Ep 16. Runaway

Two teenage runaways, Pilar and Jose Rivera, approach the SVU team about their missing friend, Vanessa. They explain that Vanessa had been taken in by a cult led by a man named Brother Samuel, who claims to be a prophet. The team discovers that Brother Samuel is really a man named Samuel Rankin, who has a history of sexual abuse and assault.

As they investigate, the SVU team learns that Rankin has been abusing girls in the cult, including Vanessa. They are also concerned that Pilar and Jose could be in danger since they are living with the cult. The team tries to convince Pilar and Jose to leave the cult, but they refuse.

Meanwhile, Detective Stabler struggles with his own past as a runaway, which brings up memories of his abusive father. This causes tension between Stabler and his wife, Kathy. Stabler also becomes increasingly emotionally invested in the case, leading him to take risks that put the investigation in jeopardy.

The SVU team eventually convinces Pilar and Jose to leave the cult and the trio are placed in protective custody. They bring in Rankin, but he refuses to speak. Eventually, they find Vanessa's body and Stabler becomes obsessed with finding her killer. He becomes so focused on the case that he misses his daughter's birthday.

In the end, the team is able to arrest Rankin and bring him to justice. Pilar and Jose are reunited with their mother and the team is left to reflect on the impact that cults can have on vulnerable young people.

The episode highlights the emotional toll that working these types of cases can take on detectives and their families. It also highlights the power dynamics at play in cults and the devastating effects they can have on their members. Overall, the episode serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting vulnerable people from manipulation and abuse.