"We've all got your number." LOL Yeah, El had some good ones in Spooked. I was sad at how Porter handled it in the end, but understood what he was trying to say to Olivia.

Since this is the Turmoil thread, are you looking forward to this ep? The promos look good. And the little hints on Twitter say that we will need Kleenex for this one. (I guess we can't post spoilers in here? Maybe I shouldn't say more.) *sigh* Wednesday is still two days away . . .

I am so looking forward to this eppy!


ANDREA

I can't wait for this eppy either! OHMYGOSH! I was so scared that I was gonna have to wait until it aired on usa because i have direct tv, and when i tried to watch a little of Used while it was being recorded, the screen stayed gray! and when i tried to watch the recording, it skipped to the part that asks if we want to delete it or not. and it did the same thing when my mom recorded regular Law & Order. Then she checked it to see if it would play live tv, and the screen stayed gray. i actually thought i was gonna cry.

Bubble Tweet from Neal Baer:

http://bbltwt.com/y8jr0

I can't wait to see tonights episode! I was thinking, it's kind of funny how the writers always talk about the show not being mainly about the characters lives, it's about the cases. But to me the best episodes are the ones that deal with the characters lives outside of work. At least is does go more into the characters lives than the origional L&O.

[quote name='Spalove' post='1230458' date='Nov 11 2009, 06:24 AM']Just saw the episode. It was great, not what I expected though.


If you can't wait til tonight, here is the link so you can watch it online



Hi there,

I don't think it is a good idea for you to post this here. Of course, it's not my call, but I'm almost positive NBC would have a problem with this.


ANDREA

I watched the episode this morning. I couldn't wait for this one. While there are problems, it is the best episode this season. Mostly due to Chris's performance.

[

I loved Chris Meloni in this ep, too. I thought he gave a powerful performance from beginning to end. Especially the end. Loved it.

Hey, thanks for sharing this site. I appreciate you wanting to help but at the same time I'm worried they'll remove it and we won't be able to use it for future episodes (especially next week's Perverted) anymore. Maybe we could share this kind of info through PM instead next time we come across something that's in the gray area.

The episode was great like you said.

I can't believe what they did to Alex and Cragen. Elliot and Olivia used to be likeable.

For those who already saw the episode, did the guy at the end remind anyone of gollum.

I thought he was going to start saying "My Precious!"

I loved this episode, but like I said in my previous post, I thought it would be different.

Richard's sudden attitude can't just because of Shane. I have a feeling there is something more going on. I hope we get more episodes with Jeffrey Scaperrotta.



You're welcome. That website puts all the episodes, dating back from, I believe the 5th season.



Elliot was going through personal stuff and I agreed with Olivia.

I agree.

Well I haven't seen the episode yet, gotta wait two hours for it to premiere on my TV.
But anyway, perhaps be better for in the Spoilers or use the [ spoiler ] thing? That way people who don't wanna know can leave the thread or the button alone and the ones that are nosy can take advantage of it. I admit, I'm the nosy one But I didn't click on the link, I don't wanna see the whole episode, I like to help with the ratings!

I agree! If you have already watched the eppy LONG BEFORE IT AIRS, please put a spoiler tag because there is a huge difference between spoilers and giving away the entire plot.

I also agree that this does nothing but hurt the ratings.



ANDREA

DeliviaIStheWAYitSHOULDbe Posted Today, 07:55 PM
I agree! If you have already watched the eppy LONG BEFORE IT AIRS, please put a spoiler tag because there is a huge difference between spoilers and giving away the entire plot.

That's what spoiler tags are for and they should be used for most things before the episode has aired on the East Coast. Feel free to say publicly that you loved/hated the episode. But not plot information.
_____________________________
I also agree that this does nothing but hurt the ratings.

Watching the episode early has nothing to do with the ratings. The only thing that counts on the Live Ratings are the televisions that are on turned to the show that belong to the households participating in the Nielsen ratings. If you aren't one of them, it doesn't matter when or how you watch.

And there really is no reason to have the tv on to that channel when you have watched it earlier in the day. Right?


ANDREA

Just finished watching Turmoil on NBC...

What I don't understand about this episode is why Cragen is the one that is continually getting punished while Benson and Stabler get off without any repercussions. I know Cragen should be punished for his inability to reign in his detectives but I did not see the brass coming down on Stabler and Benson for their actions.

As I see it Alex had no choice in dropping the rape case, so I do not understand why Olivia was so upset. If Alex had continued to prosecute the case she, and quite possibly the detectives, would have lost their job because the rules of evidence were not followed. Dropping the case Alex gave the detectives a little more time to find the evidence that the defense claimed the state had withheld and because double jeopardy did not apply they could refile the charges against the defendant if there was cause.

By the way, did anyone else find it funny that in one scene Cabot is sticking up for Benson and Stabler to Paxton but in the next scene we are learning that Benson filed charges against Cabot for “professional ethics” (I put quotes here because I don’t really know that Olivia is the right person to judge Cabot’s actions and deem them professional ethics)?

What a great eppy! I am pissed because I should have been saying this 2 weeks ago, but I got screwed.

Anywhoo, I don't know where to begin.

But I do know this - Liv was pissed with Alex for the victim. It was so not about Elliot like we thought. Alex was so beyond wrong, and Sonya needs to take her ass back out on the drunk horse she road in on. She was fueling the fire, and I didn't like that the writers tossed in that little inuendo that EO will screw others over to get their way. That is not EO, and it never will be. As for Cragen, what did he think Elliot would do. I absolutely love Cragen, and he is my second favorite character, but he needs to be more firm with EO. They don't listen very well, but I was pleased to see Liv with Warner as El was hiding because this shows me that they know they can't keep breaking the damn rules with no consequences!

And we can just add Dickie/Richard/Dick/Doofus to my list of "Stabler children I hate with a passion". He is almost neck and neck with Kathleen, and I don't even want to mention her too much because when her name comes up in a thread, the stupid character follows suit onscreen. My heart was breaking for El when Kathy and Doofus left. El could barely find his chair, and poor Liv was in a position to do nothing for the man. She looked so helpless. But I absolutely loved the way she let Elliot know that Doofus was going to the police station. That was a great scene because I have never seen EO like that, and it was good. El knows when to listen.

I'm trying to decide between this eppy and Hardwired as the 2nd best eppy of the season. Spooked comes in first because although it was garbage, Dean was in it. That makes is numero uno!

Can't wait to read everyone's thoughts.



ANDREA

ANDREA

Alex didn't have to drop the rape case! All she had to do was turn over the new evidence to the defense. There was no recant statement like they originally though, so while they may doubt she just recovered the picture, it couldn't be proven and she wouldn't have gotten in any trouble.
And she didn't drop the charges so the detectives could have more time to find evidence, she dropped them so she wouldn't get in trouble. It wasn't her actions that pissed Olivia off, it was her intentions.

Cabot did have to drop the case because if she did not she would not only lose the case (applying double jeopardy which means if they found evidence to be false they could not recharge the defendant) but also her job. The only new evidence they had before she dismissed the case was the pictures which would have supplied the jury with reasonable doubt about the rape. The false recant statement wasn't even brought up until after the case was dismissed and when Cabot found out she refiled the charges.

What are you all's thoughts on Turmoil?!?!
IK Kathy isn't one of my favorite characters but I usually like the eppy's she's in. Her son was missing and no one knew where he was and I think we only saw her for at the most 2 minutes... and that's stretching it.
WBU!?

And how do you know she would loose the case and her job? She wouldn't have, if there is no recant statement then the case would proceed as it should have. The jury can't vote against the procecution if there is no evidence that the statement even existed. And she can't loose her job if she wasn't hiding evidence . She had to turn the pictures over to the defense regardless so whether she would have proceeded with the case then or waited untill she got the her witness for the recant statement, the just would have looked at the picture and been doubtful either way. There's also the argument that regradless if she was dancing with or without clothes, That doesn't mean the sex was consensual. No means no. Period

And one way I can bet you Alex dismissed the case to save her own behind, after Olivia put her in her place at the crime scene, Alex didn't even deny it.

It was obvious what her intensions were. She didn't do it so the detectives could have gathered more evidence, she did it so she wouldn't loose her job

Jessicarich Posted Today, 11:09 PM
And how do you know she would loose the case and her job? She wouldn't have, if there is no recant statement then the case would proceed as it should have. The jury can't vote against the procecution if there is no evidence that the statement even existed. And she can't loose her job if she wasn't hiding evidence . She had to turn the pictures over to the defense regardless so whether she would have proceeded with the case then or waited untill she got the her witness for the recant statement, the just would have looked at the picture and been doubtful either way. There's also the argument that regradless if she was dancing with or without clothes, That doesn't mean the sex was consensual. No means no. Period

You don't get it. It's not the picture itself or even the recant statement. The victim could tell the truth about the rape but the defense can bring in evidence that she has not told the complete truth about other things. That gives the jury grounds for reasonable doubt. And given the defendant is a popular young man, they would want to acquit him. That is what is likely to happen.
The defense lawyer screwed up by complaining that Alex didn't turn all the exculpatory evidence. He would have done much better if he had kept his mouth shut and introduced the recant testimony (assuming he didn't know it was fraudulent) and or the photo. If he had won his case by doing that, Alex would still be in trouble because she didn't know about that evidence.
------------------------------------------
And one way I can bet you Alex dismissed the case to save her own behind, after Olivia put her in her place at the crime scene, Alex didn't even deny it.

It was hardly the place to talk about trial strategy. Alex was right not to talk about what she was doing in public. And she doesn't owe Olivia an explanation.
-------------------------------------------
It was obvious what her intensions were. She didn't do it so the detectives could have gathered more evidence, she did it so she wouldn't loose her job

It is obvious what Alex had to do to save the case to people who know what goes in court. Olivia (and the writer) does not, which is why Olivis screwed up.

No offense, but that's BC. I didn't say Alex had to explain anything to Olivia, but not even once did she deny the statement. At the crime scene or elsewhere. And she didn't have Problem arguing everything else she did at the crim scene.

Like I said of she wanted the detectives to look for more evidence and dropped the case, that's understandable. But you think she'd tell them that, she did have ample opportunity to do so, so I'm not buying the whole " she did it because she had to excuse" that's crap.

I have a reasonable expectation that she would have lost the case because pictures=reasonable doubt in the jury's mind, I am not saying the girl was not raped (I think she was) just that the pictures create a case for reasonable doubt in the juries mind. Cabot might have lost her job because she did not follow the Rules of Evidence (more specifically the defense was accusing Cabot of violating Motion in Limine ) and inform the defense to all the evidence against them (the whole facing your accuser thing) in pretrial motions. The defense was trying to say that the state failed to tell them that the victim recanted her statement and that the only reason the defense knew was because the girls "friend" Amy was going to testify that victim recanted.



Yeah Cabot did not deny it, but that could be explained away as simple shock on her part that someone she once thought of as a friend would so willingly stab her in the back. Look at the scene between Cabot and Paxton. Paxton is trying to tell Cabot that all Benson and Stabler's loyalty is only to each other and Cabot rejects that. Cabot also tells the state bar investigator that she will not call 1PP to file a complaint against the detectives. Cabot stands up for Benson and Stabler to everyone and how is she rewarded? She finds out that someone she considers a friend but in a request for a new ADA. If you look at Cabots face after that confrontation and in the detention facility she looks totally disillusioned.

DeliviaIStheWAYitSHOULDbe Posted Today, 08:24 PM
And there really is no reason to have the tv on to that channel when you have watched it earlier in the day. Right?

Actually there is a reason to watch again. A real television instead of a computer screen, uninterrupted viewing because nobody else is home now, and Chris' performance in this episode. Which is on now.
I'll be back when it's over .

If I remember correctly the detectives started to look for more evidence but they got so busy looking for Dickie and Shane that they basically forgot about the rape victim. In my opinion Alex is the only one that showed any interest in the rape case that was pending after Dickie went missing. Munch found the photo because the other detectives were too busy and the only time you see Benson talk to the victim is after Dickie has been found when Nikki comes in and says the case has been dropped and when Benson goes to check on Nikki.

OK...my turn to post my review

Love this eppy! Probably not a surprise to some here since I am a Kathy sucker but it wasn't just that- I really loved all the acting performances by everyone in the cast. A lot of eye openers, I'm surprised my eyeballs haven't fallen out of their sockets. It was great seeing Paxton, I really do like her character as I do with Tucker (who'll be on next week), they are the two characters that I love and love to hate! Although I wouldn't have minded to see a scene between Paxton and Stabler just for ol' times sake.

What is up with Dickie??? Last episode he was in, which was Lunacy a year ago, he and Elliot were buddy-buddy, pals and now in the beginning of the episode it was like he was PMSing in a bad way. I would have expected that kind of attitude like the second scene he was in but not in the beginning. Then again I had scratched my head like this when Kathy left Elliot in season 6 after her last appearance in season 5's Home where they were happy. I know it had been a year and lots of things can happen but still...what the hell? How about giving out a little warning here and there so it can build up rather then a surprise pie in the face? I hope this is the end of it though, Richard (thank you God for not sticking with Dick! Guess Dickie saw the light especially being referred as Dickwad by the kid he fought with at school) vs. Elliot, the last scene to end the drama.
I was a bit startled that Elliot grabbed Dickie against that wall, not surprised but a "whoa" moment. I think it was hisgirl that posted earlier about Elliot being his father Joe and Dickie being Elliot, I could see that and I'm sure Elliot saw it too, especially the way he went back to his desk and was just shocked at himself. But it wasn't Olivia who calmed Elliot down, stopping it, it was Kathy
So...where's this so-called fight that Nancy tweeted on her twitter?? I didn't see any fight between them. Maybe there was a fight but it got edited out to the floor. I did love their moments though, guess that's the upswing part about the marriage, they were more touchy, didn't blame one another or anything. But I did find it interesting that Dickie wasn't angry (or didn't seem to) at Kathy as he was at Elliot; but I'm sure he's more closer to Kathy since she's around more and as Elliot once said "you're the parent and I'm the paycheck" in one episode.

Poor Cragen although he'll be in the next episode Perverted. I did love this part:
Cragen: Munch you are in charge
Munch: Not again!
LOL!
I also laughed at Elliot's facial expression when Dickie asked Olivia if she had slept with her partner. I find that humorous, so out of the park but not by much either.

I think this is my favorite episode so far this season, Turmoil followed by Solitary (I love Chris's performance although the injuries after falling off the roof was lame-o), Spooked is up there too as there was Mr. Handsome, and Hammered, I did like Unstable and Sugar, Users was okay, I did like the fact that Dr. Haung was on more then he had been for the last couple of seasons.

Oh yeah, the last scene...Chris was S.E.X.Y. wearing that grey shirt...oh I'm going to have great dreams tonight!

EDIT: I wonder how dob/alphaney likes the episode? Richard's her man

I'm gonna take a note from you. I completely agree. Alex looked devastated when Olivia told her she filed a complaint, especially right after she stuck up for Benson and Stabler. That whole "professional ethics" crap is a joke. Don't know why I'm surprised though she did the same thing to Casey. Must I bring up the whole stupid half-brother fiasco. So all I have to say is, "Hi Olivia, this is pot, you're black." Elliot telling Alex that if she has a problem with him to talk to him not 1 PP and then Olivia goes and pulls that BS just proves the point.

ETA: Alex lurking in the hallway and then saying after you was dead on. A nice passive-aggressive, "So you don't push the knife a little bit deeper" gesture.

SVUlovesME Posted Today, 12:56 AM
What is up with Dickie??? Last episode he was in, which was Lunacy a year ago, he and Elliot were buddy-buddy, pals and now in the beginning of the episode it was like he was PMSing in a bad way. I would have expected that kind of attitude like the second scene he was in but not in the beginning. Then again I had scratched my head like this when Kathy left Elliot in season 6 after her last appearance in season 5's Home where they were happy. I know it had been a year and lots of things can happen but still...what the hell? How about giving out a little warning here and there so it can build up rather then a surprise pie in the face? I hope this is the end of it though, Richard (thank you God for not sticking with Dick! Guess Dickie saw the light especially being referred as Dickwad by the kid he fought with at school) vs. Elliot, the last scene to end the drama.

Dickie is being a 16 year old boy. PMSing is not a bad description for his mental state with the gender correction. All mentally healthy teenage boys confront their fathers in a bid for independence. Dickie's situation is complicated by his father being a cop. Children of cops and ministers have problems in their social groups. A lot more is expected of them and they tend to rebel even more to shake the goody two shoes image people impose on them.
And there is also the issue of Elliot and Kathy's separation. There would be a mixture of anger, resentment and relief over Elliot's choices. You know Elliot hasn't talked with his kids about that time in his life.This isn't the beginning of Elliot having problems between himself and his son. It started in Game when Elliot didn't know how to talk to Dickie when they were alone. He didn't have conversations with his own father and didn't now how to talk to his son.
__________________________________
I was a bit startled that Elliot grabbed Dickie against that wall, not surprised but a "whoa" moment. I think it was hisgirl that posted earlier about Elliot being his father Joe and Dickie being Elliot, I could see that and I'm sure Elliot saw it too, especially the way he went back to his desk and was just shocked at himself. But it wasn't Olivia who calmed Elliot down, stopping it, it was Kathy smile.gif

That was me hidden behind the spoiler button(?). That cycle of behavior was so obvious. Elliot reacted to Dickie the way his father reacted to him. I think it scared Elliot that he did it without thinking.
Yes it was Kathy who calmed Elliot down. She looked upset with his behavior but not really surprised. Long ago, there was a discussion about Kathy getting her Legal Separation by saying she was afraid that Elliot might hurt her or their kids. People didn't think that was possible but it certainly seems more possible now. If that was a sample of Elliot being angry all the time, you have to wonder how much experience Kathy had calming Elliot to keep him from going after the kids.
_____________________________________
So...where's this so-called fight that Nancy tweeted on her twitter?? I didn't see any fight between them. Maybe there was a fight but it got edited out to the floor. I did love their moments though, guess that's the upswing part about the marriage, they were more touchy, didn't blame one another or anything.

The smiles in the first scene pretty much sums it up. That's how Elliot smiles at the only woman he loves.
__________________________________
But I did find it interesting that Dickie wasn't angry (or didn't seem to) at Kathy as he was at Elliot; but I'm sure he's more closer to Kathy since she's around more and as Elliot once said "you're the parent and I'm the paycheck" in one episode.

Again it does go back to Elliot not being home as a normal dad. All the way back in Season 1, Elliot remarked that Kathy was the man of the house until Dickie was old enough. Dickie would have taken the attitude that he was the man of the house, especially during the separation. And it would be easier to blame Elliot for the problems especially if there was violence involved.

Liked the eppy, not my favorite but it was good.

Damn, Stabler’s kids are cranky!!! However he is a teenager, moodiness comes with the territory. You can’t really blame him for acting the way he did because in the end he was right, and he lost his best friend. However if I were Elliot I would have made him apologize to Olivia for that remark. It was rude and inappropriate; however it does show that it has crossed many a mind.

Anyone notice Eli seem to be getting younger, he is about 2 now, he caught that Kathleen Benjamin Buttons syndrome!

I don’t think Alex should have dropped the case, even if she believed winning were slim. It doesn’t matter how many dirty pictures you take, no means no and of you are attacked you have the right to face them court no matter what the outcome. She should at least have given the victim the option but obviously she didn’t. Perhaps her motive was not to “save herself” but her concern for being watched is what she seemed to worry the most about so you can’t blame Olivia for thinking that.

Can’t wait for next week!

IMO


Best Episode Thus Far.

I Loved The Whole Situation And Loved How Both Problems Were Resolved. Well The Rape Case I mean. And...Well I Guess The Relationship Between Elliot Dickie, I'm Sorry, Richard.

I Cried, No Lie, At The Last Scene. I Was Like WOW!! Someone Bring Me Tisssues Hahaha.

Ummmm WTF is That Drunk A** ADA Doing There? LOL

Ummmm No Olivia DID NOT Tell Cabot! Whoooo I Loved It.

Ummmm No Dickie (fine, Richard) Did Not Ask Olivia That Question! He Killed Me Hahaha.
"Never. We Done Playing Games?" Hahaha....ha!

Ummmm Don't Worry, Cragen Will Be Back Next Eppy Haha He Wasn't Even Gone A Day The Last Time They "Suspended" Him.

Ummmm Lol Ok I'll Stop.

But Wow, I Loved This Episode. I Am Also Excited For Next Week's. Olivia Kind Of Looked Beaten Down There In The Previews. She Looked A Little...Well We'll Just Say Bloated =0

She dropped the case so she could refile the charges when she got the story straight. It was to save herself and the case, so that Nikki would get the justice she deserved.

Then she should have explained her reasons to the victim, because that was not the impression I got from the victims account in the squad room.

QueenOlivia Posted Today, 01:20 PM
Then she should have explained her reasons to the victim, because that was not the impression I got from the victims account in the squad room.

As was said elsewhere, we don't know what Alex told Nikki about the charges being dropped. TPTB didn't give us that scene. It is entirely possible that Alex tried to explain what she had to do and that Nikki didn't listen.
_________________________________
QueenOlivia Posted Today, 08:45 AM
I don’t think Alex should have dropped the case, even if she believed winning were slim. It doesn’t matter how many dirty pictures you take, no means no and of you are attacked you have the right to face them court no matter what the outcome. She should at least have given the victim the option but obviously she didn’t. Perhaps her motive was not to “save herself” but her concern for being watched is what she seemed to worry the most about so you can’t blame Olivia for thinking that.

Nowhere in the law does it say that a victim has right to face their assailant in court.

Criminal trials are about the State prosecuting people who have broken the law. This is done for the State, not the victim. Alex works for the People of the State of New York, not the victim. As the ADA for SVU, Alex can decline to prosecute a case that she doesn't think is in the State's best interest to pursue. Trials use time and resources and money, all of which are limited. It is up to Alex and the DA's office which cases to take to trial, which ones to offer a deal to and which ones to drop.
Sorry but that's the truth that TPTB at SVU don't want to tell viewers.

ok quick question, does anyone on here have Direct TV and if so, do you ever have the problem that a channel will be working, but when something is supposed to be recorded on that channel it stays gray and it wont even let you watch the thing being recorded on live tv? because thats whats happening to nbc. i havent gotten to see users or turmoil and its making me mad!

She doesn't have to explain anything. If Elliot and Olivia had been keeping up with the case they should have known, but they were too busy going after a case that Elliot wasn't supposed to be working since it was too personal. I don't care that his son was involved. He should have went home and stayed with Kathy and just trusted the other detectives. That's grounds for being fired. I guess it would have been better for Alex to just proceed with the trial, lose, and then double jeopardy is intact and the rapist goes free. That's so much better.

Had it not been for Olivia, the victim of rape would have been dead! Liv did a damn good job staying on top of both, and I loved that she told El Doofus was going to the station. El made things so bad (understandable), and Liv stayed on top of it. Alex dropped the case because she thought she could not win it (typical ADA concerned with wins as opposed to the matter at hand), and had it not been for Liv, would Alex have continued with the case? She just dumped the girl, and Liv decided that no matter what, Nikki was getting justice. Go Liv! Everyone else was focused on El while Liv was multitasking. She did a fine job in this eppy and gained major points back with me.

And if Alex was sincere in her motives, why not ask the detectives to go find her something to work with? She said nothing because her motives were not pure...


BTW, Real Andrews (the army recruiter) is going to be hawt as hell until the day he dies!


ANDREA

I agree with everything you said! I don't see why people are saying Olivia did everything wrong. I just don't get it. But your post, I totally agree with!

I don't think she did anything wrong either. She was just taking up for the victim.

I want to amend my statement "she did a fine job in this eppy" to "she did an unbelievably fine job in this eppy".

How easy could it have been for Liv to juggle El who was messing things up and make the time to make sure the victim got her day in court?


Liv was so on point in Turmoil!


ANDREA

I agree again. I would of thought Olivia was going to help Elliot as much as she could, and leave the rape case to Munch and Fin. But she did what she had to do. Now she helped Elliot, but she also solved the rape case and did her job well. Kudos to Benson lol

Olivia was the one that said Alex dropped the case to save herself. That was never actually established as the truth. If she would have went and asked Alex instead of requesting a new ADA because of "professional ethics," she would have known. Like Olivia has any right to talk about ethics. She tried to cover up her stupid half brother crap. She slept with a coworker(Cassidy). And the list goes on. As soon as I heard Alex dropped the case, I knew what she was doing. Bottom line, Olivia stabbed Alex in the back. I'm so tired of this Saint Olivia crap. She needs to get off her high horse.

She needs a good therapist...mirror, mirror.

Who said that would be better? All I said was she should have explained it so the victim understood, since the victim tried to commit suicide, I'm guessing Alex did a band up job of it. And the And if Alex didn't need to explain her actions to Olivia, Olivia doesn't need to explain herself to Alex.

Liv is far from being a saint, but she stayed on top of things and made certain the victim got justice. We have seen Alex and Casey always tell EO to find them something to work with. Alex didn't do that (she said nothing and EO found out from a very upset victim). A picture means a person was not raped? Alex likes winning - bottom line {she put more effort into that bs case in Asunder (loved the eppy) than she did here}. Couple this with the guy breathing down her neck, and you come up with Alex's motives being anything but pure. She had no intention of filing at a later date until after Liv stepped in her ass.


ANDREA

p.s. This should have been in response to Yourmom's post #94...

Ditto.

She told them to investigate, then had to do it herself, because Elliot was working the case he wasn't supposed to be working. If they had been doing their job and working on the rape case they would have known and wouldn't have to have found out from the victim.

First, Alex didn't have to tell them to find her some more evidence they were in the courtroom and standing right next to Alex when Liam (state bar investigator) told her she was being accused of with holding evidence. When they are back in the squad room (after the initial Dickie is missing drama) Cragen asks them about evidence in the rape case were Elliot brings up the picture and Cragen tells Munch to find it.

Second, we don't know what Alex said to the victim in terms of dropping the case. For all we know Alex could have told the victim that she just needed a little bit more time to find the missing evidence and Nikki could have just chose to block that out or just stopped listening to Alex. The victim wants immediate justice and gets upset when Alex can' provide it. Evidence to this point, in my mind, is the fact that the dad did not show up at the police station with Nikki because he actually heard Alex when she said that she just needed more time to find the missing evidence.

Third, a picture does not mean someone was rapped. The picture introduces reasonable doubt, which in turn means that the jury cannot find the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Fourth, the only person I saw investigating the rape case was Munch (who found the picture and that was it) and Alex. Olivia stumbled upon the supposed recant statement when Nikki came in complaining about Alex dropping the rape case. Alex is the one that went to talk to Nikki about the photo because she knew that the Benson and Stabler were too preoccupied with the missing Dickie and Shane. The only time we see Benson talk to or about Nikki is when they quickly go over the evidence they gave Alex, when Munch finds the photo, when Nikki comes in, and when Benson goes to check on Nikki. These are brief 30 second conversations spent on the victim and then it was back to Stabler's kid and Shane.