Ep 3. Imposter

After twenty years on air, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit continues to follow the investigations and emotional toll of the Special Victims Unit of the NYPD. Season 18, episode 3, titled "Imposter," maintains the show's unwavering commitment to tackling difficult cases with a tactful and empathetic lens.

"Imposter" opens with a traumatic rape case. A woman, known only as "Jane Doe" (played by Kelli Williams), is found raped, brutally beaten, and left for dead in Central Park. When detectives Benson and Rollins investigate, the victim claims that her attacker was an NYPD cop. As they dig deeper, they discover that the man they're after is someone entirely different.

As the detective squad races to catch the rapist, Dr. Huang (played by B.D. Wong) is analyzing the victim's case. Huang is a forensic psychiatrist, and his role is to help the detectives understand the psychology behind the perpetrator's actions. Helping the victim is also a critical part of the episode, as the detectives and medical staff work together to provide her with emotional support and medical attention.

One particularly poignant scene involves the victim revealing her name to Benson. Up until this point, she had refused to disclose her identity, hoping to distance herself from the attack. When Benson realizes who Jane Doe is, she tells her, "I know who you are, and you were very brave tonight." Benson has a long history of being the empathetic and compassionate leader of the Special Victims Unit, and this scene highlights her ability to connect with the survivors of these heinous crimes.

As the investigation ramps up, the detectives turn their attention to a potential impostor. A man matching the description of the rapist is seen in public areas around the city, creating a sense of danger and urgency for the investigators. They are soon able to identify him, leading to a wild chase through the city streets as they try to apprehend him.

Throughout the episode, the detectives on the case struggle with personal issues and truama from previous cases. Carisi (played by Peter Scanavino) is seen grappling with the guilt he feels for not being able to prevent the rape, and Rollins (played by Kelli Giddish) is struggling to balance her job and her pregnancy. These nuances make the show feel more complex and authentic, as the detectives are presented as real people with their own internal struggles.

As in most Law & Order: SVU episodes, the case ultimately comes to a head in a tense court scene, where the team's hard work and dedication finally pay off. The audience is left feeling satisfied and hopeful with the way the case is resolved.

"Imposter" is another strong entry in a show that continues to provide thought-provoking and intense crime dramas. The episode tackles tough subject matter with sensitivity and tact, and the performances from the cast are as strong as ever. In short, it's a must-watch for fans of the show and newcomers alike.