The twelfth-season finale of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, titled smoked, takes viewers on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. A high-profile rape case takes a dark turn when the primary witness, Annette Fox, is murdered just days before she is scheduled to testify. Detectives Elliot Stabler, Olivia Benson, and Fin Tutuola are determined to find justice for Annette and her daughter, Jenna.
A Murder Investigation Unfolds
As Detectives Stabler and Benson begin their investigation, they discover that the murder of Annette Fox may be connected to the rape case she was set to testify in. Their prime suspect is Luke Ronson, the accused rapist who claims the encounter was consensual. However, the evidence against Ronson is not enough to keep him in custody.
The detectives turn their attention to Eddie Skinner, a man who claims to have seen Ronson with a gun on the night of the murder. They arrest Skinner, hoping to gather more information. Meanwhile, Stabler goes undercover to bust a cigarette smuggling ring, using Skinner as bait.
A Shocking Turn of Events
As the investigation progresses, the detectives uncover more twists and turns. They eventually track down Skinner, who is holding Ronson hostage. Stabler manages to convince Skinner to surrender, and both men are arrested.
However, the case takes a tragic turn when Jenna, Annette's daughter, enters the squad room with a handgun. In a fit of rage and grief, Jenna opens fire, killing Ronson and an ATF agent named Greer. The shocking turn of events leaves the detectives and viewers in disbelief.
The Aftermath and Departures
The fallout from the shooting leaves Stabler deeply affected. He is cleared of any wrongdoing but is left traumatized by the events. Captain Donald Cragen orders Stabler to attend therapy sessions before returning to work, but Stabler ultimately decides to resign from the force without informing Benson.
Smoked marks the final full-time appearance of Christopher Meloni as Detective Elliot Stabler. Meloni's departure from the show after 11 years shocked fans and left a void in the series. The episode also features the last appearances of BD Wong and Tamara Tunie in the opening credits, as they both announced their departures from the show.
Reception and Impact
Smoked received mixed reviews from critics. Some praised the intense and shocking storyline, while others felt that the inclusion of America's gun problem was forced and unnecessary. Regardless of the reviews, the episode garnered high ratings and was the most-watched program on NBC that night.
The departure of Christopher Meloni and other key cast members had a significant impact on the show. The loss of Stabler's character left a void in the dynamic between Stabler and Benson, which had been a central focus of the series. Fans mourned the end of an era and eagerly awaited the next chapter of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.
Smoked, the twelfth-season finale of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, delivers a gripping and emotional storyline. The shocking events that unfold leave a lasting impact on the characters and the viewers. The departure of key cast members adds an additional layer of complexity to the episode. As the series moves forward, fans are left wondering what lies ahead for the dedicated detectives of the Special Victims Unit.
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