Law & Order: Special Victims Unit

Swing

Season 10, Episode 3, Aired 10/14/08

Episode Summary

When Elliot's daughter, Kathleen, breaks into a couple's home and steals a pendant he is forced to deal with ghosts from his past. Unfortunately, his missteps put Kathleen's future and mental health at risk, and it will take all of Olivia's skills to make things right.

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Cast & Crew

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Mariska Hargitay

Det. Olivia Benson
Christopher Meloni

Det. Elliot Stabler
Ice-T

Det. Odafin 'Fin' Tutuola

Fan Episode Reviews (14)

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Deep look into Stabler's character.Because he finds out that his daughter Kathleen has mental problems, Stabler has to contact his mother and we learn more about their complicated relationship.

10

"Perfect"

By LivBenson_, Dec 12, 2011 Report Abuse

After Kathleen Stabler broke into a house because of drug influence the doctors diagnose bipolar disorder. To save her from going to Rikers Stabler has to prove that Kathleen's mental illness is genetic.Therefore Elliot contacts his mother who has bipolar disorder as well and tries to convince her to speak in front of the judge. She is played amazing by Ellen Burstyn.We learn more about Stabler's chilhood and past and it's very touching to see what he is willing to do to help his daughter.The scenesthat were really touching me was the one in the court room when Elliot decided to blame the burglery on his daughter and send her to Rikers cause she refuses to get medical help. And will be forced to in Rikers.Furthermore the one in the prison when Elliot's mum is talking to Kathleen and is talking about her life without medical help.""I lived the life I wanted to live. And I paid a terrible price."Last scene which I really liked is the one when Liv is talking to El's mother and she is showing him the pictures of Elliot as a child and in a carrot disguise :) Eventually Liv convinces Elliot's mother to tal to Kathleen and convince her to get medical help.Elliot's mother asks Liv not to tell Elliot that she talked to Kathleen. In the last scene at the court room Kathleen accepts the medical help and Stabler is confused about her changing her mind. Last sentence is Liv saying "Maybe God remembered howcute you were as a carrot"All in all I really liked this epiosde because it was very emotional and we learned more about the characters.moreless

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Very ordinary.

4.5

"Poor"

By ZAPKVR, Mar 06, 2011 Report Abuse

I worry when I see episodes like this that SVU is losing its edge. This could not have been more of a cheap shot if they had tried. It was played purely for sentiment I know they like to do that with Stabler but ther was no narrative imperative driving the story. The subtext of mental illness was almost insulting to people who are genuinely living with bpd. I think it ties into the trend in the U.S. to medicalise normal behaviour (and of course to define normal behaviour in very, very narrow terms). It's the kind of episode that makes me question my commitment to the seriesmoreless

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Generational impact of mental illness.

9.5

"Superb"

By dgockerell, Sep 29, 2010 Report Abuse

This episode was focused on the generational impact of mental illness. Stabler learns of his daughter's mental illness following a police report on her. This takes him back to his estranged mother who suffered the same thing but chose not to medicate. His daughter self medicates with street drugs which I seemed to notice is a common practice of those that are bi-polar. Not sure why that is. Makes me wonder how many others on the streets that are doing drugs and don't know they have mental illness and need treatment instead however I liked how his mother described life while medicated - like someone scooped out her insides and left just a shell.moreless

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This episode focuses on Stabler's family. A somewhat slower more thoughtful episode that looks at the generational impact of mental illness, and family. We learn more about the Stabler family and Stabler's uneasy relationship with his mother.moreless

7.5

"Good"

By claireshana, Aug 20, 2010 Report Abuse

This episode focuses on Stabler's family and his daughter's battle with mental illness. Not the usual twists and turns in the plot, keeping you guessing till the end. A somewhat slower more thoughtful episode that looks at the generational impact of mental illness, and family. We learn more about the Stabler family and Stabler's uneasy relationship with his mother. Well scripted with a great performance from Ellen Burstyn, some fans may find however this episode deviates too far from the usual formula. Fans however will love the added depth to Stabler's character and insight into his childhood, and possible explaination for his current actions.moreless

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10

"Perfect"

By waisal14, Jul 22, 2010 Report Abuse

Even though I don't watch this show that often, this is the best episode I ever saw. It touched my heart and soul making me feel teary eyed about the lengths Detective Stabler did to reach out to help out his daughter. His example shows the lengths of how far our own fathers would reach out to protect his daughter in a lens of a cop father or any father. Furthermore, the fatherly protection of his own daughter is a reflection of how much God loves his own people. Just like Stabler was willing to save his daughter, God is willing to save you threw his son, Jesus.moreless

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Trivia, Notes, Quotes and Allusions

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Trivia
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- First appearance or mention of Stabler's mother. Edit
Notes
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- Original International Air Dates: Czech Republic November 9, 2010 on TV Nova Edit
- The song Kathleen is singing in the shower is a sea shanty titled "The Keeper of the Eddystone Light." Edit
- Special billing was given to Ellen Burstyn (Special Guest Star) and CCH Pounder (and) for this episode. Edit
Quotes
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- Olivia: Elliot, we've been partners for 11 years. You know everything about me even the parts that I'd rather forget. Edit
- Elliot Stabler: Liv, patrol dumped this one on us why? Because a whack job was found naked in the shower? Olivia Benson: Elliot– Elliot Stabler: Last week it was because the guy had his johnson out, takin' a piss in the alley. What's next? Felony puppy-humping in the dog run? Olivia Benson: Elliot, I called you in. Elliot Stabler: Why, because your spidey-sense tells you she was a rape victim? Olivia Benson: Because it's your daughter. Edit
- Bernadette : (to Olivia) I can see why you scare the pants off Kathy. Edit
Allusions
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