LAW & ORDER: SVU has always tackled the latest scandals/pop culture phenomenons and tonight’s episode, titled “Making a Rapist”, is no exception. The episode begins with an appearance from Vice President Joe Biden, who presents Olivia with a commendation for her department’s work in wading through backlogged rape kits. Biden has actually partnered with SVU star Mariska Hargitay to help lead national efforts to get through the backlog of untested rape kits. In the show, the testing of kits has also led to the exoneration of a man who was wrongfully imprisoned for rape over 16 years ago. Sean Roberts is now adjusting to life outside prison and is even standing by the side of his accuser, Melanie Harper. Melanie is guilt-ridden about the fact that she helped put an innocent man in prison and is trying to make amends by inviting Sean into her life. Finn, meanwhile, was the police officer who helped put Sean away and he’s named as part of a lawsuit by Sean against the city.
But then something terrible happens — Melanie’s daughter, Ashley, is raped and brutalized and Melanie is convinced she heard Sean in her house that night. Olivia insists that they proceed cautiously to avoid another wrongful arrest and her detectives need to investigate every potential suspect, including Ashley’s financé and a peeping Tom who takes on the Brandon Dassey role from “Making a Murderer”.
Did prison turn Sean Roberts into a rapist? Tune in to an all new LAW & ORDER: SVU tonight (September 28) at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT on NBC to find out out.