LAW & ORDER: SVU: Olivia Benson’s Worst Nightmare Goes On Trial

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit returns with its first new episode of 2014, the next chapter in one of the most intense ongoing cases in this procedural’s history.

In “Psycho/Therapist”, Olivia Benson once again comes face to face with her kidnapper, William Lewis, this time in the courtroom. After numerous motions and attempts to strike a deal, Lewis is going on trial for the kidnapping and four-day torture of Benson that comprised the season 14 finale/season 15 premiere episodes.

As the trial gets underway, ADA Barba prepares his best offense, but is blindsided when Lewis abruptly fires his lawyer and chooses to represent himself. This is his Constitutional right, but Barba is appalled that Lewis will now have the opportunity to question Benson directly. The testimony against Lewis by others is given a few moments here and there, but we already know what happened. While their testimony is important to the overall trial, our story is concerned mainly with the defendant and the victim. What exactly happened in that beach house? Who is telling the truth about the sequence of events? Did Olivia simply defend herself, or did she use unnecessary force?

Mariska Hargitay and Pablo Schreiber masterfully escalate the tensions between their two characters, culminating in a showdown that involves spittle on one side and steely restraint on the other. Alas for my family members who interrupted me while I was watching the final act – my reaction was less than gentle as I sat on the edge of my seat, waiting to find out the jury’s verdict. Friends, we may not have seen the last of William Lewis.

“Psycho/Therapist” airs Wednesday, January 8 at 9/8c on NBC.