Law & Order: Special Victims Unit Season 24 Episode 4 Review: The Steps We Cannot Take

This show has been pulling out the big guns since the season’s beginning. That is why we are not surprised Law & Order: Special Victims Unit Season 24 Episode 4, “The Steps We Cannot Take,” is another memorable episode.

This time, we see Olivia Benson and Fin Tutuola as more mature versions of themselves as they mentor Grace Muncy. Granted, Fin wasn’t too convinced when Muncy first joined the show, but he seems to be on board now.

His nickname for Muncy, “Your little rescue,” proves she is ready to take on the challenges this unit throws her way. So much so that she listened to Olivia’s advice and purchased a blazer.

How often throughout “The Steps We Cannot Take” do you believe Olivia Benson thinks about her former Captain, Cragen? It seems like this time around, she has a mini Benson in her hands, and the task of training her won’t be an easy one.

However, like young Benson, Muncy seems willing and open to learning. But who is Benson trying to kid? She used to wear jeans, t-shirts, and hoodies all the time back in her day.

Maybe telling Muncy what to wear is her way of showing her experience. As much as she is ready to mentor the new detective, she knows there are specific ways to do so. Starting with a wardrobe change seems like the easiest step in the right direction.

Of course, outfits aren’t all that matter. Benson immediately notices Muncy has a talent for deduction and can read the room, making insightful comments and sharing necessary information — she is the first to find the suspect’s records.

This episode of Law & Order: SVU also allows Muncy to spend more time with the victims, understanding why the unit is so important and why it’s about “what Benson likes.” The newbie understands her captain knows best.

What surprises us for the best is that Benson isn’t the only one taking on the mentor role. Fin is too.

The best thing for us is that Fin has a ridiculous number of lines compared to his role in previous seasons. So once more, thank you, David Graziano, for the changes you are making on Law & Order: SVU.

He is fully present in the case, going out on the field, interrogating suspects, and chasing men down supermarket aisles. But he is also showing Muncy the ropes.

Unlike Benson, he does it more personally; what Muncy calls “tough love.” He tells her from experience that the outbursts in the field won’t help her and that she also needs to take care of herself. He also advises her that whenever “Benson is pissed, you’ll know about it.”

The best thing “The Steps We Cannot Take,” does is put every squad member out in the field.

Okay, there aren’t that many detectives in Benson’s unit, but those who are there matter.

Amanda, Velasco, Fin, Muncy, and Olivia are right there when they find the kidnaped women and rescue them after years of being captivated. However, the case is the most important thing in the episode — the center of attention.

We see detectives working the case for the first time in a very long time. We see them discussing in the squad room, following leads, talking to the victims, and going to the hospital to give support to the survivors.

A very nice, personal touch is that they once again have a corkboard in the room. They feel more invested as they have these pictures and details right there in front of them. Sometimes doing everything through technology takes away from how much this squad cares about their victims.

Yes, we all notice Carisi is missing, and there are no scenes in the courtroom. But this was a brilliant decision by Law & Order: SVU. The case of the kidnapped woman is resolved, but not the murder.

Because we’ve known her for 24 seasons, we can tell that Benson knows exactly what happened to the suspect, but she will not send a young girl to prison. Lorraine Maxwell (Carisi’s boss) understands Benson but is sure to set the record straight.

Since Betty Buckley’s first appearance as Maxwell, she and Mariska Hargitay’s character have connected on a deeper level. Benson knows Maxwell’s past and sees the Trial Division Chief’s compassion for victims.

This duo and their comradery have been among the best relationships we’ve seen on the show recently. Hopefully, Season 24 will continue to explore this, and Maxwell’s underlying threat, “I can be heartless,” does not affect the women’s connection.

Stray Observations

• We must keep an eye out for the little girl who plays Bella. Her scene with Olivia Benson is full of emotions; we can even see snot on the girl’s face as she does some of the best crying on TV.
• It is always nice to see Noah on screen, but who is his new babysitter? Where is the famous Lucy? His former babysitter has been around since Benson adopted him and has seen the mother/son through many terrifying challenges. She will be missed, as small as her character was.
• The deep investigation of the case and the intense focus of the case are what keep us coming back week after week. Hopefully, they keep it up.

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What did you think of this episode of Law & Order: SVU? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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

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