Ep 19. Sects

In Law & Order season 15 episode 19, titled "Sects," the SVU team finds themselves investigating a case involving a cult-like group known as the Church of Wisdom and Sight. The group is led by a charismatic leader named Sorenson, who has convinced his followers that he is able to cure them of all their ailments using his spiritual powers.

The episode kicks off with a young woman named Julie, who has recently joined the Church of Wisdom and Sight, reporting to the SVU team that her friend and fellow church member, Jenny, has gone missing. When the team starts investigating the case, they soon realize that this isn't a simple missing persons case. The Church of Wisdom and Sight has a long history of alleged criminal activity, including accusations of sexual abuse and child molestation.

As the investigation progresses, the team learns that Sorenson has a hold over his followers that goes beyond mere spiritual guidance. He uses his apparent ability to heal those who follow him as a means of controlling them. There are reports that members of the church are forced to perform sexual acts with Sorenson and other high-ranking members of the church in order to demonstrate their loyalty and receive his "healing" powers.

The detectives find themselves struggling to build a solid case against Sorenson, as the members of the church are fiercely loyal and refuse to cooperate with the police. However, as the plot unfolds, the team uncovers evidence of criminal behavior that could potentially lead to a successful prosecution.

One of the key witnesses in the case is a young girl named Grace, who was groomed by Sorenson to become one of his wives. Grace is initially hesitant to help the detectives, as she has been brainwashed by the church to see Sorenson as a divine figure. However, as the team continues to investigate, Grace's resolve begins to crumble, and she finds herself questioning everything she has been taught.

As with all Law & Order episodes, "Sects" is filled with twists and turns that keep the audience on the edge of their seats. The case takes a number of unexpected turns, and the team is forced to navigate a maze of red herrings and false leads in order to get to the truth.

Ultimately, "Sects" is a gripping episode that deals with the complex issue of religious cults and their impact on impressionable followers. The episode doesn't shy away from the dark and disturbing realities of cult behavior, and it serves as a reminder of the dangers of giving blind devotion to a charismatic leader.