During the last episode of "Law and Order: SVU" season 17, Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay) was asked to clear her desk due to her secret relationship with Tucker (Robert John Burke) and his possible involvement in a large-scale sex trafficking ring. New photos from NBC now showcase Benson will be fighting to keep her job.
It was widely speculated that Benson may be written off the show, leading the series to alter its direction and pick a new leading character, but the promo images now prove that these rumors were wrong. The photos not only show Benson but also a few allies that mean she may be doing everything possible to get put back on the team.
One of the photos reveals Benson together with Tucker and Mike Dodds (Andy Karl). As stated in a report from Inquisitr, the photos for "Unholiest Alliance" show Benson in shock, indicating that Dodds is not bringing good news to the table. Another photo shows the trio staring down at Tucker's phone with worried looks on their faces.
The other promotional images all focus on the case, which may indicate a big chunk of the episode will revolve around the court-side battle of this case while Benson's team will scramble on the field to get to the bottom of the whole sex trafficking ring and discover the truth in order to get Benson back.
Patrick Mulregan (Jonathan Cake), Father Eugene O'Hanigan (Michael O'Keefe) and Sonny Carisi's (Peter Scanavino) cousin are all shown making a statement or at court, although it is unclear if they are under trial or as witnesses for the case. Whatever they say may affect Benson and Tucker's struggles to get back to work.
The synopsis for the episode that follows, "Sheltered Outcast," focuses primarily on Detective Carisi (Peter Scanavino) without revealing whether Tucker and Benson are cleared from the investigation.
"Law and Order: SVU" season 17 episode 18 will air this coming March 23.
