Women of the Week

With the 2017-2018 TV season just about wrapped up, who were our latest Women of the Week nominees? Read on to find out!

Nominated by Melissa: Mariska Hargitay as Olivia Benson & Genesis Rodriguez as Lourdes on Law & Order: SVU

My nominees this week are Mariska Hargitay and Genesis Rodriguez from the two-part Law & Order: SVU season finale. Any time the show chooses to focus on Olivia Benson, Mariska reminds me what a fantastic actress she is. Vulnerable, fierce, raw, compassionate – Mariska is the reason Olivia is still a fan favorite after 19 years. In the season finale, she was well-matched by Genesis who gave a searing portrayal of Lourdes, a woman in pain, a woman who fought and endured to come to America for a better life, and lost herself and her future in the process. Between them, Mariska and Genesis gave us a powerful look at the ongoing trauma of physical and sexual assault, the horror many immigrants endure in hopes of a better life, and the hopelessness so many women and immigrants live with daily.

But after all the heartbreak, the double episode ended on an even more powerful note: in their final, incredible scene, Olivia gave Lourdes the priceless gift of hope. With a simple, heartfelt gesture, Mariska proved what a remarkable actress she is and Genesis met her beat for beat.