Law & Order: Special Victims Unit Season 24 Episode 5 Review: Breakwater

From the word go, Law & Order: SVU Season 24 Episode 5, “Breakwater” lets us know that it didn’t come to play. In what is probably one of the most frustratingly, disgusting cases of the last few seasons the squad comes face to face with a truly awful predator.

Not only does this man prey on the vulnerable, but he also convinces them all to do whatever he asks — even if it means others get hurt. What’s even worse is he has a bit of clout to keep it all under the rug.

Muncy and Velasco Dream Team

The newest recruits have to handle quite a few distressing moments throughout the whole episode. Luckily, Law & Order: SVU chooses to create a bonding experience for them from it. 

It’s never easy to hear a victim’s story and know their life is forever changed, but it’s even harder when you have to turn around and try to save that victim and fail. Velasco handles Diego’s death pretty well, but even better, Muncy is there to support him and check in with him.

She doesn’t back down from ensuring her partner is mentally and physically okay from their whole ordeal. It’s this bond they create from their shared experience that gives Velasco the strength to really be there for more of Grecko’s victims.

He could’ve let his anger get the best of him but, instead, he’s right there trying to guide Diego’s ex to testify and then again with the lifeguard who failed Diego. That clarity is something that only happens because he’s not left on an island after Diego — Muncy is there and so is Benson.

These two were thrown together as partners and haven’t had the easiest road so far, but this case is going to help them have each other’s back.

Carisi Doesn’t Back Down

Another great thing about this episode is getting to see Carisi at his best. Carisi has never been an indeterminable force — not while at SVU and not in a courtroom. 

This quality has definitely worked in his favor in other cases because he comes off trustworthy and kind. However, this case needs someone with thick skin and an attitude to back it up. 

For once, Carisi’s Staten Island Italian background comes out in the presence he commands against Grecko. The lifeguard tries to intimidate and manipulate Carisi, much like he does with his victims, but Carisi refuses to give him the satisfaction.

In fact, Carisi gets in his face and tells him what he thinks of him point blank. It’s a level of authority we rarely see from him and honestly I need more of it.

Carisi has come so far in his journey on this show and it feels as though this case is a stepping stone toward a firmer, stronger presence from him. We love to see positive character growth no matter how small it may seem.

Stray Thoughts:

• I shouldn’t have but, when Benson asks Grecko “did you?” with regard to sexual assault I laughed. Hun, he’s not going to just confess right off.
• “You own your trauma, your trauma doesn’t own you.” we love a sage Fin moment
• There wasn’t nearly enough Rolisi in this episode, but it’s cute that we get after-hours office scenes with them.

 

 

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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