When a TV reporter becomes the victim of sextortion that could ruin her career, Benson helps her take back control while Velasco goes undercover as a potential rich target.
Ruby doesn't believe she has any options after being extorted. For a year, she has been in limbo. She reported the crime. She didn't believe the police could catch the criminals before the deadline. She complied with their demands. That financially ruined her. That action took away so many possibilities. Her parents were tragically killed. A financial settlement was given to help provide for Ruby and her younger sister. That was the only substantial money she had. She had to give it away because she trusted the wrong person. She thought she was being careful. The relationship developed slowly until she was more comfortable advancing further. Once that happened, everything changed. The extortion ring is built out of shame and sexual manipulation. The victims would be willing to do anything to ensure sexually explicit material of them was never released. That leaves everyone feeling desperate without any choices. They have lost power over their own lives. Kelsey is willing to jump off a roof because the pain is too overwhelming. Olivia is there to guide her down and provide a better solution. Every aspect of the case unravels more mysteries. This criminal network is vast. It's ultimately rather simple in the end.
Two brothers built their lives on the misfortune of others. They took advantage of desperate people who were vulnerable largely out of circumstances. Ruby was grieving the loss of her parents. Kelsey was dipping her toe back into dating after calling off her engagement. Neil wanted to be seen as desirable. Ruby and Kelsey could pull together the payment to complete the deal. Neil wasn't that lucky. He presented a fake life online. He was targeted because of the fantasy he offered. His reality was just depressing. He wants to prevent his private information from being released just as much as the other victims. He also becomes a part of the criminal operation. He works off his debt. He contributes to the suffering of others. In the end, he's pleased by the declaration that he was wrongfully terminated and can sue his former employer. He doesn't suffer any consequences for his actions. He cooperated with the police. They needed information only he could provide. He was a middleman. He picked up the cash. He was coerced into participating. He remains a victim. His complicity is apparent too. That provides the contrast that offers depth throughout this story.
Meanwhile, Kelsey worries about the loss of her trusted reputation. She is a beloved local TV reporter. She presents a certain image to the world. She's human though. She makes mistakes. She promised never to let a man hold power over her again. And yet, she stumbled into this trap. A date went really well. She had a great time. She was ecstatic to celebrate with her friend at work. And then, everything went wrong. She was misled about his true intentions. The man who seduced her is arrested. He's not the brain behind the operation. The SVU has to act strategically in order to address the true cause of this pain and suffering throughout the city. These cases are connected. The extortionists are different. The scheme is identical. Olivia puts those pieces together. She takes actions she isn't comfortable with at first. Those present as the only way to catch the criminals in the act. She requires a sting to be set up where Kelsey goes through with making the payment. Then, Velasco goes undercover to present as yet another potential victim. Velasco has experience in that role. He still has to fit the type. Bruno assists him in that regard. These detectives along with Silva are still just building banter amongst each other. It's not particularly exciting or insightful. It simply states information that is already known to the viewer again.
Ruby and Kelsey are given the powerful stories of the hour. They each lean on Olivia for support. She offers that compassion instinctively. This is her job. She does it so well. She provides clarity when the world otherwise seems too dark to keep living. Ruby is mostly interested in getting the money back. That resource provides her access to more opportunities. Olivia offers that clarity. It remains evidence for now. Eventually though, Ruby's life will be restored. The police do right by her as the victim of a crime. It took awhile. Justice eventually prevailed. Meanwhile, Kelsey is devastating when the blackmail against her is actually released. The video is sent to her co-workers. She fears she will be fired. She too creates a fake story about what happened. She explains that she went undercover to expose this heinous crime. She recaptures the narrative. She spins it into something that offers security in her life. She always dreamed of being a reporter. That shouldn't end because of this mistake. The criminals deserve to be punished. Kelsey should still thrive and be trusted in reporting the news. She has that voice. She spotlights the victims in a way that never would have been covered previously. She has the personal experience. She hides the truth. She protects herself in doing so. She is desperate for answers. Olivia and the detectives provide them. And so, everyone has the tools once more to engage in fulfilling lives where they aren't destroyed by the crimes that happened to them.
