Benson and Carisi are faced with an unusual dilemma as Pence Humphries insists that he killed his own wife, Winnie. Carisi brings it to Benson's attention, adamant something is off with the case. Benson recognizes Pence as she’s read some of his work, and quickly agrees to investigate his case.
The case seemed more like a homicide investigation than an SVU case but despite this, the episode was a sad yet beautiful story and a terrific vehicle for Bradley Whitford. Series star Mariska Hargitay directed the hour herself, and she did an excellent job. The episode comes full circle via a childhood story that Pence wrote: King of the Moon.
Pence struggled to accept the loss of his memories and that of his wife, the only person he felt truly understood him. Benson admired Pence and Winnie's long love story and at times, seemed to wish she had a love like theirs of her own. The episode also featured a wink to Jayne Mansfield, Mariska Hargitay’s mother.
Benson’s quest to find Winnie's real killer crossed over with Fin's attempt to get the truth out of Velasco. While Benson and Fin are right that every murder deserves to be solved, it may cost the pair an SVU detective when the squad is already low on numbers. Velasco's friend killed two people several decades ago, and forcing Velasco to hunt him down and arrest him now is an understandable choice for Benson to make, but a hard one.
Churlish originally gave Benson the recording of Velasco admitting to the crimes – which causes an issue now that Fin wants to keep Churlish and add her to the SVU squad alongside new recruit Muncy – who was absent this episode. Overall, this was a sad but emotional episode that highlighted the impact of old age and illness on people's physical and mental health.
