Law & Order: Special Victims Unit – Excavation

Excavation felt like old times and while we didn’t get to see much of the squad, specifically newcomer Detective Silva, we watched Carisi take a stand for justice despite the odds being stacked against him.

“Excavation” – LAW & ORDER: SPECIAL VICTIMS UNIT, Pictured: Brett Cullen as Judge Andrews. Ralph Bavaro/NBC ©2024 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Maggie Andrews, step-daughter of retired Federal Judge Leonard Andrews recovers a journal belonging to her stepfather while clearing out relics from her childhood home’s basement with her step-sister. The contents of the journal are explicit, detailing how he sexually abused his step-daughter, made worse by the fact that the victim, Maggie, has no recollection of the event. That is, until reading the journal triggers a hidden memory and she trashes her childhood bedroom in anger. 

Captain Curry’s questioning of the victim comes off a bit blunt but is soothed by Captain Benson’s more comforting demeanor. We’ve come to expect this from Olivia, especially in cases involving child sexual abuse. She isn’t however, withholding, about the fact that it will be a difficult case to make even with the written evidence, and Maggie’s alcoholism, which she believes will be used against her in court. 

“Excavation” – LAW & ORDER: SPECIAL VICTIMS UNIT, Pictured: Peter Scanavino as A.D.A Dominick “Sonny” Carisi Jr. Ralph Bavaro/NBC ©2024 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

This episode puts Carisi’s talents to use; he’s in his element in court and facing both Judge Andrews and his lawyers, and framing him as the lying rapist that he is has shown Carisi as the capable ADA we know him to be. The judge’s threats do little to rattle him especially after Captain Benson has Maggie’s 20-year-old nightgown analyzed and finds traces of pre-ejaculate. Benson and Carisi often butt heads over circumstantial evidence but he’s willing to work with Benson who has made it clear that she believes in Maggie. 

Captain Benson’s constant repetition of “I believe Maggie” shows us exactly why she’s captain and why she’s dedicated decades of her life to this career. She is exactly the kind of person victims seek out and feel vulnerable enough to confide in. That’s rare these days.

Carisi’s comments about vetting Maggie aren’t taken lightly considering that Olivia is already on Maggie’s side. Still, she makes it clear who the victim is and understands that Carisi is simply trying to do his job. 

“Excavation” – LAW & ORDER: SPECIAL VICTIMS UNIT, Pictured: Mariska Hargitay as Capt. Olivia Benson. Ralph Bavaro/NBC ©2024 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Excavation does a great job of not painting Maggie as a one-dimensional character by attempting to place the blame on her alcoholism. Though it wasn’t addressed in this episode, the sexual abuse victim-turned-alcoholic must have had some impact on Olivia knowing her late mother went through a similar experience. 

Eventually, we discover that the mother is complicit in her husband’s crimes, having made him write the journal to record his sexual abuse as a form of collateral. Benson, a mother herself, is rightfully disgusted and questions why she hadn’t reported her husband, reminding her that her daughter should’ve come first. The episode is well-spaced and does not feel like a plot forced into 40 minutes. 

How would you rate this week’s episode? Do you like the Benson-Carisi dynamic on cases? Let me know!