A wealthy couple is found in what is apparently a murder-suicide. However, upon further investigation, it is revealed that both were the victims of a homicide, staged to look like the former. Stabler (Chris Meloni) and Benson (Mariska Hargitay) console the grieving daughter (guest Sarah Paulsen), who reveals that she is being trailed by a mysterious man ("Lost's" Naveen Andrews). Many surprises develop as the story unfolds, leading to a most satisfying conclusion, with the trademark "Law & Order" twist.
Meloni, Hargitay, Ice-T, Dann Florek, and B.D. Wong are their usual brilliant selves, with Andrews so good that he makes a case for the possibility of a return visit as the character in this installment.
However, Paulsen is chillingly fantastic as the daughter with a little more to hide than the average person.
Also, "Frasier's" Edward Hibbert has a small but memorable part as a pompous twit (What else?) with a secret fetish. John Schuck makes one of his many appearances as the stern-as-nails Chief of Detectives.
As a whole, this installment is riveting from beginning to end, and Paulsen should get Emmy consideration in the fall.
Meloni, Hargitay, Ice-T, Dann Florek, and B.D. Wong are their usual brilliant selves, with Andrews so good that he makes a case for the possibility of a return visit as the character in this installment.
However, Paulsen is chillingly fantastic as the daughter with a little more to hide than the average person.
Also, "Frasier's" Edward Hibbert has a small but memorable part as a pompous twit (What else?) with a secret fetish. John Schuck makes one of his many appearances as the stern-as-nails Chief of Detectives.
As a whole, this installment is riveting from beginning to end, and Paulsen should get Emmy consideration in the fall.