Ep 11. Burned

Detective Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay) and the team of Special Victims Unit are back with a new case in season 8 episode 11 of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit titled "Burned." The episode revolves around a woman named Nicole Clark, played by guest star Shannyn Sossamon, who believes her rapist is stalking her after being released from prison.

The episode begins with Nicole Clark reporting to the police station that she is being followed by her rapist, who was recently released from prison after serving time for sexually assaulting her. Detective Benson and Detective Stabler (Christopher Meloni) investigate and find that the rapist has not violated his parole or broken any laws. However, Nicole insists that the man is stalking her and is determined to prove it.

As the investigation progresses, it is revealed that Nicole has a history of mental illness and has been admitted to a psychiatric hospital several times. This information casts doubt on her accusations and makes it difficult for the detectives to discern what is real and what is a result of her mental illness. Additionally, the detectives uncover evidence that suggests Nicole may have been involved in a fire at the psychiatric hospital in which several patients died.

The detectives soon discover that Nicole's ex-boyfriend, who initially helped her convict her rapist, may have been involved in the hospital fire. Meanwhile, Nicole's rapist is found murdered, further complicating the investigation. The detectives must uncover the truth about the fire and the murder, all while trying to determine if Nicole is truly being stalked or if her mental illness has caused her to create this situation in her mind.

As the team delves deeper into the case, they realize that multiple parties could be involved in the stalking and murder. The episode takes viewers on a thrilling ride as the detectives race against time to solve the case before it's too late. The episode's tension is heightened by the fact that Nicole's mental state is constantly in question, adding an element of uncertainty to the situation.

"Burned" is an intense and suspenseful episode that showcases the challenges of dealing with mental illness in criminal investigations. Viewers are taken on a journey as the detectives struggle to uncover the truth amidst a web of lies and deception. The episode serves as a reminder of the importance of taking mental illness seriously and the impact it can have on both victims and their loved ones.