| "Confess Your Sins to Be Free" | ||
|---|---|---|
| ← | SVU, Episode 23.21 | → |
| Production number: 23021 First aired (US): 12 May 2022 First aired (UK): 10 October 2022 First aired (CAN): 12 May 2022 First aired (AUS): 18 August 2022 | ||
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| Teleplay By Julie Martin & Christian Tyler Story By Denis Hamill & Warren Leight Directed By Norberto Barba | ||
Summary[]
When the only evidence in a crime is a church confession, Carisi must find another way to prove his suspect guilty. Benson agrees to meet with an old friend seeking to make amends for past transgressions.
Plot[]
Velasco and Tutuola visit Rita Ortega, a rape victim from Regis' old church, and she reveals her rape and how nobody believed her because of her affair. The detectives soon inquire if she ever told anyone of her affair and she reveals she did in a church confession. She tells them Father Regis took her confession and how he sent her flowers not too long after the rape, calling him a sweet man. Hearing that, Velasco asks if the flowers were white lilies by any chance and she confirms it before realizing they believe Regis was her rapist and tries to deny that but their expressions cause her to consider.
Carisi and Benson discuss Burton's situation and she voices how the latter seems genuinely guilty of his actions. They then shift the conversation towards Father Duffy protecting Regis, Carisi states Duffy will not change his mind though he did tell him that Regis confides in someone else, and that person is dead.
Tutuola and Velasco head for the cemetery, where it is revealed that Regis witnessed his father kill his mother in revenge for her affair. They conclude this is what made him the rapist that he is now and why his targets have been adulterous women. The detectives soon witness Father Regis approaching with flowers after noting how he visits his mother's grave twice a week for lunch. Regis confides in his mother about the latest events such as how he was worried the cops were coming for him but now it looks like Father Duffy is taking the blame for the rape of Audrey because he cannot break his vows on confession. The detectives hear Regis say everyone has to pay for their sins such as his mother and his father stating they are both burning in Hell for eternity while he is not. He soon admits to the rapes of Audrey and the other women while he believes that he is untouchable, declaring he is carrying out justice. With this compelling evidence, Tutuola and Velasco have heard enough and move in. They arrest Regis for the rapes, as Regis believes that Duffy finally reported him and stated his words would be inadmissible in court, but Tutuola reveals that Regis actually confessed to them, as they placed a recorder on his mother's grave, meaning they have heard everything he said. They then hauled the surprised Regis away.
At the church, Carisi meets with Duffy and reveals to him that Regis would be taking a plea to avoid trial. Duffy states that the church officially cut ties with Regis because of his crimes, which Carisi applauds and declares he was a stain on the name priest. However, Duffy announces that he still intends to pray for his former compatriot. Carisi says Audrey is receiving help and maintains her faith while Duffy says he hopes the same goes for Carisi, as he states he is trying.
Cast[]
Main cast[]
- Mariska Hargitay as Captain Olivia Benson
- Kelli Giddish as Detective Amanda Rollins (credit only)
- Ice-T as Sergeant Odafin Tutuola
- Peter Scanavino as A.D.A. Dominick Carisi, Jr.
- Octavio Pisano as Detective Joe Velasco
Recurring cast[]
- Aidan Quinn as Burton Lowe
- Cyndee Rivera as Detective Mia Ruz
- Ashley Taylor Greaves as Officer Gabrielle Taylor
Guest cast[]
- Patch Darragh as Father Ryan Duffy
- Kristen Connolly as Audrey O'Neill
- Kelly AuCoin as Father John Regis
- Cara Cooper as Caitlin McKenna
- Roberts Jekabsons as Shane O'Neill
- Daniel Passaro as Vince Costa
- Traci Wolfe as Beverly Morrison
- Malachy Cleary as Attorney Gordon Matthews
- Erica Cruz Hernandez as Rita Ortega
- Lou Liberatore as Andrew
References[]
- Andrea Malone
- Gregory Eldon
- Eugene O'Hanigan
- Patrick Mulregan
- Victor Akintola
- Saint Dwynwen
Quotes[]
- John Regis: Based on what, Father Duffy's say so? You know you can't anything he said, that's inadmissible
- Tutuola: No you dimed on yourself, we just recorded everything you said.
Background Information and Notes[]
- Fin mentions that the Special Victims Unit has arrested several priests before. The most notable examples occurred in seventeenth season episodes "Patrimonial Burden" and two-part episodes "Manhattan Transfer" and "Unholiest Alliance".
| Previous episode: "Did You Believe in Miracles?" |
"Confess Your Sins to Be Free" Law & Order: Special Victims Unit Season 23 |
Next episode: "A Final Call at Forlini's Bar" |