Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
Special Victims Unit chronicles the life and crimes of the Special Victims Unit of the New York Police Department, the elite squad of detectives who investigate sexually based crimes. The drama follows Detective Elliot Stabler (Christopher Meloni), a seasoned veteran of the unit who has seen it all, and his partner, Detective Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay), who’s difficult past – a product of rape – is the reason she joined the unit.
Captain Donald Cragen, (Dann Florek), oversees the unit with his tough but supportive approach to the team's complex cases, guiding the squad through the challenges they face every day.
Detective John Munch, (Richard Belzer), a transfer from Baltimore's homicide unit, brings his acerbic wit, conspiracy theories and street-honed investigative skills to the team. And his partner, Detective Odafin "Fin" Tutuola (Ice-T), adds his unique sense of humor and investigative experience, making him a formidable match for Munch.
Assistant District Attorney Casey Novak (Diane Neal) brings closure to the intense investigations with her legal expertise. Forensic psychiatrist, George Huang (B.D. Wong), whose insight into the minds of the accused often provides significant clues that lead to the resolution of a case, and Medical Examiner Melinda Warner (Tamara Tunie), lends her skills to uncover forensic evidence.
Highlight episodes from the Season 8 include Choreographed – After Danielle Masoner dies in Central Park, Stabler follows the leads to a homeless man who turns out to be a better witness than he thought.
During the course of the investigation, Benson and Stabler learn that Danielle's husband was sleeping with a friend of theirs, leading the squad to suspect first him, but their suspicion soon turns to the husband of the other woman, Burned – Stabler and Benson find themselves on opposite sides when Valerie Sennet accuses her estranged husband, of breaking into her home and raping her.
Because Miles has no history of violence and Valerie refuses to allow detectives to use her daughter Tessa as a witness, he is soon released but not everyone is convinced of his innocence, Dependent - Benson and Stabler attempt to question a confused young woman about an attack on her parents that left her brother traumatised and Stabler puts his career on the line when he goes too far.
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit Season 8 is released on DVD 13th April