Blackmail: [s20e12]

: Critics noted that while the "ripped from the headlines" premise felt sensationalist and "sleazy" on paper, the performance by S. Epatha Merkerson (Lt. Van Buren) remained a standout.

: The police coordinate a sting operation to arrest the blackmailer, Dennis di Palma (played by Raúl Esparza), as he accepts a check from Carville. [S20E12] Blackmail

Season 20, Episode 12, titled " Blackmail ," originally aired on January 15, 2010. The episode centers on the investigation into the death of a journalist and a subsequent high-stakes extortion plot involving a famous talk show host. Episode Summary : Critics noted that while the "ripped from

: Carville admits to DA Jack McCoy that she is being blackmailed for $3 million to keep her workplace affairs with women a secret. : The police coordinate a sting operation to

: The investigation reveals the victim was having an affair with Vanessa Carville (played by Samantha Bee), a prominent daytime talk show host.

: Some viewers consider it a weaker entry in an otherwise strong final season of the original run, though it is often cited by fans for Raúl Esparza's "bad guy" performance before his hero turn on SVU . "Law & Order" Blackmail (TV Episode 2010) - IMDb

The episode features several notable guest stars who later became franchise staples: