This episode of SVU is the highlight of the season so far. The show's landmark 25th season had been lackluster in places. Children of Wolves, directed by series star Mariska Hargitay, truly stands out.
As Olivia Benson sorts through her son’s old books, her son Noah reveals that he looked her up online. Initially, his questions revolve around Maddie’s abduction and whether her kidnapper will face justice... before he tells her he found some articles from Benson's past. The reminder of Noah's birth father, Johnny D and Olivia's long dead nemesis William Lewis sparks in her mind and unlocks a PTSD-like response.
Benson feels blindsided and quickly redirects the moment by reading "Little Red Riding Hood" to Noah as they settle into his bed. As she does so, our case of the week unfolds in the park. Two friends walk through the park when they encounter a group of four boys. Despite their attempts to ignore the boys, one of them grabs one of the girls, pulling her back towards his friends.
The next morning, Bruno informs Benson that an unconscious girl has been discovered at the park. A thorough grid search is already underway to gather as much evidence as possible. Upon Curry and Velasco's arrival at the scene, Curry notices lip gloss on a slide, hinting at the possibility of another victim.
Meanwhile, Benson and Carisi reach the hospital, where the doctor details the extent of the girl's injuries. Stressing the urgency, the doctor emphasizes the importance of getting the parents there quickly, as the girl's survival is uncertain.
Noah’s recent revelation adds an extra weight to the case for Benson, prompting a discussion with Carisi about the increased difficulty of their jobs now that they are parents. Benson fears how Noah will handle the revelation of his biological father being a rapist, but Carisi reassures her, reminding her of her own strength and resilience, which Noah shares.
TARU identifies the final location where Sydney’s phone was active, directing the squad to a marina. As they inspect each boat, the scent dogs detect Sydney’s presence, prompting a thorough search that reveals a red hoodie tucked beneath a cushion.
Despite finding Sydney’s phone and DNA on the boat, her stepmom doesn’t recognize the red hoodie. However, Rosie’s parents confirm it belongs to their daughter and offer ransom money. Bruno receives a call reporting a girl resembling Sydney spotted near a townhouse under construction.
Benson and her team, along with a negotiator and snipers, arrive at the scene. They learn the exterminator's 18-year-old son, missing for two days, may be involved. His mother insists he's innocent. Benson advises her to communicate with him for his safety. After the mother calls, Benson talks to Seth, discussing his actions. He denies wrongdoing and lets Sydney speak, but Benson remains doubtful.
After Seth's arrest, Benson instructs Velasco to transport the teenager in her car. Instead of heading to the precinct, they go to the park for a forensic reenactment. Benson informs Seth that Rosie's parents have decided to end her life support, implicating him in her murder.
Before proceeding with his arrest, they recreate the events of the previous night. Benson simulates dragging him, mimicking the marks on the grass from Rosie's abduction. She then forces him to the ground, demanding he confesses the whole story. Her PTSD triggered by Noah's mention of William Lewis clearly rears its head here. However, Benson snaps out of it and decides against the reenactment.
Back at the precinct, Carisi notes that Seth is intimidated by Benson. He warns her that Seth's lawyer might have a viable case of coercion against her. However, before they can delve deeper into the matter, Curry enters, informing them that the boys' DNA matches a series of unsolved rapes in Long Island. She quietly tells Benson she's lucku Curry no longer works in IAB, inferring her actions may have brought a case against her.
That evening, Benson takes Noah's adoption papers to his room and questions him about his knowledge. He insists he only knows the names, prompting Benson to inquire if he's prepared for the full story. Noah optimistically suggests it concludes happily with both of them. Beginning with Ellie, Benson starts recounting the tale to him.
Throughout this season we have seen Benson undertake EMDR therapy, and after a case and reaction like she had during this episode I hope return visits to therapy are in her future. We also haven't seen Benson interact with Elliot Stabler since her gave her the gift of a compass necklace last season. Benson dutifully wears it every episode, but it doesn't make up for the lack of communication between the two characters.
