‘Law & Order: SVU’ 25×04 Review: “Duty to Report”

Once you get past a couple of early issues, Law & Order: SVU 25×04 “Duty to Report” works on a lot of levels. The short version for the “why” is that it’s just…simple and what we expect to see from this series. Not that the subject matter is easy, or that nobody did any difficult work — hello, Mariska Hargitay and Terry Serpico — but that “trying too hard” feeling is, blissfully, absent during this hour. Instead, what we get is a “normal” setup for the case, in terms of the far-too-common and believable “he said, she said” between two people who know each other well. And instead of an overly-long or overly-graphic cold open, or some sort of (out of touch) commentary on real-world politics, the episode keeps a familiar scenario from getting stale by tapping into something personal for our characters.

Of course, the something personal here is what makes it all very messy — in ways that are both good and bad. But, thankfully, the positives outweigh the negatives. And the “bad” isn’t the taste, so to speak, that we’re left with when the episode ends. And, as they say, all’s well that ends well. So…well done on this one. Finally. Let’s just pretend this is the true beginning of Season 25, actually.

Mixed feelings

So, here’s the thing about Liv’s EMDR session that begins the episode: It’s a mostly welcome sight — because Olivia Benson needs help, and everything else she has (half-heartedly, at best) tried in recent years has not worked. The appointment also, very importantly, fills in a lot of gaps left by her…suddenly having that moment at the end of “The Punch List.” Not that we should have had to sit there, scratching our heads on the why now part to end the third episode of the season, but now that that problem’s out of the way, we’re good. Then, there’s the Captain Obvious part: Mariska Hargitay, doing her thing. There she is, as our very emotional, yet fighting both her feelings and anyone who wants to help her process them, Liv. Just sitting there, crushing us, as she does.

And the highlight is — of course — when the therapist starts to ask about the compass, which is really the token “in” way of asking about Elliot Stabler these days. Even here, regardless of whether or not she has ever heard the man’s name, that’s really what (who) the. Not only does that line of questioning provide something that might just be real continuity and a flashing, brightly-lit sign screaming, “hi. We’re actually exploring this right now,” but it also gives Hargitay a chance to give us so much emotion. Always a welcome sight, in case we’ve ever been unclear on that point.

The smile that goes along with “he’s an interesting friend” alone speaks of layers upon layers of feelings. Just as Olivia is having a very difficult time processing everything, we find it nearly impossible to pick up on everything behind that rueful, yet hopeful, broken, yet smitten, little grin. And that alone says she’s fighting against the instincts that made her pull away in the kitchen scene, yet still unable to grasp onto the love she wants, needs — deserves. But the ever-so-fleeting happiness and love present in the initial, surface-level, expression is so delicate, and precious, and — dare we say…new. Plus, there’s her tone when she says the line.

No, we don’t quite know WTF we’re trying to say here with that last bit. But that’s kind of the point — the complexity of feeling portrayed in that one place is everything! Especially when, on top of all of that, this openness comes immediately after she shows the usual tendency toward hiding. We see a hint of Liv’s “let me play like I don’t know what we’re discussing here and try to hold something back” mask with the “like what” line. Her face is carefully blank and neutral — Liv playing dumb, when we know she’s anything but. But the second the therapist mentions her necklace directly, it’s like flicking a switch.

But that last part is where the problems start to occur with Law & Order: SVU 25×04. In the first place, we’ve done this before. And while there’s…something sort of like progress here, there’s also not nearly enough. Because Olivia can’t — “or won’t” — commit to this particular therapy. Not to mention, this reset would have worked much, much better somewhere in Season 24, as a followup to how Season 23 ended. Which, ok, we can be fair about the how and why of Liv finally seeking help again now. Things happen. Life, both fictional and real — especially in the world of making TV — is unpredictable. But…even understanding this doesn’t change the way the delay, unfortunately, affects how we react to the story. Nor does it take away the feeling of things being a little bit forced.

And — sorry, not sorry — the session with Lindstrom hit harder. The scene here isn’t bad…but something about that one was just stronger. Maybe it was because we weren’t hit over the head with “this is coming”? Or maybe some other reason — can’t quite figure out what it is. At any rate, anything that invites comparisons is tricky, no matter which scene “wins.”

Beyond that, the therapist seems to be a little bit too perceptive about the compass. (See also: Feels forced.) Which, ok. It’s not like there aren’t any clues for her to work from, but given that the audience already knows very well what that necklace means, to Liv, to EO, to us…it just comes across a certain kind of way. Bait, fan service, a shiny thing to distract us from previous failures to move forward — take your pick. It’s forgivable, especially on reflection, but in the moment we’re kind of like “…eh.”

But the one part of Law & Order: SVU 25×04 that we can’t forgive also, inconveniently, has to do with this therapy session. We spend time talking about Olivia and vicarious trauma, but then…drop a new case on her? Like. “LOL, I know I’m crossing 100 different boundaries here, but can you check in on this other patient of mine? Oh, and by the way, I’m going to make things really awkward — and cross more boundaries for funsies — because the person whose confidential information I’m sharing with you is…your Chief’s daughter.” Like, girl. Did you go to the Paula Agard School or what?

While we’re at it: Can someone please, for the love of every god anyone has ever worshipped, just let Olivia Benson have a break? If even the people she reaches out to for help are giving her more stress, and more trauma — vicarious or otherwise — how is she ever going to heal? Also, is this really the only way we can approach this character? Like, ever? Feels fake.

What works

This partnership between Captains Benson and Curry that Law & Order: SVU 25×04 establishes is truly fascinating. (Which is one of many reasons why the lack of creativity as it pertains to the tired “hurt Liv to make progress” formula feels so fake.) For starters, even if both characters initially approach the situation with a certain level of tension and caution — Curry did investigate Benson once, after all — we seem to have finally broken out of the “IAB bad. Cops doing whatever the fuck they want good” nonsense. Sure, the McGraths are more than a little bit upset IAB is at all here, but overall, the tone is “bringing Curry in is the right thing to do.”

Granted, Fin has the right idea from the beginning — don’t take this case — and is not afraid to (gently) let Liv know it. But, at least, she covers her bases. This protects her victim’s chance at justice, the rights of any suspects, and even McGrath’s career. The fact that he steps way out of line and screws himself over is what it is. At least his actions don’t reflect on Captain Benson, her people, or the investigation itself.

Forget all the deep thoughts about policing, and accountability, and making sure to keep a clear conflict of interest from becoming any more of a problem than it absolutely has to, though. Because, well. Can we talk about the chemistry between Aimé Donna Kelly and Hargitay? That bar scene is…a lot to take in — and a delightful surprise. Over the course of this way-too-messy investigation, these two characters really forge a connection. We get this genuine sense of camaraderie and mutual respect out of them. Not to mention, they’re kind of…equals in a way that Liv really hasn’t been with anyone in a while? Captain and Captain, if you will.

Could Olivia Benson have just found herself…a friend that’s actually just a friend? Someone who gets it, yet isn’t her “it’s complicated”? Probably too much to ask, especially with any sense of regularity, but we’ll take it whenever we can get it. If it’s just for now, great; if it’s for longer, even better. In either scenario, Olivia Benson having a chance to unwind after a case is very, very good. For her, for us, and for the show. Especially since this isn’t Liv going out for a drink with Carisi, just as excuse to keep obsessing over Maddie.

More on Law & Order: SVU 25×04

• Did y’all not know that math tutors are not all dudes, not all quiet nerds, and not any other stereotypes either? Clearly not.
• “Well, can’t two things be true at once?” Yes, Liv. Especially when you look like you’re on the verge of tears over giving up so soon. “Can’t,” or at least the belief that you can’t, definitely applies here. But also: Your history is, uh…not great!
• Just saying without Hargitay showing us all that pain, we’d just be irritated and “nah, it’s definitely won’t” about the whole can’t/won’t debate right now.
• Did y’all accidentally read — and get completely baffled by — the topological definition of “boundary” here? Because otherwise…why do you not have a clue what boundaries are in a practical sense?
• “My therapist told you what I said in private?” Yeah…not a great look!
• Bold of Liv to say she can’t betray Shea’s trust after Doctor Whatshername just did, though.
• “…stopped asking her about her life a long time ago. That’s why we got security cameras.” I know Elliot would’ve done this with his kids if that was “in” back in the day, but also…WTF. These people are invasive and weird.
• The threat in Hargitay’s eyes when Liv has to stop McGrath from coming with them to the hospital. Ok, ok. Here we go! Love a woman who can go from quiet and empathetic to “fuck with me and die” faster than we can blink!
• “It’s a little late for you to be worried about pissing off McGrath, isn’t it, Fin?” The delivery on this is dripping acid, practically “balls in a blender.” Olivia Benson is not into her people second-guessing her. Which…Fin’s right? But he usually just backs Liv’s play, and she is not in a great place right now. So, finding him anywhere other than in her corner has got to hurt. (Of course, he is in her corner and trying to protect her by suggesting they don’t do this. But she’s not in a place to see that.)
• “You’re a tutor.” “Do the math.” Rude.
• Compare the way Hargitay gets in Serpico’s space versus how she gets in Meloni’s in similar situations. For science. Mmmmmhm.
• “If he didn’t want IAB involved, he shouldn’t have threatened to kill a suspect.” That part. Although, technically…if the Chief’s daughter is the victim, keeping someone around to watch out for evidence of unconscious bias and/or outright corruption is probably a good idea even without all the toxic masculinity noise.
• “Bribing an IAB captain? You trying to get me suspended?” “You’d be…doing me a favor.” Going to be super Extra here and say (spoiler alert?) this scene happens after Elliot Stabler’s Horrible, Terrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. She wants time off with her big, bald man. Don’t @ me.
• Liv’s look when Renee has to put that coffee cup in its place…
• “You would have a stroke if you saw my desk.” Same, Captain. Same.
• Carisi? Here as the ADA and not cosplaying as some dude who’s still a detective? INTERESTING.
• …but, probably, considering his ties to Liv and Fin, someone else in the DA’s office should’ve handled this case.
• Ah, yes. The math nerd had a date with the smart girl, even though it’s “hard enough” for him to get dates — even with other smart kids. Tired.
• The pre-frontal cortex dialogue is…Writer folks, please stop. Like, we get it. Y’all know Psych stuff. Weirdly forcing it into characters’ mouths does the opposite of making you, or them, sound smart.
• “When you love someone, that is the most important thing.” But have you called him back, though?
• “He’s your boss, right?” “Ours, maybe. Not hers.” And that, friends, is a natural and effective reminder of why it’s good that Curry is here! Thank you for that.
• “Sorry you took this case yet?” Fin, baby, you know she’ll never be sorry for wanting to help someone who’s been raped.
• But also: LOL. Get her. She deserves a reminder that not letting Brooklyn have this case was not her best idea.
• “They’re like…cousins.” I…uh. Ew?
• Ah, yes. Blame the victim. Liam’s dad sucks. And so does Liam, obviously.
• “This all sucks.” Me at life. Anyone else?
• Theme of Law & Order: SVU 25×04: Everyone sees Liv’s possessions and is like, “I know this means something important.”
• Snark aside: Loved the shared smiles over “welcome to SVU” and Liv…letting Renee in like that. And, again, Hargitay has a way of smiling while also not smiling, while definitely still smiling. Just like with the “friend” thing during therapy, yet…not like it at all. Incredible.
• If you’ve been an NYPD wife for 20 years, maybe you should know not to pick a fight with The Captain Olivia Benson. Bitch.
• Liv’s face is screaming “the chutzpah,” and I am here for it.
• One thing you’re not going to do is piss off Olivia Benson or accuse her of doing some underhanded shit, is all I’m saying.
• Also: I often wondered who could possibly want to spend “til death do us part” with someone like McGrath. Problem solved: Someone who gives Olivia Benson just as much, if not more of, a headache.
• “I’m sorry?” Exasperated AF. My girl!
• TL;DR The entire Liv/Katie fight is iconic. Great work from Hargitay (shocker) and Amy Carlson. It brings to mind the argument with Detective Szabo in Season 23 but is even better.
• Something about Mariska Hargitay playing strong and defiant opposite other women just does something, actually. Give her more! Always more women.
• …and, again…something about Olivia Benson’s chemistry with women. Alex Cabot, Captain Curry…yeah. Give her more women!
• “I had something similar happen to me. Most of my girlfriends have.”
• “You know what the problem with the truth is? People can’t handle it.”
• “Two kids got drunk that night, Tommy. And only one of them’s getting their life ruined. Because of what? He’s a boy!” Oh, fuck this. Because he’s a rapist, you asshole.
• They really packed all the good Badass Benson into this episode, huh? Three episodes of starvation, then they fed us with this. The way she just steps right in and gets McGrath to put the gun down…whew.
• That “I know, I know” though.
• “Just be her father. Love her. That’s more than I got.” “You turned out good.” Her face. Olivia Benson can not stand to hear that, even from someone she is…not in love with.
• …but did she think about that time El told her basically the same thing, though?
• Serpico really does excellent work with McGrath’s concern for his daughter and quick temper throughout this episode. And he’s so good with the regret and acceptance in the hospital scene toward the end, it almost makes us feel bad for the Chief and forget all the times we wanted to send him back to the trash from whence he came. Almost.
• Does not matter how much he has sucked. Liv feeling at risk of losing another person…just nope. Big no.
• “Let me guess: You’re on the short list.” “Me?! No. No.” Her “girl, please” look.
• The “break some rules for a change” line is one of my favorites. Liv may be at a certain place in her career, and she may have done everything by the book here…but she’s still got that rebellious “Baby” Benson in her. It will never truly go away. Great nod to all the times we know she’s done things her way — especially back in the old days as one half of Benson and Stabler — to get justice.
• Why does it feel like they’re flirting sometimes, and what’s the fic gonna be like, though?
• “To the future.”
• Ok but where was the officer from last episode?

Thoughts on Law & Order: SVU 25×04 “Duty to Report”? Leave us a comment!

Law & Order: SVU airs Thursdays at 9/8c on NBC.