’s Requiem (Season 16, Episode 5)
This “Ripped from the Headlines” episode, inspired by Belle Knox, is about a college girl whose pornographic film history is uncovered by her classmates. They use this an excuse to rape her and when she decides to get justice, the ending shows that much too often it is the victim who is blamed and who suffers. With a downer of an ending, this episode is a stark insight into why women are often scared of speaking up.
8. Holden’s Manifesto (Season 16, Episode 4)
Another “Ripped from the Headlines” episode, inspired by Elliott Rodger, it revolves around Holden, an often-overlooked young man who feels women, and the world at large, owe him more. Chalking out his plans to get payback in his manifesto, this episode is a deep dive into the psyche of men who feel like people exist only for their personal use.
9. Identity (Season 6, Episode 12)
A case where DNA uncovers a truly crazy perpetrator, this episode is truly a rollercoaster. The death of a gangbanger leads the detectives to twins, a boy and a girl- and a truly crazed psychiatrist.
10. Dolls
For all you Stranger Things fans, it’s a trip to watch David Harbour essay a crazed serial killer who specializes in murdering little girls and then dressing them up like dolls.
Are you a Law and Order SVU fan? If yes, let me know your favourite episodes. If you haven’t seen it yet hopefully this tv review will in
‘This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla
Wow, what a thorough review. I am always struggle to watch my favorite web series. The last I watch was on law – “Good wife “with 8 season. Would like to watch the above one. Thank you for the review so that I can directly watch the above episode.
Wow… an amazing review, Meetali. Seems like you are a die-hard follower of it. I somehow cannot watch any shows with even a little suspense or violence. I stick to my romcoms.
My niece’s keep on telling me to watch law and order. I haven’t watch any. Your suggestions for episodes sound good. I’ll try out your suggestions first.
I enjoy law and order feels like im totally into, definitely ur review about each part does make this blog highlight
I have not seen this series but reading your review seems like an interesting series. This will be on my list now.
Awesome hope you like it!
I like watching murder mysteries or any type of crime thrillers but surprisingly I haven’t watched a single episode of this one Meetali. Your review shows your fondness for the series in every way. The review suggests that its my kind… will try the first episode.
My daughter loves this series and I used to watch it with her. But sometimes it was too disturbing. I loved how you title it “for beginners”.
Loved your post. This series is one of my favorites, right up there with NCIS. Totally agree with your picks. The one with John Stamos (far cry from good old Uncle Jesse) and the way he died – gave me the creeps.
Wow, you got quite a compilation there. I’m not a series person at all. Somehow I managed to watch The Handmaid’s Tale, only because of Margaret Atwood’s book connection but there too I ran out of patience by the last season.
That’s why this is good, you can watch the episodes as stand alones
Wow! I love law-related shows and this was already on my list. I’m currently watching Suits and this is something I have lined up too. Thanks for the review, it’s strengthened my resolve, haha
I am obsessed with such shows, this feels like I have hit a jackpot. I am definitely going to binge-watch these episodes soon
I loved this series and always an avid watcher! Your review take me back to those gripping episodes… I especially loved the John stamos episode!
That’s an amazing review Meetali, I haven’t watch the series but now would like to watch.
This is one of my favourite genres to watch and your review definitely piques my interest gal.
Hope you check out the show!
Very well written review ..i haven’t watched.. but willl add to the list
That’s quite a detailed review. Definitely prompts you to watch the show. I’m actually hearing this for the first time though.
Interesting. It sounds like my kind of a series.
Wow! I’m curious to know – have you binged on all the seasons recently? How are these so fresh in your memory?!
Haha Actually Yes! 23 seasons- took me a month!