S16.E02: American Disgrace

[WendyCR72]

When a series of allegations are made against a superstar basketball player, Sgt. Benson and Detective Carisi do not agree on the authenticity of each woman's story; the investigation takes Rollins back to her former precinct.

 

This episode thread will open at 11:00 p.m. ET after the east coast airing.

[Primetimer]

SVU's take on a disgraced racist features shockingly professional behavior from the entire squad. Even Amaro! (Okay, he's not in the ep, but let's take the victory!)

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[Bill C.]

This really was rather low-key by SVU standards, wasn't it?  There was indeed a minimum of high-handedness and overall insanity considering the subject material, apart from Tiana going full bitch and a couple of those clunkier lines.  And yeah, I was thinking Teri Polo's character was either in on the fix or masterminding it herself too--but she was just the catalyst.

[Lebanna]

Just how many ripped from the headlines stories did they get into this episode? At least they got them all done in one go so that they won't need to do another sports scandal episode this season.

Tiana's sudden outburst was pretty terrible (she even randomly propositioned Barba, for god's sake) and it made me a bit uncomfortable, like they were making a classist statement or something. She was the only one on minimum wage, so she's more slutty than the others - was that the point? It just kind of seemed icky and insulting.

Liked the new guy's random hidden depths. Is he sticking around or being killed off? He brings a bit of weird new energy, so right now for me they can keep him. I was surprised by the lack of Amaro, though. I really can't see Amaro and New Guy working together in the future - the combined power of both their egos would cause explosions.

I did like the lampshading of Barba's sartorial choices. Win or lose, his outfits are always a huge success - and a barricade that he hides the more vulnerable part of himself behind. Is the other lawyer's name Calhoun? I always enjoy watching the two of them bitch at each other. Those were nice little character moments.

I did feel like the ending was weird. What was the point of that - so we'd know Shakir got paid back for his sleeping around? An 'abortion is sometimes a sensible choice' thing? Whatever, it seemed randomly personal when we barely knew them, although it was a relief that they weren't going to stay together miserably for the baby. Or was it just to show how wise and all knowing Olivia is about terrible relationships? Because if so we already know that, Show.

[frogprof]

You may have wanted a mention of Regan, SDB, but *I* was hoping TPTB would stretch things even more and mention "my sister Goneril" or even just gonorrhea, for Heaven's sake. I mean, everything ELSE was pushed so far beyond the limits of credibility ...

Also, who names their kid "Orion"?!

[RafaelBarbas]

Barba is the best thing about this entire show. That is all.

[Sarah D. Bunting]

Chatty, I think there was some Rick Brunson in there too.

[WendyCR72]

Sorry, gang. I was told this didn't unlock. Glad someone did before I got here. For the future, to be safe, I'll leave them unlocked. Just please wait to comment 'til the episodes end. Thanks, and sorry again!

[Aethera]

I was wondering why there were no comments earlier, ha!  Didn't even realize it was locked.

 

I thought this ep was ok.  Some great guest stars elevating the material.  No baby drama, no Amaro, thought they were going to go into Rollins gambling stuff but they didn't - works for me!

[Joimiaroxeu]

Oy, what a mishmash of headlines ripped from was this episode. I thought it was clear pretty early on that the racist's guy's daughter either was sleeping or used to sleep with Shakir and her bigot father shamed her for it. What surprised me was her age since Shakir seemed to go for the young stuff and she was closer to his own age.

 

She was the only one on minimum wage, so she's more slutty than the others - was that the point? It just kind of seemed icky and insulting.

I think that's the way she saw it but old racist guy apparently paid her less simply because she was Black. He thought he was doing her a favor because she was uneducated and from the "wrong tribe".

 

Also, was that Amaro wearing a suit in the previews? Does he get to return to the detective squad? I hope that doesn't mean they'll drop the new guy because he's kinda out there but he's usually on target with his perceptions.

Edited October 2, 2014 by Joimiaroxeu

[MrsRafaelBarba]

So chick basically said...

I'm not you're That Ho Over There?

Dear SVU,

Urban Dictionary, make friends with it.

The overuse of THAT BLACK GIRL got on my nerves.

Det. Porn St ache can fall out of frame anytime now, never to be seen again.

[scarynikki12]

Also, who names their kid "Orion"?!

 

My BFF's husband is named Orion, though everyone thinks his name is Ryan and, once they realize there's an O, still never spell it right.

 

People get creative with the kids names on occasion.

[Everleigh]

My sister-in-law's sister named her kid Orion as well. While relatively uncommon, it's not unheard of.

 

I wonder when we're going to find out what exactly happened to Amanda in Atlanta before her transfer to NYC, because they seemed to be hinting at it coming up again this season. That line about pretending something didn't happen doesn't make it go away was a huge red flag to me. Guess now that Olivia is off the hook, they have to turn to their other female lead to victimize (even if they have to do so retroactively).

 

But I admit to being curious about what went down. It's been implied that she was assaulted in some way on the job, but did they ever actually say who it was? Or even suggest it? Are we meant to believe it was her former Captain? Because I found her interaction with him this episode to be a little odd. He seemed to be hitting on her and came off as kind of sleazy, but she appeared to be on friendly terms with him so I don't know. In the season 13 episode where she tells Olivia her reason for leaving Atlanta, she says something happened at work but that "it wasn't worth pursuing," which is what the Atlanta "victim" tells Rollins the Captain told her when she reported Shakir. So is the Captain the one who encouraged Amanda to keep quiet about whatever happened to her? I feel like whoever it was is going to show up in NYC in the coming weeks for some reason or another and he's going to attack someone else and force Rollins to come forward.

 

I generally like Amaro but I didn't miss him in this episode. I'm actually not looking forward to him coming back into the mix because I could do without the awkward interactions and lame romantic drama we're likely to get between him and Rollins when he finally does return. 

[txhorns79]

My sister-in-law's sister named her kid Orion as well.

 

I think the best response to that would be: "My son's name is also Bort." 

 

I think this episode suffered from a problem I've seen quite a bit on SVU.  They focus too much on twists, rather than concentrating on a coherent narrative.  So instead of just trying to do a variation of the Rice scandal, they throw in a twist and make this into the Sterling mess.  And I'm not even going to get into the weirdness of the daughter using a public place, right in front of television cameras, to have a deeply personal discussion about her having had an abortion.   

[lucindabelle]

The abortion was shoehorned in. I liked the actress but it made no sense to me that she'd do he hat with so much uncertainty going around, if she was in love with the father.

[Aethera]

I think that wasn't the captain Rollins was talking to - she'd asked where he was, and he'd left just before she showed up, I think the guy said.

[MorbidPet]

It was an okay episode for me. The only headline I recognized was the Solange/JayZ elevator fight, sometimes living across the pond makes you blissfully unaware of heinous crimes. But then SVU comes on and you get unblissfully aware ;)

Keach and Polo was just as awesome as anticipated. Only problem with really famous guest stars are that you know they will have a bigger part in the plot than first suspected. I liked the twist though, I was starting to think Polo would be the nut job so it was nice to prove myself wrong.

I actually didn't miss Amaro but I'm still happy he'll be back in the squad room next ep.

Barba was awesome as usual, and I really liked him & Amanda working together, they were a nice team.

Barba and Calhoun are always a treat to see go head to head in the courtroom.

Hello white girl = funny

I'm liking the new guy, I don't think I would mind having him stick around (especially now that we know that awful porn stache will come off) but it all depends on how he and Amaro will work together in the same room. So far I'm not seeing much of that 'old spice' grunt Kelli mentioned in her preseason interview. I want Carisi to really stir around things so more of that if he will be around for some time. (Scanavino is really getting flogged by the fandom tho, at least it takes the hate away from Kelli I guess)

The one thing that really brought the episode down for me was the ending. Shakir breaking down like that with the cameras flashing, no that felt wrong. They could've portrayed that he had feelings for Cordelia & was upset about the abortion (or miscarriage?) in a more subtle way. But that's just me.

 

I wonder when we're going to find out what exactly happened to Amanda in Atlanta before her transfer to NYC, because they seemed to be hinting at it coming up again this season. That line about pretending something didn't happen doesn't make it go away was a huge red flag to me. 

 

But I admit to being curious about what went down. It's been implied that she was assaulted in some way on the job, but did they ever actually say who it was? Or even suggest it? Are we meant to believe it was her former Captain? Because I found her interaction with him this episode to be a little odd. He seemed to be hitting on her and came off as kind of sleazy, but she appeared to be on friendly terms with him so I don't know. In the season 13 episode where she tells Olivia her reason for leaving Atlanta, she says something happened at work but that "it wasn't worth pursuing," which is what the Atlanta "victim" tells Rollins the Captain told her when she reported Shakir. So is the Captain the one who encouraged Amanda to keep quiet about whatever happened to her? I feel like whoever it was is going to show up in NYC in the coming weeks for some reason or another and he's going to attack someone else and force Rollins to come forward. 

In season 13 ep 22 Strange Beauty we learn it was the deputy chief who did something to her. Her captain is visiting NY and he says "drunk or not the deputy chief was out of line", to which she replies; "I shouldn't have taken it so personal. No lasting harm no foul, right?". Sam then tried to kiss her but she folds back reminding him he's married and he tells her he's separated and something like "you can't say we both haven't thought about it", she acknowledges this but then make it seem like she has to take a phone call, and that's how she ends up out on the street to catch the girl getting kidnapped in the cab and 'dun, dun'

So what I took from this last episode was that Amanda knew Sam had reconciled with the wife (a few times?) but now he informed her it was over for good and he wanted that shot. I think Amanda is reluctant and I hope she doesn't go there. This short Atlanta visit, that felt a bit shoehorned in, was obviously (to me at least) set up for what Warren has hinted will come up mid-season. Backstory on what happen in Atlanta. And I can't wait either. I'm a bit worried though. I mean could she actually been raped? Assaulted? Since it was brought up in this case/episode, was she drugged and isn't sure what actually happen? I do have faith in the writers but I wonder if they will try and make amends for Amanda's behavior. I mean I love Amanda, she's obviously acted out of line and said things but that's what I love about her, she's flawed, I can relate to her. I just don't want the writers to try and wriggle their way out of it and make it all seem okay 'just' cause she was assaulted. I dunno, I just hope they'll do a good thing with it. I also hope it can be something that can bring her and Benson closer together as well, they don't have to become buddies but I just want Benson to back Amanda up a bit more.

[Everleigh]

In season 13 ep 22 Strange Beauty we learn it was the deputy chief who did something to her. Her captain is visiting NY and he says "drunk or not the deputy chief was out of line", to which she replies; "I shouldn't have taken it so personal. No lasting harm no foul, right?". Sam then tried to kiss her but she folds back reminding him he's married and he tells her he's separated and something like "you can't say we both haven't thought about it", she acknowledges this but then make it seem like she has to take a phone call, and that's how she ends up out on the street to catch the girl getting kidnapped in the cab and 'dun, dun'

So what I took from this last episode was that Amanda knew Sam had reconciled with the wife (a few times?) but now he informed her it was over for good and he wanted that shot. I think Amanda is reluctant and I hope she doesn't go there. This short Atlanta visit, that felt a bit shoehorned in, was obviously (to me at least) set up for what Warren has hinted will come up mid-season. Backstory on what happen in Atlanta. And I can't wait either. I'm a bit worried though. I mean could she actually been raped? Assaulted? Since it was brought up in this case/episode, was she drugged and isn't sure what actually happen? I do have faith in the writers but I wonder if they will try and make amends for Amanda's behavior. I mean I love Amanda, she's obviously acted out of line and said things but that's what I love about her, she's flawed, I can relate to her. I just don't want the writers to try and wriggle their way out of it and make it all seem okay 'just' cause she was assaulted. I dunno, I just hope they'll do a good thing with it. I also hope it can be something that can bring her and Benson closer together as well, they don't have to become buddies but I just want Benson to back Amanda up a bit more.

 

Oh that's right, thank you. I had completely blocked out the events of "Strange Beauty" for some reason, so I didn't remember the deputy chief being named as the one who was inappropriate with her. I didn't even recall that her former Captain had visited NYC, I thought this episode was the first time we saw him and instantly didn't like him. I thought Amanda's reveal to Olivia in "Educated Guess" that something bad happened back home that "wasn't worth pursuing" was all we had heard of it up until now.

 

If they do go through with exploring what happened to Rollins in Atlanta, I would also like to see Olivia support her through it. I agree that they don't need to be best friends or anything, but it'd be nice to see them interacting a bit more and Olivia has seemed a little cold with her ever since Amanda made that insensitive comment in Rapist Anonymous and then lied to her in Gambler's Fallacy. I just hope it's not Amaro rushing to Amanda's rescue and punching someone out on her behalf. 

Edited October 4, 2014 by Everleigh

[Snookums]

Tiana's sudden outburst was pretty terrible (she even randomly propositioned Barba, for god's sake) and it made me a bit uncomfortable, like they were making a classist statement or something. She was the only one on minimum wage, so she's more slutty than the others - was that the point? It just kind of seemed icky and insulting.

 

 

Right? I mean, I get that the show was trying to highlight how everybody was treating her, but having her do a 180 personality wise in the witness box was basically the show doing the same thing. I felt bad for the actress.

 

Am very glad to hear that Pornstache will be vanishing. I can't quite believe it's actually there--it seems to be hovering like a half-centimeter above the actor's lip, not actually attached to anything. 

[Wiishtrh]

I enjoyed this ep, though it wasn't really a standout episode. Thought Teri Polo was gonna be the nutjob but I was wrong, thankfully. I'm really enjoying Sonny and I hope he becomes a regular....also, I don't understand the issue with his moustache. Maybe I'm the crazy one but it just looks like a regular moustache to me, nothing wrong with it.

 

 

Does anyone else feel that Sonny seems more like a detective that would've been on the Mothership?

[LeGrandElephant]

I get that they don't want other girls being scared of being accused of lying, but I would think that when they can specifically prove they were paid to lie, that would be blatant enough to prosecute them without scaring everyone else. They really should have prosecuted the old man for something. Otherwise, his daughter and Shakir should both sue him.

[Princess Sparkle]

Ok, I fully recognize this makes me a little bit of a nut, but I don't hate Carisi. They're making him totally brash, but he wasn't wrong about anything this week, and I kind of didn't like that the show took what should have been a bit of a heartfelt/character development moment for the character (explaining why he didn't like homicide) and turned it into a joke.

As for the case - I didn't hate it, but I think that's only because Stacey Keech and Teri Polo were great in their roles. Otherwise, it would've been terrible.

I did feel like the ending was weird. What was the point of that - so we'd know Shakir got paid back for his sleeping around? An 'abortion is sometimes a sensible choice' thing? Whatever, it seemed randomly personal when we barely knew them, although it was a relief that they weren't going to stay together miserably for the baby.

I felt like that was more of an SVU-style "We can't end the episode without one more twist!!!!!!!" I feel like the SVU writers' motto is "Why throw in 8 different storylines when you can have 9?" Edited October 8, 2014 by Princess Sparkle