Ep 6. True Believers

In "True Believers," the sixth episode of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit's 13th season, the detectives are called to investigate a brutal attack on a college student. The victim is a devout young woman named Sarah Walsh who was attacked in her dorm room by an unknown assailant. The detectives quickly discover that the attack may be part of a larger campaign against women on campus.

As they delve deeper into the case, the detectives learn that a group of religious zealots who call themselves "The Pure" are targeting women at the college. The Pure believe that women are responsible for all the world's evils and are determined to eliminate them one by one. The detectives struggle to identify the members of the group, who go to great lengths to conceal their identities.

As the investigation progresses, the detectives find themselves struggling with their own beliefs, particularly as they learn more about The Pure's extremist views. Detective Olivia Benson, in particular, wrestles with her Catholic upbringing and her role as a feminist in a world where women are still victimized.

The episode is notable for its frank portrayal of faith-based terrorism, a subject that was still relatively new to network television at the time. The writers also explore the issue of sexual consent, particularly in the context of university life, as well as the concept of "rape culture."

The acting in the episode is top-notch, particularly that of Mariska Hargitay as Benson and guest stars Katherine Moennig and Amy Madigan. The direction is tight and suspenseful, and the writing deftly balances the needs of the case-of-the-week format with the ongoing character arcs of the show's regulars.

Overall, "True Believers" is a standout episode of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit that tackles difficult subject matter with intelligence and sensitivity. It's a must-watch for fans of the show and anyone interested in exploring issues of faith, gender, and violence in contemporary America.