Ep 23. Bound

Detectives Olivia Benson and Elliot Stabler are assigned to a case involving a woman who was found bound and raped in her own bedroom. While investigating the crime scene, Benson and Stabler discover that the victim, Karen, was an escort and had recently returned to work after taking time off to deal with a previous assault. Karen’s attacker had left a note behind, which leads the detectives to believe that he is a repeat offender.

As Benson and Stabler delve deeper into Karen’s past, they discover that she had many clients, including some very high-profile individuals. They begin to interview these clients, but are met with resistance and denial. However, one client, a politician named Wolfgang, becomes particularly defensive and evasive, leading the detectives to believe that he may be their suspect.

Meanwhile, Captain Donald Cragen is dealing with his own personal problems. He is being investigated by Internal Affairs for allegedly taking bribes and is worried that his career may be over. Cragen confides in Detective John Munch, who helps him come up with a plan to clear his name and prove his innocence.

As the investigation into Karen’s assault continues, new evidence comes to light that points to a different suspect. Benson and Stabler work tirelessly to track down the perpetrator and bring him to justice, but they face obstacles at every turn. They must navigate through corrupt politicians, powerful attorneys, and a criminal justice system that seems stacked against them.

In the end, the detectives uncover the truth behind Karen’s assault and are able to apprehend her attacker. As for Cragen, he is able to clear his name and is reinstated as captain of the SVU unit. The episode concludes with the detectives reflecting on the toll that their work takes on them, but also acknowledging the importance of the work they do in bringing justice to victims of sexual assault.