Carisi prepares to charge Richard Wheatley for the murder of Kathy Stabler, but tensions soon mount when Barba of all people takes on the defense.
- The Bus Came Back:
- Raúl Esparza makes an appearance as Rafael Barba, following his last appearance in Season 22's "Sightless in a Savage Land".
- Allison Siko and Jeffrey Scaperrotta return as Kathleen and Dickie Stabler, following their last appearance in Season 22's "Return of the Prodigal Son".
- Eli appears on SVU for the first time since Season 12.
- Crossover: With Law & Order: Organized Crime.
- Cruel to Be Kind: Barba makes it clear that he took on Wheatley's defense at least in part to protect Olivia, because he knew another defense lawyer would absolutely shred her longtime relationship with Stabler on cross-examination. By taking Wheatley's defense himself, he could provide at least some buffer for her. Olivia is too hurt to really believe that, though — at least for now.
- Derailing Love Interests: Downplayed. Barba was someone who received a lot of Ship Tease with Benson, and continued to receive it even after he stopped being a main character and only made periodical guest appearances. So when Stabler returns, and the marketing made a big deal about the relationship between Benson and Stabler, that meant Barba was in the way of that. Barba acting as Wheatley's defense attorney puts a severe strain on their relationship, which continues on to his following appearances. The only reason the trope isn't entirely played straight is because Barba was acting Cruel to Be Kind, fearing any other defense would crucify her on the stand for her relationship to Stabler, meaning his heart was in the right place at least.
