: Early in the season, Olivia Benson goes undercover for the FBI to infiltrate an eco-terrorist group (Ep. 1, 6). This plotline was created to accommodate Mariska Hargitay’s real-life maternity leave.
: During Benson's absence, Elliot Stabler is partnered with Detective Dani Beck (played by Connie Nielsen). Their partnership is fraught with tension as Beck struggles with the emotional weight of SVU cases and eventually leaves after just six episodes.
: Detective Chester Lake (Adam Beach) is introduced in "Outsider" (Ep. 12), initially as a detective from Brooklyn who joins forces with Fin Tutuola. Notable Episodes & Guest Stars