Law & Order: Special Victims Unit

10 Best Episodes of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit - Season 13

Since its premiere on NBC in 1999, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit has aired 25 seasons of gripping, suspenseful, and often emotionally charged investigations into some of the most heinous felonies. This long-running series has built a reputation as one of the best crime dramas on television, captivating audiences with its intense, realistic storylines. With so many incredible episodes to choose from, it's no wonder that Law & Order: Special Victims Unit has remained a fan favorite for so long. In this article, we'll be ranking the best episodes of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, looking at some of the show's most memorable and memorable moments.

From the heartbreaking cases to the intense and dramatic courtroom scenes, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit has been responsible for some of the most gripping television of all time. From the show's earliest days to its most recent season, there have been some truly incredible episodes that have stood out from the rest. We'll be looking at some of the most memorable and impactful episodes of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, ranked from best to worst.

From the iconic characters to the intense investigations, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit has made its mark on television as one of the best crime dramas ever. With so many great episodes to choose from, it can be difficult to pick out the best of the best. We'll be looking at some of the most acclaimed episodes of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, ranking the best episodes from the show's 25 season run.

Written by Sophie and last updated on apr 24, 2024.

PS: The following content contains spoilers!

PPS: I will admit that parts of this page was written with the help of AI - it makes my work so much easier to not start from a blank page!

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Law & Order: Special Victims Unit - S13E16

#15 - Child's Welfare (Season 13 - Episode 16)

Detective Benson calls on Bayard Ellis for legal help when her estranged brother gets caught in a child custody battle. Also, Detectives Tutuola and Rollins investigate why a newborn baby is abandoned near a hospital.

The episode was rated 7.74 from 188 votes.

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit - S13E1

#14 - Scorched Earth (Season 13 - Episode 1)

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An African immigrant working as a maid accuses an Italian diplomat of rape, but is she really in it just for the money? Meanwhile, Stabler's return remains in doubt after his latest shooting.

The episode was rated 7.77 from 260 votes.

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit - S13E3

#13 - Blood Brothers (Season 13 - Episode 3)

A pregnant thirteen-year-old girl from Washington Heights claims that the son of an ambassador raped her, but the accused goes missing before SVU can question him.

The episode was rated 7.78 from 223 votes.

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit - S13E13

#12 - Father's Shadow (Season 13 - Episode 13)

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A nineteen-year-old creates a hostage situation after his father is accused of sexual assault, and Olivia uses her personal experience to help defuse the situation.

The episode was rated 7.81 from 191 votes.

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit - S13E9

#11 - Lost Traveller (Season 13 - Episode 9)

When a Romani boy vanishes on his way home from school, the Special Victims Unit must penetrate his insular community to find the unlikely abductors.

The episode was rated 7.85 from 186 votes.

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit - S13E20

#10 - Father Dearest (Season 13 - Episode 20)

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Detectives search for a missing teenage girl who vanished while looking for her biological father, an anonymous sperm donor. A puzzling prime suspect who's targeted several young women soon emerges.

The episode was rated 7.85 from 193 votes.

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit - S13E2

#9 - Personal Fouls (Season 13 - Episode 2)

SVU investigates an accusation that a revered high school basketball coach sexually abused his players, but they ultimately may need the cooperation of a reluctant pro superstar to make the case.

The episode was rated 7.88 from 236 votes.

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit - S13E7

#8 - Russian Brides (Season 13 - Episode 7)

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In order to bring down a Russian mobster running an international prostitution/kidnapping ring disguised as a Russian bride website, Cragen steps from behind the desk to go undercover.

The episode was rated 7.92 from 198 votes.

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit - S13E8

#7 - Educated Guess (Season 13 - Episode 8)

A patient in a mental hospital claims to have witnessed a sexual assault. However, the supposed victim is a fellow patient who has a history of making rape allegations, but she denies being assaulted this time.

The episode was rated 7.93 from 196 votes.

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit - S13E15

#6 - Hunting Ground (Season 13 - Episode 15)

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Detectives Benson and Amaro lead the search for a serial killer who is targeting young prostitutes.

The episode was rated 7.95 from 212 votes.

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit - S13E23

#5 - Rhodium Nights (Season 13 - Episode 23)

The murder of a prostitute at a bachelor party sends SVU on a dangerous investigation that could lead all the way into the highest reaches of New York power and influence.

The episode was rated 7.96 from 204 votes.

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit - S13E4

#4 - Double Strands (Season 13 - Episode 4)

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In the episode "Double Strands" of the iconic crime show, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Detective Rollins believes that the SVU has caught a serial rapist from one of her earlier cases in Georgia. However, after a passionate request from a suicide attempt, Detective Amaro suspects that they may have the wrong person. This episode has been loved by fans for over a decade, as it is filled with suspense, mystery and intrigue.

The episode follows the detectives as they investigate the case and try to uncover the truth. With Rollins' earlier case in Georgia, Amaro's instinctive suspicions and the passionate plea from the suicide attempt, the detectives are pushed to the limit as they piece together the clues to determine if they have apprehended the right person. This episode is filled with nail-biting moments as the detectives follow leads and investigate the case, making it an exciting and unforgettable episode.

The episode was rated 7.98 from 232 votes.

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit - S13E10

#3 - Spiraling Down (Season 13 - Episode 10)

In the episode "Spiraling Down" of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, a retired pro quarterback is arrested for having sex with a fourteen-year-old prostitute. The case takes an unusual twist when the detectives investigate whether the pro quarterback's behavior was caused by diminished capacity due to the many concussions he suffered while playing professional football.

This episode of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit explores the complex ethical and legal issues surrounding the situation. On the one hand, there is the crime that he has committed and the need to prosecute him to the fullest extent of the law. On the other hand, there is the difficult question of whether he was in a diminished mental state due to the concussions he suffered, and whether he should be held accountable for his actions.

The episode was rated 7.99 from 199 votes.

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit - S13E12

#2 - Official Story (Season 13 - Episode 12)

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In the episode "Official Story" of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Detectives Benson and Amaro are faced with a difficult case. The CEO of a military contractor has been assaulted, and the victim is proving to be resistant to the investigation. The detectives must navigate the politics of the case and find a way to get to the truth of what happened.

The CEO has a powerful influence in the military and government, and it is clear that Benson and Amaro must tread carefully. As they question witnesses and search for clues, they must be aware of the potential ramifications of their investigation. This case is sure to be a challenge for the detectives, as they must work around the victim's resistance and uncover the truth of the assault.

The episode was rated 8.02 from 185 votes.

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit - S13E17

#1 - Justice Denied (Season 13 - Episode 17)

In the episode, "Justice Denied" of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Detective Benson's (Mariska Hargitay) rape case from the past is reopened due to similarities to a new case. With this reopening, the possibility arises that an innocent man may have been wrongfully convicted. With her work and decisions being called into question, tension between Detective Benson, ADA Haden (Elizabeth Marvel), and Bayard Ellis (Andre Braugher) ensues.

The episode follows Detective Benson as she is forced to revisit her past mistakes and doubt her own work. Benson must find a way to prove the man's innocence and clear her name. With help from her colleagues and her own investigative skills, Benson is able to uncover the truth and free the wrongfully convicted man. In the end, justice is served and Benson is able to move forward with her career.

The episode was rated 8.06 from 198 votes.

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