Detective Amanda Rollins (Kelli Giddish) will decide to conduct an investigation of her own regarding a rape case that has been dropped due to lack of evidence in the upcoming episode of the NBC series "Law & Order: SVU."
In "Star-Struck Victims," CarterMatt reports that Assistant District Attorney Rafael Barba (Raúl Esparza) will drop charges against a famous actor being accused of rape. Apparently, the evidence against him is flimsy at its best, with some witnesses never even realizing that something wrong was happening, seeing the woman and the actor flirting so heavily in the bar. The decision will not sit well with Rollins. Being a woman herself, she feels that there is something more to the case that warrants a deeper investigation.
In the promo photos, the female agent can be seen hunting the bar where the incident happened, even talking to the TV personality in question, Bobby DiCecco (Craig Bierko). Rollins' boss, Lt. Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay) also appears to be having doubts about the result of the case. She visits the crime scene and talks to the waiters to see if new information about the supposed rape will surface. How will Benson react once she learns that Rollins is following the same trail as she does?
In truth, Rollins is disobeying a direct order from Benson to not get involved in the case. This could earn her a dismissal, but the lieutenant is known for her fair judgement. As seen in the promo, she herself is not sold on the victim's claims. When the woman gets the feeling that she is losing Benson, she hysterically asks if the latter believes she is lying. Deputy Chief William Dodds (Peter Gallagher) is also convinced the victim is not telling the truth, as he tells Benson that people see celebrities as "easy pay day." Who should be believed between the accuser and the accused?
"Law & Order: SVU" season 17 airs Wednesdays at 9 p.m. EST on NBC.
