Law & Order: SVU Season 27 Episode 16 Review: ‘Vivid’

Law & Order: SVU Season 27 Episode 16 “Vivid” doesn’t begin on the best note. There’s a cold open with someone named Margot—who’s saying all the right things about believing victims but doing it pretty obnoxiously in Captain Benson’s face, reminiscent of previous clownish depictions of activists—and another guy who just…follows her lead, basically. They’re here because a streamer, whose real name they don’t even know, was raped. Somehow, they’re convinced they definitely found her rapist. Which is why they’re here in the first place—they took justice into their own hands.

And…Liv actually sums it up best the next morning: “I’m not gonna lie? That interview from last night kind of broke my brain.” Luckily, once we actually get past whatever that chaos is, the hour improves significantly. Admittedly, there’s still maybe an attempt to stuff a little bit too much into the episode. We have April uncovering “old” memories of her rape under the influence of an experimental treatment only to realize her doctor was actually her rapist, a glimpse at Curry in the new position Tynan reassigned her to as punishment when she turned down her offer, Carisi in a different courtroom than usual, and Griff and Benson’s big moment. (Among other things.). But, aside from forcing viewers to watch far too much of April’s assault, the investigation itself makes a lot more sense than the opening moments might imply.

Unsurprisingly, Captain Benson absolutely severing Dr. Severson in the interrogation room is one of the highlights of this hour. Mariska Hargitay is always great with those scenes, particularly whenever a perp either gets personal or underestimates Liv’s intelligence. And this dude makes the fatal mistake of doing both. Also as expected, Liv’s one-on-one with the victim draws the best out of guest star Sarah Desjardins. As April describes the feeling of being on protryptamine, she nails that dreamy quality. Then, when the character begins describing the feeling of violation during that third session, the abrupt switch is masterful. And as the realization slowly dawns on April (through Benson’s…eh, probably a little too-leading questions), it’s like viewers can see her making the connection in real time.

So, overall, Law & Order: SVU Season 27 Episode 16 is entirely watchable, if maybe not necessarily one we’ll have “Vivid” memories of going forward. But what about the season-wide arc with Tynan? That’s a little bit more difficult to decide on at this point.

In the first place, Rollins’ little visit to see Curry is a sweet moment in terms of her wanting to be mad for Curry. But Amanda’s well-meaning comment doesn’t necessarily land with Renee because, basically, it can’t. She can’t afford to be angry, and even letting someone else carry that for her is too risky. Because it would mean acknowledging how she feels in the first place, among other reasons. On the other hand, the offer itself isn’t necessarily bad, so her almost non-reaction—kind of looking down and then making an excuse about needing to be somewhere else—is as close to permission as it gets at this point.

We’re also able to see Captain Curry in uniform, in the executive officer position, and—no shock here—doing an amazing job. Her skills have never been in question, and they still aren’t. So, here she is, keeping her head down and doing what she has to do until she can actually make a move. Based on the brief scene she has with Griffin, Curry’s now fully become Benson’s eyes and ears in a way Tynan wants her guy to be. But one of these situations is not like the other, and although Olivia confronts Griff about going through those case files at the end of the hour, he reveals (probably more like confirms) he’s more looking for answers about his dad than out to “get” Liv at this point.

The fairest way possible to describe these parts of Law & Order: SVU Season 27 Episode 16 is to say they’re well-acted—especially that end scene between Hargitay and Cott—and provide continuity. At the very least, it looks like this plot isn’t totally getting dropped for long stretches at a time. And, technically, while viewers have known pretty much everything Griff and Benson discuss here for a little while now, this is the first time Liv’s done more than merely hint at knowing what the detective’s up to. But other than that, there’s not nearly as much plot in this plot as I think I’d like so late in the season. Especially since Liv slapping those files down on that desk and talking about how she has nothing to hide is such a moment.

Here’s hoping we’re actually not ready for whatever comes next.

MORE: Check out our interview with Aimé Donna Kelly for some more insight into Curry’s role in all of this.

More Law & Order: SVU Season 27 Episode 16 reactions

“She’s very, very smart. And she cares about the world, and justice…and—and she’s—and she’s smart.”
For as ridiculous as the first few minutes of this episode are, I’m more than willing to admit that Liv’s reactions are ridiculously entertaining. I mean, I felt that exasperated “oh, my God.” And Hargitay’s exaggerated emphasis, not to mention that hand motion like the NAME is coming out of her mouth, on these lines cracked me up: “I can not! Move foward. With this investigation. Until I have A NAME.”
“Just one thing.” That finger. Methinks Captain Benson wants to use a different one…
“Guess I’m a natural.” I mean, she so is.
“There’s nothing to like. It is what it is.”
“Tell Griff if he double-parks in front of the precinct again, I’m gonna have his a** towed.” Amazing.
“So, he could be looking at more of her fans tracking him down and harassing him. Or worse.” Yeah, so…terrible execution there at the beginning and all…but…points made. If you’re enjoying being a fan of someone or something and feel the need to harass people in person over it? Don’t.
It took me way longer than I would like to admit to figure out that I recognized Sarah Desjardins from Yellowjackets.
…how is that guy from The Craft…this?
“Can you remember who you dated five years ago?” “Well. We! Are not talkin’ about me, thank you very much.” I really want to enjoy the sass on this reply, but like…viewers know it was no one five years ago. Likely still no one now unless something has developed offscreen that we’ll, one day before we die, learn about it. And a major problem is, WE! are practically never talkin’ about Liv, so.
“I could actually feel it happening in my body” …is a tough line to think about after seeing that session recording.
Tag yourself. I’m Liv’s “wow.”
“Don’t get me wrong. I loved helping people. I just hated everything else.” Since there was a recent SVU-connection to The Pitt, I’m just going to say every single healthcare worker on that series can relate to this comment. 100% coincidence…but if this episode had aired just one week earlier (or that one had streamed one week later), I’d be drawing conclusions about how it’s all connected.
“A shrink with no empathy. That’s wild.”
They will so be back.
That “get him.”
…and then, Benson and Rollins absolutely do get him.
“So, I’m going to start with the obvious question, which is: Did you forget? That you were being recorded? Or…or did you just not care.” And her smirk! WHEW.
Am I terrible if I cracked up at “do you know what that word means?”
“I think someone like you would benefit from it, Captain.” Her reaction…WOW. Like, not only does this man have audacity, but we know she has both good and bad therapy experiences. So, um…let’s just say the way she wipes away that expression and turns to Amanda in the moment is good.
“Honestly, you’re real smart, Doctor. You’re smarter than me. You’re smarter than most people who sit in that chair. I mean, creating your own hunting ground and then hiding behind a clinical trial? And then, having your victims sign up for it themselves? That is, um…that is brilliant.” “Regular genius.” “But. You’re no different than every other predator. You know that. And now, everyone else will, too. Because we have it all on video.” The trap Liv sets with the ego flattery, the look when she knows she’s got him, the bragging about video, Amanda’s muttered sarcasm—so good!
When your wife and friend both give you the look.
“And if you had done your job…” THAT PART.
Horribly, that’s the right takeaway. Between flagrant corruption and the very real need to further research that might be beneficial, this…is not exactly a loss. Certainly nowhere near a win! But not a loss.
In a just world, though, everyone—not just the female CEO they (rightly) oust for turning a blind eye—would face major consequences.
“I don’t know why you’re pulling my old cases? I suspect it’s because somebody told you to. So, go ahead, Griff. You look into anything you want. Because I don’t have any secrets. And whatever mistakes I’ve made—and I’m sure there have been a ton!—I stand by.” This was a moment. I almost would’ve ended the hour right there, even though I understand Griffin needed to come clean to Liv and catch her up to speed.
Corey Cott plays this guy being eaten up from the inside out, just desperate for the truth, really well. I’ll give the “hey, fans! Here’s a thing you already know” scene that much.
That is a reaction to the file.
The way he grimaces and shakes his head before the “no. Are you?”
No, but seriously, make that big moment earned. Please.