Ep 21. Criminal

In Law & Order: Special Victims Unit season 5 episode 21 "Criminal," the SVU team investigates a string of brutal rapes and assaults in Central Park. Their search leads them to a suspect, Avery Shaw, who has a history of violence against women and is currently on probation. However, when Shaw is found dead in his apartment, the team must shift their focus to finding his killer.

Detectives Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay) and Elliot Stabler (Christopher Meloni) lead the investigation, with assistance from ADA Alexandra Cabot (Stephanie March) and forensic psychologist Dr. George Huang (B.D. Wong). As they delve deeper into Shaw's past and current acquaintances, they uncover a web of secrets and lies that may hold the key to solving both the rapes and Shaw's murder.

Meanwhile, Benson is dealing with personal struggles of her own, as she grapples with the aftermath of her own assault in the previous season. Her trauma makes her even more determined to bring justice to the victims in this case, but also puts a strain on her relationships with Stabler and her boyfriend.

The episode explores themes of victimization, guilt, and the complexity of the criminal justice system. It also showcases the expertise and dedication of the SVU team as they work tirelessly to protect and serve the most vulnerable members of society.

As the team races against the clock to catch the perpetrator, they must also confront their own biases and assumptions about the people involved in the case. Whether justice will ultimately be served remains to be seen, but the journey towards that goal is a tense and emotionally charged one.