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"American Dream"
SVU, Episode 18.20
Production number: 18020
First aired (US): 24 May 2017
First aired (UK): 28 May 2017
First aired (CAN): 24 May 2017
First aired (AUS): 25 May 2017
  th of 502 produced in SVU  
th of 502 released in SVU
  th of 1271 released in all  
Svu1820
Written By
Rick Eid & Julie Martin

Directed By
Jean de Segonzac

Summary[]

Part 1 of 2. A hate crime is committed against a Muslim family, resulting in the death of their daughter. Things get complicated when a crucial witness in the case is deported, forcing Barba to drop the charges against a suspect.

Cast[]

Main cast[]

Recurring cast[]

Guest Cast[]

  • Nik Sadhnani as Yusef Massad
  • Cara Ricketts as Mrs. Salerno
  • Adam Arian as Enzo Salerno
  • Nuah Ozryel as Frank Ayemen
  • Mark St. Cyr as Jamal Turner
  • Patrick Noonan as ICE Agent Tim Nunn
  • Erin Noel Grennan as ASAC Andrea Phelps
  • Nick Ritacco as ICE Agent Rob O'Leary
  • Chris Cardona as ICE Agent #1
  • Patrick Byas as ICE Agent #2
  • Swandi Wilson as ICE Agent #3
  • Steve Mones as Franco
  • Ashley Jordyn as Dr. Joshica Mars
  • Michael Viola as Uni #3
  • Mack Kuhr as Kanann Samra
  • Shari Abdul as Shala Samra

References[]

Quotes[]

[after Yusef tells the police about witnessing his family's attack at the restaurant]
Benson: Finally, a lead.
Tutuola: If you believe what he's saying.
Benson: You don't?
Tutuola: The guy hid in a closet and watched his whole family get terrorized and never called his sister?
Benson: He was frightened.
Tutuola: Then why not say something when it was all over?
Benson: One, he's ashamed. Two, he's an undocumented, gay Muslim. In his mind? He reports this crime, he's on the next plane to Syria.

Barba: Other than Yusef putting Hector at the scene, what other evidence do we have?
Rollins: No forensics yet.
Tutuola: He claims he was home with his wife.
Benson: nd she's backing him up too.
Rolllins: In the meantime, we are looking for video around Hector's apartment, going through his phone records, social media looking for anything to blow up his story.
Dodds: What about the other two perps?
Benson: We're talking to everybody that Hector knows, trying to shake something loose. You ask me, it's just a matter of time. I mean, these are not sophisticated criminals. It does not feel like an organized, anti-Muslim conspiracy here.
Dodds: Okay. In the meantime, we need to arraign Hector. Show the Muslim community that we're making some progress.

[When a New Jersey officer refuses to release Yusef from custody]
Benson: Listen, two people were killed and you're deporting the one person that can ID the men that did this?
New Jersey Officer: I don't wanna get into politics, so I think it's time for y'all to leave before things get unpleasant.
Benson: No, no, they already are unpleasant.
New Jersey Officer: I agree. Now get the hell outta here.
Barba: Or what? You're gonna deport me to Cuba? [about Carisi] You gonna take him to Italy?

Background information and notes[]

  • In its 19 year history, this is the first time ever that SVU has a two-part season finale airing on the same night.

Episode scene cards[]

1 2 3 4 5

2284 3rd Avenue
Monday, May 1

Bellevue Hospital
462 First Avenue
Monday, May 1

Residence of
Lela and Maya Samra
90 East 127th Street
Tuesday, May 2

Apartment of
Hector Ramirez
227 West 150th Street
Tuesday, May 2

Paissac
County Jail
Patterson, New Jersey
Thursday, May 4

Previous episode:
"Conversion"
"American Dream"
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
Season 18
Next episode:
"Sanctuary"
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