Law & Order: Special Victims Unit Season 10 Episode 12 Hothouse

In the season 10 episode 12 of Law And Order Svu, entitled Hothouse, the SVU team is called to investigate a case involving a high school student who overdosed on drugs and died. The deceased student was a member of the school's elite group of students known as "The Hothouse," a program that grooms students for success by pushing them academically and socially.

As the investigation unfolds, the team discovers a dangerous, out-of-control subculture within the program, where students are subjected to extreme pressure to succeed. The Hothouse is run by a charismatic and manipulative teacher named Jake Berlin (played by guest star Peter Hermann), who is determined to maintain his control over the students at any cost.

As the team digs deeper into the case, they encounter further incidents of drug abuse, sexual coercion, and violence among the Hothouse students. The SVU team's own children also become involved, making the case even more personal for them.

The episode explores the issue of the dangers of pushing children too hard to succeed and the repercussions that such pressure can have on their mental and emotional wellbeing. The Hothouse is depicted as a cautionary tale of what can happen when the pursuit of success becomes a dangerous obsession.

The acting is strong in this episode, particularly from guest star Peter Hermann as the manipulative teacher Jake Berlin. The writing is also sharp and incisive, delving into complex issues of power, control, and the psychological damage that can result from them.

Overall, Hothouse is a gripping and thought-provoking episode of Law And Order Svu that reminds us of the dangers of pushing children too hard and the importance of protecting their mental and emotional wellbeing.