Law & Order: Special Victims Unit Season 28 Episode 5 Review: Jalen Brunson and the Ties that Bind

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit Season 28 Episode 5, “Forsaken,” features heavy themes surrounding family and the lengths people go to protect someone, even if it tears the family apart.

It is a highly compelling episode that tugs at the heartstrings, but it still delivers a satisfying narrative.

Despite the emotional aspect, there are still exciting moments, especially with the New York Knicks’ Jalen Brunson guest starring as Detective Jay Madison.

Even though Brunson appears only for a short scene, it is still extremely worthwhile.

One short conversation establishes Benson as Madison’s former mentor. He also provides critical information that sets a plot twist in motion, redirecting the narrative to the victim’s stepbrother, Tyler Davis. 

Olivia Benson: Rape is about power.

Jalen Brunson’s scene comes in the middle of the episode, providing much-needed relief from a difficult case before diving deeper into the narrative.

Hopefully, this is just the first of many appearances featuring Detective Jay Madison. It would be fascinating to learn more about how he and Benson met.

Detective Bruno also returns after a well-deserved break, and he seems to be back on track.

It is a relief after the events on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit Season 28 Episode 3, “Anonymous,” when he takes on more than he should.

Bruno returns for a particularly difficult case, so it is nerve-wracking to see whether or not he can compartmentalize the job. Thankfully, he does.

It is a tough feat to accomplish, especially considering how Tyler sexually assaulting his stepsister, Chloe, tears their family apart.

However, it only does so because of how their parents approach the situation. Instead of disowning Tyler, a grown adult, Rick and Monica Davis choose not to take sides.

Tyler and Chloe do not fall out over a complex argument. Tyler rapes Chloe after years of physically assaulting her, and the parents still choose to treat the incident as if it is a fight where parents cannot pick sides.

Of course, Rick has no problem throwing Chloe under the bus if it means protecting Tyler. He claims he works hard for their blended family, but saves Tyler every time he is violent, whether it involves breaking Monica’s fingers or hurting Chloe.

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit illustrates the cruel lengths some parents will go to protect their sons, even if it destroys their family. 

The show also highlights the double standards sons and daughters often face at the hands of their own parents. Rick and Monica want justice for Chloe as long as she does not hold the real perpetrator accountable because it is her stepbrother.

Of course, this case is an extreme example, but it is still important to emphasize that many families often contain these misogynistic double standards, regardless of the situation. 

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit might depict the most extreme scenario, but it is still a necessary theme to include.

Amanda Rollins: You don’t need to keep this in. You don’t need to protect Tyler. And you don’t—you don’t need to feel like you have to preserve your mom’s relationship at your own expense.

While “Forsaken” does not focus on any of the series regulars, the case is strong enough to stand on its own and let the main cast serve Chloe and her family instead.

This decision allows the final plot twist to impact the narrative profoundly once the squad realizes Evan, the youngest son, witnesses Tyler’s assault of Chloe.

Evan is in a unique position because he is both Rick and Monica’s son. This shows that Rick choosing Tyler over Chloe is not about Tyler being his biological child because Evan is too. In fact, Rick even allows Tyler to get away with hurting Evan.

Evan’s last-minute witness testimony is an excellent way to end the episode.

After Rick decides to protect Tyler at any cost, it is difficult to determine what comes next for this broken family. Rick worked hard to maintain an illusion, but it can never be real because of how he protects Tyler.

The Davis family could have a chance if Rick let Tyler take responsibility for his actions, but he does not. Rick only cares about the superficial fantasy in his head, so when it falls apart, his family does too.

Ending “Forsaken” without clear direction is the right choice for this narrative because it heightens the impact of this episode’s themes.

---

What did you think of this episode of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to leave your own rating!

Critic Rating:

Audience Rating:

 

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

Check out our latest TV recommendations, updated weekly!

Want more from Tell-Tale TV? Subscribe to our newsletter here!