Law & Order: Special Victims Unit Season 26 Episode 7 Review: Tenfold

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit Season 26 Episode 7, “Tenfold,” gives us the duo of Fin and Bruno. Their dynamic and the case are a great reminder of how these two characters got along from the beginning.

Even though they have different backgrounds and experiences with the NYPD, Fin and Bruno have always found a way to work together. This way proves effective this episode as they get Wallen to trust them and cooperate with the case.

Their work is so good that one forgets that Velasco doesn’t show up in the squad room at all. Once again, one must be sacrificed for other characters to have a storyline. However, this time, it doesn’t bother the audience.

Traces of an OG Duo

The case itself isn’t quite new. Many times in the past, we have seen sex workers being the victims of assault because a client gets mad at them.

However, Fin and Bruno handle it differently. They don’t judge Wallen for what she’s doing and encourage her to cooperate because they want to solve the case for her.

Curry is surprised the victim trusts them, but Benson doesn’t believe she trusts them enough. Both men end up proving why they’re good at their jobs by making Wallen feel safe working with them.

What stands out the most is that Fin and Bruno have the perfect chemistry. It might actually remind viewers of the banter that used to happen between Fin and Munch.

The humor the OG duo used to display is also present in this new duo. It feels like Fin has finally found a partner on his level after Rollins left.

His relationship with Olivia has always been great, but he was definitely missing that partner who would work hand-to-hand with him. For his character development, it is great to have Bruno around.

Ultimately, the case is resolved, and Fin and Bruno offer Wallen an alternative to get her life together for her son.

This is an excellent reminder that even though they are both cops doing their jobs, they tend to care about the victims beyond the cases. It doesn’t always happen, and we don’t always get to see it on screen, but it’s good to see it from time to time.

Hopefully, these kinds of episodes, in which Fin has more than one-liners and Bruno proves his worth, will continue throughout the season.

It is nice to see the show proving that not only Benson cares about the victims.

Carisi’s Gut Feeling

Something that might shock viewers is that Benson hesitates to support Carisi when he mentions his gut feeling about the man who had been watching his daughter.

Benson is great and will go the extra mile for the victims, but there are times when it feels like she’s only willing to bend the rules when it suits her. Law & Order: Special Victims Unit Season 26 Episode 7, “Tenfold,” is one of those times.

Carisi raises a valid concern that later turns out to be true. Benson shouldn’t have hesitated to help him. Yes, he is a father now, so his perspective is different, but he still has the cop instinct—the one that she helped build at SVU.

Rarely do perps on the show admit to having a problem and ask for help. Benson quickly suggests they help him (which goes with her nature) before he commits a crime.

As viewers, we’re free to decide whether this was the right choice or not.

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit Season 26 continues to be a forgettable season. There have been a few highlights, but all in all it feels the show has gotten stuck in a repetitive loop.

Hopefully, upcoming episodes will compensate for the lack of creativity and innovation. After all, we’re all rooting for the show to continue.

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Law & Order: Special Victims Unit airs Thursdays at 9/8c on NBC.

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