Ep 16. Facing Demons

The nineteenth episode of the twentieth season of the television series Law & Order: Special Victims Unit is titled "Facing Demons." The story follows the renowned squad at the Special Victims Unit (SVU), consisting of Detective Olivia Benson and her team of hand-picked detectives. They investigate sexually related crimes and work on bringing justice to the victims, regardless of the risk or the danger involved.

In this episode, we see that Benson (Mariska Hargitay) and her team are working with an army vet. Nancy Dillon (Tamara Tunie) who runs an organization for female veterans. They are working on a case of a young female army vet who has been accused of rape. This female vet, Ash (guest star Michaela McManus), tells investigators that she was attacked by her squad-mate Kress (guest star Bronson Pinchot) while in Afghanistan. Ash reported the rape but her accusations were ignored, and Kress went on to be promoted rather than reprimanded. Ash says that she subsequently confronted Kress and killed him, leading her to be charged with his murder.

Together with the team, Benson and Dillon uncover evidence that definitely supports Ash's allegations of rape - but questions about whether she could have killed Kress without some help emerge too.

As mentioned previously, Dillon runs an organization for female veterans, and Ash is among those she helps through brave therapy sessions. Dillon, who once held a similar charge against one of her fellow officers, helps Ash find the strength to confront the ghosts of the past and be resilient and vulnerable to healing from a suffering trauma. Their past traumas form a strong alliance giving Ash’s case the necessary motivation to stand against her traumatised feelings.

Meanwhile, journalist Caroline Bettis (guest star Anika Noni Rose) visits the SVU and asks Benson for her perspective on sexual assault cases. As she has a vast in-depth knowledge on the subject, Benson shares her views on how the military justice system fails women, illustrating the harsh reality of life and the injustice meted out to women that makes them the "silent minority." Bettis later covers Ash's case, but her own personal motive hinders justice.

Given the high-profile nature of Ash's case, the SVU is under immense pressure to get the dirty details, uncover the motives, and reach a verdict, which means they have to deal with many distractions, as there is supposed to be no stone left unturned. In addition to all of that, Manhattan DA lies in wait and keeps an eye on the proceedings.

The guests are very outstanding in this episode, Anika Noni Rose (who has appeared in Dreamgirls, For Colored Girls, and many others), guest stars as a journalist who is seeking Benson's input on the military justice system's failure in sexual assault cases. Bronson Pinchot played Serge Kress in this episode while Michaela McManus played Ash, both of whom provide exceptional performances.

Overall, this episode explores different themes such as trust, loyalty, betrayal, and trauma that resonate with the victim. It also highlights the flaw in the justice system and aims to give light to the harsh reality of life. Facing Demons showcases the bravery of women in the military, who have successfully fought for their rights, with Benson and Dillon's unwavering support. The episode is emotional, packed with suspense and action, and is a must-watch for all fans of the series.