'SVU' Recalls An Old Case, But Gains a New Ally

(Picture curteosy of TVGuide.com)

By Trublu
PTR Staff Writer

Episode Recap: Detectives Stabler and Beck embark on their first case together. Beck gets a taste of the SVU world, while Stabler has the pleasure of breaking in a new partner. The case begins with a rape victim, Nikki West, but spiraled out to include Heather Stark, who accused the suspect of Nikki’s attack of raping her. The charges were eventually dropped after DNA cleared Martin Trenway, but another possible rape was discovered, of Martin’s neighbor, Lorraine Delmas, 40 years prior. Casey tries to enter the rape in as evidence toward Nikki’s rape, but almost loses the testimony. Lorraine finally reveals that she kept the evidence in a box in her basement, and Martin makes a deal with the ADA’s office.

The formal introduction of Tornado Beck into the unit (not the two minute joke that was last week’s first episode of her six episode stint) was the main focus of the episode. Our first glimpse of her is during a chase scene, and she seems to be quite in synch with Elliot already. From experience though (breaking in Fin and Casey) we know that there will be some aspect of the unit that Beck won’t quite understand, and we see it in the next part of the scene.

“What did he do to her?”- Dani Beck

Those six words are the sign of a very green, wet behind the ears detective.

Definitely something unique we haven’t seen before, someone voluntarily forgoing an interrogation. I was surprised when Beck did this, but overall I was happier with her character for it. She obviously knows her personal limits (though I think her legal limits are a little mixed up, as we’ll see later) and knows where her strength within the squad is, and where she’ll be most effective. After all, the point isn’t to be the hero and do the entire job, it’s to play to the squad’s strengths and get the cases solved.

Time check: 10:08. Fin, Cragen and Casey all on screen!

Cragen’s appearance comes with rumors about Tornado Beck. What transfer is complete without them! Rumor has it that Beck is a bit too overzealous when it comes to dealing with perps, which will come in handy later. However, it makes Beck’s character a bit too stereotypical. The episode could have gone without the rumor portion of Beck’s personality.

“My kids had to help me program the speed dial on my cell phone.” –Elliot Stabler

Hee! Definitely quote worthy, just for the generational woes factor.

In the car, on the way to pick up suspect #1, Stabler and Beck have a bit of a heart to heart. Elliot shares a bit of info about Olivia, and Beck her husband. We get the sense that something has happened to him, and later we find out what.

We also get the story behind the “Accent of Justice”, as I have officially dubbed it. Beck is originally from Denmark (as is her alter ego, Nielsen). She met her American husband while he was stationed in Germany, and that is how she came to live in the United States.

And here we go! Beck is in some major trouble, jumping to conclusions. Because she is the newbie, I think she got a little more flak than normal, but if Elliot had gotten the info, he would have done the same thing. Thankfully, the CSU tech saves the butt of the SVU. But (and I know this is another one of my crazy suggestions), did anyone maybe, explain to the newbie how SVU works? Sure, it’s just another branch of the police department, but that’s like saying that the Wall Street Journal is just another newspaper. Its standards and expectations are obviously different than those of a local town or school paper.

First Casey/Beck encounter! Ship for me, maybe not for many other people. One thing that’s clear, however, is that there is going to be a lot of tension between the two if Tornado Beck conducts all of her investigations the same way.

Of all the things for Beck to learn, I think this is the most important: Never ignore anyone that walks into the squad room. The way Beck snubbed the rape victim was rude and obnoxious, and goes toward the side of Tornado Beck that we don’t want to see. However, apparently Beck’s silly mistakes are paying off, because Casey now has ammo for her case against Martin, and could also close Heather’s case if they work quickly enough.

Time check: 10:32. Munch’s backside. For future reference, I enjoy seeing Munch’s front side. Preferably his working front side, not his errand running front side.

Finally, some law to accompany the over abundance of order! Martin’s defense attorney tears apart Heather’s story on the stand, but Casey turns around and kicks some butt! It’s nice to see her for more than two seconds, and in the court room.

Alas, the DNA… not so good.

“I have definitive evidence.”- Melinda Warner
“We got him.” –Casey Novak
”That he didn’t do it.” –Myself
“Martin Trenway could not have raped Heather Stark.” –Melinda Warner.

::headdesk::

Of all people, the medical examiner has to pull our strings. The setback brings everyone back to square one, and leaves Heather in quite a dilemma. Tensions are high!
Here’s the SVU dedication, hard at work. Beck pulls an all nighter to find other attacks that could have been committed by Martin Trenway. Curiously enough, one turns out to be a woman that Elliot spotted in the court room. Needless to say, Stabler and Beck pay her a visit.

I must say bravo to the cinematography in this episode. The seamless transition from Lorraine’s home to the squad room was done very nicely, and it definitely added something to the episode. Later as well, the ending court scene, the inter-dialogue shots were particularly effective.

The scene with Lorraine and Beck in the interrogation room speaking French was the climax of the episode. I loved the integration of language into the SVU experience. It made the interview more personal, and Beck found a niche within the investigation process. We also learn the vital information that her husband was murdered, which could possibly be why she became a detective, or is so adamant about catching perps.

Very touching ending scene in the lobby of the courthouse. And no Elliot in sight, which is a major relief. Seeing the excitement on everyone’s faces was exhilarating.

”He allocutes to raping Nikki, he names all the other victims, and in return, I get to recommend the maximum sentence.” – Casey Novak

The grin on Casey’s face after she says this cannot be described as merely happy.

Overall, I’m happy with the episode. Though not as strong as the first two showings, “Recall” effectively introduced Tornado Beck and gave imaginations much to work with. Leslie Carron did a fantastic job with the character of Lorraine, especially in her interrogation room scene with Connie Nielsen.

Beck is definitely still trying to get used to the new unit, but she is catching on rather quickly. She’ll make a positive addition to the team during Olivia’s absence, and would remain so even after her return, if the show chose to go in that direction.

Casey had a substantial role in the case, which is always nice to see. The “law” portion can sometimes be lost in the scuffle of an SVU case, but this week returned the focus a bit to the courtroom.

Next Week’s Episode:

It’s going to be gruesome, it’s going to be bloody, and it’s going to evoke some serious emotions. Jerry Lewis, taking on a different role, is going to command this episode, and present some real challenges for Stabler and Beck. I’m staying tuned, so pass the remote!