Law & Order: Special Victims Unit Season 14 Episode 18 Born Psychopath

The episode "Born Psychopath" is the 18th installment of the 14th season of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. The plot of the episode revolves around a young boy named Henry Mesner (played by Sterling Beaumon) who is believed to be a psychopath.

The episode opens with Henry playing a violent video game at home, while his mother listens to music in the other room. He tells his friend on the phone that he is going to play a trick on his mom. The next morning, the police are called to the Mesner household after Henry's mother is found dead in her bed.

Upon further investigation, the detectives learn that Henry's mother had been drugged with sleeping pills and suffocated with a pillow. Henry is the only suspect, but his father, who is divorced from his mother, is convinced that his son is not capable of murder and hires a lawyer to defend him.

The detectives interview Henry, who seems eerily calm and indifferent about his mother's death. He tells them that he found her dead when he woke up and that he doesn't remember anything else. However, they later discover that Henry had planned his mother's murder for weeks and had even tried to kill her before, but was stopped by his friend.

As the investigation continues, the detectives dig deeper into Henry's past and discover a history of violence and disturbing behavior. They also learn that his biological father was a serial killer and that his mother had a mental illness. The question arises of whether Henry was born a psychopath or if his environment and genetics shaped him that way.

Meanwhile, ADA Barba (played by Raul Esparza) struggles with his own personal issues and past traumas that are triggered by the case. He puts aside his own problems to focus on getting justice for Henry's mother and holding Henry accountable for his actions.

Throughout the episode, the audience is taken on a rollercoaster of emotions as they are forced to confront the chilling reality of psychopathy in children and the complex ethical and legal questions that arise in cases like this.

Overall, "Born Psychopath" is a riveting episode that explores the chilling world of psychopathy in children and raises important questions about nature vs. nurture and accountability. The acting is superb, with standout performances by Sterling Beaumon and Raul Esparza, and the writing is thought-provoking and nuanced.