Right franchise, wrong series.
By: Jacob Politte, Online Editor
Law & Order SVU: “Swimming With The Sharks”
Season 21, Episode 15
Airdate: 2/20/20
I loved “Law and Order: Criminal Intent.” It’s a vastly underrated show that never really got the mainstream respect that it deserved, especially from NBC.
“Swimming With The Sharks” feels more of a Criminal Intent episode than it does an SVU episode. The story mostly focuses on a gaslighting scheme perpetrated against a CEO of a popular women’s wellness company called “We B Well.” It was a scheme that involves rape, embezzlement, corporate conspiracy, and one other false rape accusation.
I don’t complain about the victims too much, but Luna Prasada, the CEO of “We B Well” was not likable at all. She’s narcissistic, she’s condescending and she’s probably got a very serious drinking problem. But while I do not like her, she’s still a victim, and she deserves justice just like anyone else.
That being said, it seemed entirely possible for a decent portion of the episode that Luna was responsible for all of the crimes that she was accused of. She clearly is a troubled woman, and her being gaslit drove her to the brink of insanity.
In the end though, just like nearly every other featured character on the show, it turns out that she’s indeed a victim. The motive for the crime extends back into Luna’s childhood, to when she and one of the conspirators were attending summer camp together.
In the end, the perpetrators get caught, Luna is cleared of all the accusations. Yet, Luna does feel remorse for her past, narcissistic actions. Perhaps all of that time spent with Captain Olivia Benson did some good for her.
JACOB’S FINAL VERDICTS:
– Benson appearing in public forums usually does not end well for her. I do not know why she continues to do it.
– Did Officer Tamin really buy a sex toy for her sister at the conference?
– Why is ADA Carisi still doing detective things?
– Carisi’s boss, Bureau Chief Hadid, may have been on the side of the good guys this episode, but I still do not trust her.
– That Rikers scene. My God. I’ve rarely been so uncomfortable watching this show.
– Once again, I understand that there’s a rape involved in this case but the majority of it is about embezzlement and corruption. Seriously, why is SVU handling it? The case should have definitely gone to Major Crimes at 1PP.
– I guess that Tutuola’s on vacation this week?
– Rollins’ sister is back next week. I wonder if someone will get stabbed in the crotch in her apartment again. I don’t know how Rollins got the blood stain out last time.
