The widely loved series Law & Order: SVU is the longest-running primetime live-action show at 24 seasons, and its massive success can be credited to fan-favorite detective Olivia Benson. Mariska Hargitay, who plays the crime-fighting force of nature, has established her impact in Law & Order: SVU as the only remaining original cast member from the beginning, but quickly showed beyond a doubt that she has even more to offer. In addition to cementing herself and her character counterpart as cultural icons, Hargitay has personally directed several episodes of Law & Order: SVU.
SVU season 24, episode 15 finds Hargitay taking charge from the director's chair again. As Law & Order: SVU season 24 continues extending its fantastic primetime run and touching the hearts of audiences, it's appropriate to acknowledge the eight episodes commanded by the leading lady herself.
"Criminal Stories"
Mariska Hargitay's directorial debut for Law & Order: SVU occurred in season 15 and followed Benson when she was serving just as Acting Commander for the squad. Her leadership and the SVU team were challenged by a renowned reporter who gained access to a rape case that he would declare a hoax. While Alec Baldwin's guest appearance contributed to the hype of the episode, much like the other endless amount of famous cameo appearances in Law & Order: SVU often do, it did not overshadow what was a beautifully directed episode that asserted Benson and Hargitay are fully capable in taking on the reins.
"Padre Sandunguero"
"Padre Sandunguero" proved Mariska Hargitay would not shy away from the opportunity to direct another Law & Order: SVU episode, as she returned to lead production in the subsequent season 16. Season 16, episode 12 closely observed former Detective Nick Amaro's personal storyline and followed his battle between his family, who've been wrapped up in domestic abuse allegations, and his duty to his badge. More often than not, a focus on Law & Order: SVU character development assumes full episodes or more, and Hargitay took on the challenge of directing a major role other than her own with incredible success.
"A Misunderstanding"
The season 17 episode "A Misunderstanding" embodied Law & Order: SVU's "ripped from the headlines" process, for the team would investigate two high-school students accused of sexual assault that eventually devolves into a murky he-said, she-said situation. The case proved to be a slippery one, and one can imagine production for such a socially charged topic would be as well. Although the verdict ending the episode was not favorable, it emphasized Hargitay's willingness to approach social issues.
"Sheltered Outcasts"
Way before Detective Rollins' Law & Order: SVU exit, and even before his budding romance with her character, Detective Carisi navigated a dangerous and life-threatening undercover mission. Carisi survived going undercover at a shelter to discover the perpetrator of a string of neighborhood rapes, but not before taking Law & Order: SVU audiences through an exhilarating exploit. Hargitay delivered another episode rife with character development, this time in one of her most thrillingly directed episodes yet.
"Motherly Love"
"Motherly Love" had the SVU team take on a case in season 18 that saw a teenage boy use excessive force to protect his mother from an attack. The episode featured one of Law & Order: cast mates that have since departed from the show. However, the true sentiment within this episode is not that Hargitay was able to direct an episode featuring Rafael Barba before his exit but that Mariska Hargitay had the honor of directing "Motherly Love" as the 400th episode to be produced for the series.
"Mea Culpa"
Benson was especially challenged when A.D.A. Stone was accused of past sexual assault, and Stone decided to take his own case to court. As Benson had been personally recruited to take on this case, Hargitay had the chance to explore her character in relation to a colleague she might not be able to trust. In yet another one of Law & Order: SVU's politically dense episodes, Mariska Hargitay shined in directing some truly complex and challenging concepts, like the misgivings within herself and the justice system.
"She Paints For Vengeance"
This episode was aired six seasons after Hargitay's directorial debut and observed the sexual assault investigation of a popular athlete. At this point in the series, Detective Carisi had transitioned to become an A.D.A, and this high-profile probe was the first case he'd take to court. Despite the length of time from her first directed episode and how much the characters of Law & Order: SVU have developed since Hargitay effectively directed Carisi's growth that was essential to this episode.
"King of the Moon"
Kelli Giddish's SVU exit wasn't the only disheartening news to come about recently in the Law & Order franchise; Law & Order, franchise star Richard Belzer, ed away on Feb. 19, 2023, at the age of 78. Although the episode centered around a man with dementia who confesses to the rape and murder of his wife, audiences were able to view a dedication in honor of Belzer and his character John Munch. This was the most recent SVU episode that Hargitay directed, and her dedication represented her commitment to the show, her work, and the wonderful cast that makes up the Law & Order phenomena.
Mariska Hargitay's commitment to Law & Order: SVU's cast and characters, her own phenomenal performances, and her ability to direct are truly impressive. While she isn't known as much for her directorial successes, her directed episodes are dispersed throughout the series' 24 seasons. Nevertheless, her multitude of abilities is ingrained in the Law & Order: SVU series and will undoubtedly have a lasting effect on the franchise.
