Ep 23. Assumptions

In Law & Order: Special Victims Unit season 20 episode 23 titled "Assumptions," the SVU team faces a complex case involving sexual assault, power dynamics, and assumptions about the perpetrator's guilt. The episode opens with the discovery of a young woman who has been raped and left on the side of the road – the latest victim of a serial rapist who has been targeting young women in the area.

As the team works to uncover clues and track down suspects, they begin to realize that the case is not as straightforward as it first appeared. The victim, a young college student named Emily, had been seen arguing with a man at a party earlier in the evening – a man who, the team assumes, must be the perpetrator.

However, as they dig deeper, they discover that Emily had been involved in a complicated web of power dynamics and relationships with several men in her life, any one of whom could have been behind the assault. Meanwhile, Emily herself is struggling to come to terms with what happened to her, and the team must work to support her as she grapples with her trauma and tries to identify her attacker.

As the investigation unfolds, tensions rise and emotions run high. Detective Olivia Benson (played by Mariska Hargitay) finds herself at odds with her fellow officers over their assumptions about the case and the suspect, while also dealing with personal issues of her own. As the truth begins to emerge, the team must confront difficult questions about sexual violence, consent, and the assumptions that can hinder investigations and perpetuate harm.

Throughout the episode, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit delivers its signature blend of complex storytelling, compelling characters, and hard-hitting social commentary. With its nuanced exploration of the dynamics of power and consent, "Assumptions" is a powerful and thought-provoking addition to the series. Fans of the show will not want to miss this episode, which stands out as one of the best of season 20.