Cold cases ofteen work especially well for Law & Order: SVU.
In these stories, the witnesses are often long dead, the cops have to rely on other detectives’ memories… and the central question becomes not only what happened, but why nobody caught it until decades later.
Law & Order: SVU Season 27 Episode 10 used an especially intriguing cold case to examine how police corruption snowballs… and what price those who seek the truth may pay.
Griffin Finally Participated In A Worthwhile Story (And It’s Not Over Yet)
I’ve been critical of Jake Griffin’s transfer to SVU.
The character seemed… useless. It was clear he was only joining SVU because Chief Tynan wanted him there, and at first, he seemed less than competent.
That was a doubly annoying setup because Velasco originally joined SVU to spy on Benson for then-Chief McGrath, and this seemed like a repeat of that story, with less likable characters.
While Law & Order: SVU Season 27 Episode 10 didn’t convert Griffin into my favorite character, it did give him a solid story that made him far more interesting and tolerable.
Griffin’s Backstory Suggests He Has Been Trying to Live Up To An Illusion
He used his relationship with his dad to set the trap for the corrupt cops, offering to do a solid for his dad’s former co-worker so that the man would be spooked enough to call his accomplice to help him do damage control.
In a way, that was the least important part of Griffin’s story — sure, he was useful for once, but it also led to the setup of his longer arc when Leo said that “Jimmy wasn’t the man you always thought he was.”
We’re passionate about TV — who we love, who we hate, and who isn’t being used properly.
If you love that about us, our newsletter is for you. Hit the button on the top right of the screen to subscribe.
Of course, Leo could have been saying things to get Griffin’s goat, but that wouldn’t be much of a story — and Chief Tynan’s reaction to Griffin’s questions pretty much seals the deal.
This story could go the way of Stabler learning his dad was a corrupt cop on Law & Order: Organized Crime, though I’m hoping for something more original.
Either way, I’m intrigued — and also wondering what the Chief knows and how deeply she’s involved in something she shouldn’t be.
That Final Scene Was a Brilliant Indictment of the System
Although the dirty cop turned rapist and murderer was convicted, it didn’t change anything — and that was the most devastating gut punch that Law & Order: SVU Season 27 Episode 10 could deliver.
The same system that had allowed Tameka Davis’ murder to be covered up for 27 years and allowed a group of corrupt cops to spiral out of control is not only trying to cover up whatever Jimmy Griffin did but also actively trying to get rid of Benson.
Tynan hates Benson because Benson, like Blue Bloods‘ Frank Reagan, refuses to play political games instead of standing up for the truth.
Benson values taking care of survivors’ needs more than she does loyalty to the system — and that’s a problem for Tynan, who is incredibly political and may have covered up other police-initiated crimes to protect the department’s reputation.
Of course, Tynan has only been Deputy Chief for a few short months, but she obviously has been in a position of power before and almost definitely knows secrets about Griffin’s father.
It’s annoying that she’s doing the same kind of nonsense Chief McGrath used to do, but in this case it’s a scathing commentary on institutional rot, which is the natural enemy of someone who wants justice for all survivors — even when it’s inconvenient for department optics.
What do you think Chief Tynan is covering up?
Hit the comments with your thoughts, and don’t forget to share this article with your friends.
Now that Tynan expects Griffin to investigate old cases, most likely involving Benson, it’ll be interesting to find out where Griffin’s loyalties lie.
Tynan’s mission will fail. These ops against Benson always do. But it’s going to be a rough ride in the meantime.
Fin Popped Up To Help — What’s Up With That?
We know, of course, that the behind-the-scenes reason is that the writers want to use Fin less this season to save money.
However, on-screen, it doesn’t fully make sense that Fin isn’t ready to return full-time to SVU.
He took a leave of absence to deal with the trauma of getting beaten up by a perp who stole his gun.
Trauma can come in waves, of course, and maybe a temporary assignment is easier for Fin than working full-time for SVU, but he seemed relaxed and not still working through anything major.
Or maybe I just miss Fin.
I don’t know what that argument between Carisi and Benson at the end was all about, either, other than Benson clearly not wanting things to change at SVU, including Tynan trying to push her out of her job.
What did you think?
Are you ready for Fin to come back? How did you like this cold case? Are you warming up to Griffin?
Hit the comments with your thoughts, and share this article with your friends so they can join the conversation.
Vote in our poll below to rank the episode.
If you enjoyed this article, check out our coverage of other Dick Wolf shows, including the One Chicago shows and FBI.
Law & Order: SVU airs on NBC on Thursdays at 9/8c and streams on Peacock on Fridays.
-
Law & Order: SVU Season 27 Episode 10 Delivers a Scathing Indictment Against a Corrupt System… But At What Cost?
Law & Order: SVU Season 27 Episode 10 tackled a cold case — and why it wasn’t solved when the crime occurred. Our review!
-
The 2026 Law & Order Crossover Was More SVU Than Not, Making Benson’s Doubts Even More Jarring
Benson and Brady joined forces again, this time without butting heads, on the 206 SVU crossover episode. Our review!
-
Best of 2025: 11 Deaths That Should’ve Been Avoided (If Anyone Had a Brain Cell Left)
There are some TV deaths that are poor decisions, and 2025 had its fair share. Check out which TV deaths should’ve been avoided at ALL costs.
TV Fanatic is searching for passionate contributors to share their voices across various article types. Think you have what it takes to be a TV Fanatic? Click here for more information and next steps.
