Law & Order : Special Victims Unit ( season 17 ) - wikipedia Law & Order : Special Victims Unit ( season 17 ) Law & Order : Special Victims Unit ( season 17 ) Season 17 U.S. DVD cover Starring Mariska Hargitay Kelli Giddish Ice - T Peter Scanavino Raúl Esparza Country of origin United States No. of episodes 23 Release Original network NBC Original release September 23, 2015 ( 2015 - 09 - 23 ) -- May 25, 2016 ( 2016 - 05 - 25 ) Season chronology ← Previous Season 16 Next → Season 18 List of Law & Order : Special Victims Unit episodes The seventeenth season of Law & Order : Special Victims Unit debuted on Wednesday, September 23, 2015 on NBC, and concluded on Wednesday, May 25, 2016. Contents 1 Production 1.1 Storylines and cast changes 2 Cast 2.1 Main cast 2.2 Recurring cast 2.3 Special guest stars 2.4 Guest stars 3 Episodes 4 Reception 5 References 6 External links Production Law & Order : Special Victims Unit was renewed for a seventeenth season on February 5, 2015, by NBC. Mariska Hargitay ( Olivia Benson ) had her contract renewed for season 17, as well as Ice - T ( Det. Fin Tutuola ). It was announced in March 2015 that season seventeen would be show runner / executive producer Warren Leight 's last season on the show ; he signed a three - year deal with Sony Pictures Television, his contract allowing him to work on SVU for one final season. Production on season seventeen started in late May 2015 on the two - hour season premiere, afterwards the cast and crew took a hiatus and resumed filming on August 21, 2015. Executive producer Leight shared via Twitter that star Mariska Hargitay would be directing an episode this season as well, tweeting `` Of course Mariska will direct again this year. After 17 seasons, she 's in a class of her own. '' The episode in question turned out to be `` A Misunderstanding '', which aired on January 20, 2016. Hargitay would also later direct `` Sheltered Outcasts '', which aired on March 30. Storylines and cast changes It was announced at the end of the sixteenth season that star Danny Pino ( who portrayed Detective Nick Amaro ) would be departing the cast ; however, the producers did not kill off his character and left availability for him to return to the show. Leight said to The Hollywood Reporter on character departures, `` I try to leave that door open. I would like to be able to bring him ( Pino ) back. At this point, it depends on where he is and what he 's doing and what the story needs. That 's one of the advantages of not killing a character that you like. '' Warren Leight told TV Guide that season seventeen 's theme would focus on change and transitions whereas last season ( the sixteenth ) focused on family ; `` it should be a year where wherever everyone starts at the beginning of the ( season ) is not where they end. '' Leight added that more character development would be in store for Raúl Esparza 's ADA Barba and Peter Scanavino 's Det. Carisi, as well as Benson ( Hargitay ) being promoted to Lieutenant. Star Kelli Giddish ( Detective Amanda Rollins ), who welcomed her first child in October 2015, had her character immersed in a pregnancy storyline. In the premiere episode, Rollins learns that she is pregnant, and tells Carisi and Benson of the news ; however she also tells her co-workers that Amaro is not the father. In the fifth episode, `` Community Policing '', it is revealed that Lt. Declan Murphy ( Donal Logue ) is the father of Rollins ' baby. She gives birth to a healthy baby girl after the events of the ninth episode, `` Depravity Standard ''. On April 28, 2015, it was announced that SVU producers were planning a `` transgender episode '' for this season, `` ripping from the headlines '' Caitlyn Jenner 's recent publicized transition. Warren Leight told Variety, `` The world keeps evolving, and there are a lot of dark areas that we need to look at... part of my challenge and everybody 's challenge here is to keep it fresh and to not let a groove turn into a rut, and that can happen for any show at any time... everyone here is really invested in keeping the show fresh and keeping the show on. We view every year 's upfronts as a place to prove that we still deserve to be here. '' The episode, `` Transgender Bridge '', aired on September 30. At the 2015 Television Critics Association 's summer press tour Law & Order and Chicago franchise creator Dick Wolf announced that there would be a four - show crossover between SVU and the three Chicago shows ( Fire, P.D., and Med ) as well as announcing a desire by him and other producers for the revival of the original Law & Order series. However, in December 2015, Chicago P.D. showrunner Matt Olmstead revealed that there were no plans for a four - show crossover and that it would only be done if the producers found the right way to do it. Instead, a two - show crossover between SVU and P.D. aired in February 2016. Cast See also : List of Law & Order : Special Victims Unit characters Main cast Mariska Hargitay as Sergeant / Lieutenant Olivia Benson Kelli Giddish as Detective Amanda Rollins Ice - T as Detective Fin Tutuola Peter Scanavino as Detective Dominick `` Sonny '' Carisi, Jr. Raúl Esparza as ADA Rafael Barba Recurring cast Andy Karl as Sergeant Mike Dodds Bronwyn Reed as Lucy Huston Peter Gallagher as Deputy Chief William Dodds Tamara Tunie as ME Dr. Melinda Warner Robert John Burke as Lieutenant / Captain Ed Tucker Elizabeth Marvel as Defense Attorney Rita Calhoun Delaney Williams as Defense Attorney John Buchanan Dallas Roberts as Dr. Gregory Yates Jefferson Mays as ME Dr. Carl Rudnick Robert Sean Leonard as ADA Kenneth O'Dwyer Josh Pais as Deputy Commissioner Hank Abraham Scott William Winters as Detective Joe Dumas Caris Vujcec as Detective Louise Campesi Jason Cerbone as Defense Attorney Lorenzo Desappio Jenna Stern as Judge Elana Barth Lindsay Pulsipher as Kim Rollins Jessica Phillips as ADA Pippa Cox Stephen C. Bradbury as Judge Colin McNamara Steve Rosen as Defence Attorney Michael Guthrie Tabitha Holbert as ADA Rose Callier Ami Brabson as Judge Karyn Blake Sonia Manzano as Judge Gloria Pepitone Betsy Aidem as Dr Sloane Max Baker as Colin Bennett Vincent Curatola as Judge Al Burtuccio Yvonna Kopacz - Wright as Dr. Darcy Wilder Special guest stars Donal Logue as Lieutenant Declan Murphy B.D. Wong as Dr. George Huang Jason Beghe as Sergeant Hank Voight Sophia Bush as Detective Erin Lindsay Jon Seda as Detective Antonio Dawson Richard Belzer as John Munch Guest stars Whoopi Goldberg portrayed Janette Grayson, a Child Services supervisor whose allegedly fake reports put multiple children at risk. It was announced in May 2015, that Dallas Roberts would return to SVU in the two - hour season premiere as serial rapist / killer, Dr. Gregory Yates from the sixteenth season two - hour crossover episode `` Daydream Believer '' with Chicago P.D.. The premiere episode was `` ripped from the headlines '' and surrounded Robert Durst, his murder trial, and explored some of his possible connections to a series of rape / murders that span 20 years. Danny Burstein and Rebecca Luker appeared in `` Transgender Bridge '' as the parents of a transgender teen who is assaulted. The two theatre stars are married in real life. Whoopi Goldberg was cast in a guest starring role for the October 7 episode `` Institutional Fail ''. Goldberg portrayed Janette Grayson, a Department of Child Services supervisor whose allegedly fake reports put multiple children at risk. Grayson finds herself on trial when the agency 's internal policies bring in the wrong kind of publicity. Peter Gallagher also guest stars in the same episode, reprising his role of Chief Dodds, alongside Goldberg, Jessica Pimental and John Magaro. In `` Community Policing '', Donal Logue returned to SVU as Lt. Declan Murphy, after finding out about Rollins ' pregnancy. Rollins revealed to Murphy that he is the father of her child. Actors from Broadway 's Hamilton, Leslie Odom, Jr. and Daveed Diggs also guest - starred in `` Community Policing ''. Daveed Diggs returns in `` Forty One Witnesses, '' alongside `` Hamilton '' costar Anthony Ramos. Andy Karl was cast in the recurring role of Sgt. Mike Dodds, son of Chief William Dodds ( played by Peter Gallagher ). His character was introduced to the unit as Benson 's No. 2. This reunited Karl and Gallagher after starring in the 2015 Broadway revival of the musical On the Twentieth Century. Lindsay Pulsipher returned this season to portray Kim Rollins, Amanda 's sister, who was last seen in the season fourteen episode, `` Deadly Ambition ''. Kim brings their mother with her to New York, Beth Anne Rollins, ( portrayed by Virginia Madsen ) who feels her police - officer daughter has turned her back on the family. Warren Leight commented to TV Guide, `` Even if their intent is to be supportive, and I 'm not even sure it is, her family showing up is not a great thing for her -- nothing good comes from seeing her sister or her mother. '' Christopher Sieber and Geneva Carr guest starred in the episode `` Patrimonial Burden '' as the parents of a large, religious family known for their reality show. The episode was inspired by the Joshua Duggar molestation scandal and also featured Chris Elliott as a crew member on the show. Elliott previously appeared in the tenth season episode `` Lunacy '', while Carr had appeared in two previous episodes, making this her third character portrayal on the series ( not to mention her appearances on other iterations of the Law & Order universe ). Carolee Carmello, Nick Cordero, and Ali Wentworth all guested in the eighth episode `` Melancholy Pursuit ''. Former series regular B.D. Wong reprised his role as Dr. George Huang in the episode `` Depravity Standard ''. The storyline revisited the case from the fourteenth season episode `` Manhattan Vigil '', and saw Huang testify in court for the defense. This episode marked Wong 's fourth guest appearance on the series following his departure from the main cast in the twelfth season. Roberts reprised his role of Yates in `` Nationwide Manhunt '', which starts a crossover with Chicago P.D. that concludes on `` The Song of Gregory William Yates ''. Jason Beghe, Sophia Bush, Jon Seda also guest starred in the crossover. Seda previously appeared in a crossover episode of the original Law & Order as Detective Paul Falsone from Homicide : Life on the Street. Kevin Tighe, who played Gregory Seale in the season 9 episode `` Avatar '', reprises his role in `` Sheltered Outcasts '' as a patient in a level three sex offender rehabilitation center. Former series regular Richard Belzer reprised his role as John Munch in the episode `` Fashionable Crimes '', where Munch returns to SVU to assist in the case of a young model who claims to have been preyed upon by a famous fashion photographer. Munch and Fin had their eyes on the photographer in the past, but were unable to build a case at the time. In April 2016, it was announced that Brad Garrett would guest star in the two - part season finale which aired on May 18 and 25. He portrayed the role of Gary Munson, a correctional officer who holds a reputation of being a family man, along with a history of corruption and violence against women. Episodes See also : List of Law & Order : Special Victims Unit episodes No. overall No. in season Title Directed by Written by Original air date Prod. code U.S. viewers ( millions ) 367 `` Devil 's Dissections '' Jean de Segonzac Teleplay by : Warren Leight & Julie Martin Story by : Kevin Fox September 23, 2015 ( 2015 - 09 - 23 ) 1701 8.27 The SVU returns to the beach where serial killer Gregory Yates ( Dallas Roberts ) had buried his victims when another body is washed ashore. Detective Rollins visits Yates in prison to obtain a confession, but he instead provides information that leads the squad to a different suspect ( ME Dr. Carl Rudnick, who had performed the autopsy ), causing ADA Barba to deal with the possibility of Yates appealing his conviction in court. Episode inspired by Robert Durst and his possible connections to the Long Island serial killer murders from the past two decades. 368 `` Criminal Pathology '' Alex Chapple Teleplay by : Julie Martin & Warren Leight Story by : Kevin Fox September 23, 2015 ( 2015 - 09 - 23 ) 1702 8.27 The SVU team decides to do a secondary investigation into Yates ' murders when his fiancée 's dismembered body is discovered washed ashore. The clues then lead to the Deputy Chief M.E. Carl Rudnick ( Jefferson Mays ), who failed to disclose his past association with Yates. After Sergeant Benson places M.E. Rudnick under arrest, Barba pushes the SVU team to gather as much evidence against him as possible to secure a conviction. With a trial looming, Rudnick hires two defense attorneys ( Elizabeth Marvel & Delaney Williams ) to square off against Barba in court. Meanwhile, Rollins discovers that she is pregnant. Episode inspired by Robert Durst and his possible connections to the Long Island serial killer murders from the past two decades. 369 `` Transgender Bridge '' Arthur W. Forney Teleplay by : Jill Abbinanti & Céline C. Robinson Story by : Julie Martin & Warren Leight September 30, 2015 ( 2015 - 09 - 30 ) 1703 6.69 A transgender teen, Avery, is sent to the hospital for injuries inflicted when three boys bullied and then pushed her off a walking bridge. Although Avery shows forgiveness to the boys, ruthless ADA Kenneth O'Dwyer ( Robert Sean Leonard ) takes the case out of family court and decides to try one of the offenders on adult charges. Detective Tutuola and the SVU squad are conflicted on whether the crime fits the charges, while dealing with the delicacy of the families involved. 370 `` Institutional Fail '' Martha Mitchell Teleplay by : Julie Martin & Brianna Yellen Story by : Samantha Corbin - Miller October 7, 2015 ( 2015 - 10 - 07 ) 1704 7.00 When a child is found wandering the streets alone, Benson and SVU search for the neglectful mother, only to find another child in danger in the same home. After Benson questions the social worker ( John Magaro ), they discovered he has not visited the family 's home in months, leading Benson to push Barba to prosecute the social worker 's supervisor ( Whoopi Goldberg ) for falsifying records. When one child dies, Benson and Barba intensify their case against social services, which is met with resistance by Deputy Chief Dodds and 1PP. Meanwhile, Dodds announces Benson 's promotion to lieutenant and his choice for her new sergeant - his son Mike. 371 5 `` Community Policing '' Jean de Segonzac Teleplay by : Warren Leight & A. Zell Williams Story by : Kevin Fox October 14, 2015 ( 2015 - 10 - 14 ) 1705 6.20 While in pursuit of an SVU rape suspect, detectives from the 27th precinct shoot and kill an unarmed black man. Internal Affairs investigates the shooting, but under intense pressure from the Mayor and the DA, Barba takes the case to a grand jury to indict the cops. While Benson believes the detectives were following procedure, Barba disagrees, creating a tense divide between the newly - minted lieutenant and the ADA. 372 6 `` Maternal Instincts '' Michael Pressman Teleplay by : Warren Leight & Julie Martin Story by : Robert Brooks Cohen October 21, 2015 ( 2015 - 10 - 21 ) 1706 6.33 While Rollins ' mother ( Virginia Madsen ) throws her a baby shower, the SVU is called to a hotel after a violinist is raped by her flautist colleague, Anton ( Zach McGowan ). The man has no recollection of his wrongdoings and claims he was drugged and robbed by an escort. When the security tape arrives, Rollins sees that it was her fugitive sister, Kim ( Lindsay Pulsipher ), who stole Anton 's flute, leading her to have to track down her sister before Benson and Tutuola find out her secret. Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Dodds introduces his son, Mike ( Andy Karl ), as SVU 's new sergeant. 373 7 `` Patrimonial Burden '' Martha Mitchell Teleplay by : Jill Abbinanti & Céline C. Robinson Story by : Warren Leight & Julie Martin November 4, 2015 ( 2015 - 11 - 04 ) 1707 6.55 The SVU is forced to investigate pregnant 13 - year old Lane Baker from a famous reality TV family with 10 children. After initial hesitation by the parents to let the girl talk with detectives, Lane confesses that the family 's cameraman had sex with her. However, the cameraman shows footage that Lane is covering for her brother, Graham, who has multiple past accusations of sexual misconduct. When SVU looks into the family tree, Benson and Detective Carisi realize that there is evidence of a cover - up, not only within the famous family but also in the entire small - town community. Meanwhile, Rollins experiences pregnancy health issues and is ordered on bed - rest. Episode inspired by the Josh Duggar molestation controversy. 374 8 `` Melancholy Pursuit '' Michael Pressman Teleplay by : Warren Leight & Julie Martin Story by : Brianna Yellen & Samantha Corbin - Miller November 11, 2015 ( 2015 - 11 - 11 ) 1708 7.76 A girl goes missing and SVU is called in to find the 15 - year old. When the girl turns up dead, Sgt. Dodds begins to feel overwhelmed by the case. The detectives get a break when Dr. Warner is able to get a partial DNA match, but it soon turns into a headache for Benson, as the match is to a dead man who had many children with different women. As SVU weaves through a complicated family history, Dodds becomes determined to find the man responsible. 375 9 `` Depravity Standard '' Martha Mitchell Ed Zuckerman November 18, 2015 ( 2015 - 11 - 18 ) 1709 6.29 Three years after Benson arrested him, Lewis Hodda ( Tom Sizemore ) refuses a plea deal on kidnapping charges. When the parents of the kidnapped boy refuse to let him testify, Barba must try Hodda on murder charges for a 1999 abduction that Benson also handled. Benson 's interrogation tactics come under fire and the savvy defense attorney ( Robin Weigert ) hires former SVU colleague, Dr. Huang ( BD Wong ), to challenge Barba 's already - shaky case in court. Meanwhile, Rollins goes into labor, but faces extreme difficulties. 376 10 `` Catfishing Teacher '' Michael Slovis Kevin Fox January 6, 2016 ( 2016 - 01 - 06 ) 1710 7.84 A high school teacher has sex with two of her students. Another student, Zack Foster, receives text messages, supposedly from her, to meet her at a train station and bring his passport. However, she does not show up and Zack is, instead, kidnapped by his wrestling coach, who has a history of molesting his athletes. Zack is taken to a cabin in Pennsylvania where he is tracked down by the SVU team. When Zack 's parents refuse to allow him to testify in court, SVU turns to another victim, Nat Dennehy, who still resides in New York. Nat also refuses to testify but goes to the coach 's house, determined to get a confession from him. Meanwhile, Rollins adjusts to motherhood with her new daughter. 377 11 `` Townhouse Incident '' Nick Gomez Brianna Yellen January 13, 2016 ( 2016 - 01 - 13 ) 1711 8.01 When Benson 's sitter expresses concern over another mother for whom she babysits, Benson looks into the matter and steps into the middle of a violent home invasion where she becomes a hostage. To protect the family and save her own life, Benson works to get inside the perps ' heads while SVU and newly promoted Internal Affairs Bureau ( IAB ) Captain Ed Tucker ( Robert John Burke ) works the escalating situation from the outside to rescue the lieutenant. 378 12 `` A Misunderstanding '' Mariska Hargitay Céline C. Robinson January 20, 2016 ( 2016 - 01 - 20 ) 1712 6.91 A typical he - said she - said rape case lands on Benson 's desk after Rita Calhoun ( Elizabeth Marvel ) brings it to her attention. With SVU now entangled in a murky case, the detectives must wade through the emotions of two high school students while the parents try to save their children 's futures. When Barba brings the case to trial, lies are exposed that make his prosecution even more difficult. 379 13 `` Forty - One Witnesses '' Michael Pressman Robert Brooks Cohen February 3, 2016 ( 2016 - 02 - 03 ) 1713 7.31 When an intoxicated woman is attacked outside of her apartment building, the SVU team investigates, only to find out that there are multiple witnesses who did n't call for help. While the woman struggles to remember what happened to her, Benson and Barba must deal with the unreliability of those witnesses in making an ID of the attackers. The case catches a break when Carisi is able to convince an unassuming witness to step up and testify in court. 380 14 `` Nationwide Manhunt '' Alex Chapple Warren Leight & Julie Martin February 10, 2016 ( 2016 - 02 - 10 ) 1714 7.59 Benson calls CPD Sgt. Voight ( Jason Beghe ) after Gregory Yates ( Dallas Roberts ), whom they jointly arrested last year, claims that some of the unidentified remains from the beach have ties to Chicago. Voight sends Detectives Lindsay and Dawson ( Sophia Bush & Jon Seda ) to New York to interview Yates. However, when Benson, Barba and Dodds return to Green Haven to meet with Yates again, they learn that he has escaped with fellow convict Dr. Carl Rudnick ( Jefferson Mays ), triggering a massive manhunt. This episode begins a crossover with Chicago P.D. that concludes on `` The Song of Gregory Williams Yates ''. It is included on the Chicago P.D. Season 3 DVD set. Episode inspired in part by the 2015 Clinton Correctional Facility escape. 381 15 `` Collateral Damages '' Rosemary Rodriguez Samantha Corbin - Miller February 17, 2016 ( 2016 - 02 - 17 ) 1715 7.73 SVU goes undercover to arrest a former boxing champion who had been suspected of having sex with minors. When they make the arrest, the boxer makes a deal with Barba to give up pedophiles active in distributing online child pornography. The detectives track down the address of an online pedophile but, when they discover the man to be a high ranking police official, whose wife is also a Corporation Counsel attorney who has worked with SVU before on previous cases, Benson must delicately handle the now high - profile case. Meanwhile, Dodds is offered a position with the joint terrorism task force by his father but decides to stay with SVU, boldly going against the Deputy Chief 's wishes. 382 16 `` Star - Struck Victims '' Michael Pressman A. Zell Williams February 24, 2016 ( 2016 - 02 - 24 ) 1716 6.47 Kristi Cryer ( Vivien Cardone ), a vlogger, reports that she was sexually assaulted by a bartender ( James Madio ). However, during the investigation, it is revealed that she was also assaulted by a famous actor, Bobby D'Amico ( Craig Bierko ), who has ties to the NYPD. With minimal evidence and little corroboration of the victim 's account, Barba decides to drop the charges, prompting Rollins to do an undercover stint. Rollins ' undercover job lends credence to Kristi 's rape claim, but reasonable doubt comes into play and claims arise that SVU entrapped the actor. Episode inspired by the Bill Cosby sexual assault allegations of the previous several decades. 383 17 `` Manhattan Transfer '' Alex Chapple Story by : Julie Martin & Warren Leight Teleplay by : Kevin Fox & Brendan Feeney March 2, 2016 ( 2016 - 03 - 02 ) 1717 6.86 Carisi is sent into a brothel to complete a sting operation but, when arrests are made, it is discovered that the Vice Unit is running an operation as well. Benson gets pressure from the Vice Unit captain to drop the case, so she turns to Tucker at IAB to look into the police involved. Tucker discovers that his cousin, who is a priest at a local Catholic church, knew the victims, but a friendly family visit soon turns to suspicion. When Barba gets information on the case from the church 's monsignor, he reveals to Benson that Tucker could be covering up crimes committed by the Vice cops. Benson hesitantly reveals that she is romantically involved with Tucker, triggering her suspension from SVU. 384 18 `` Unholiest Alliance '' Jean de Segonzac Teleplay by : Warren Leight & Julie Martin Story by : Kevin Fox & Brendan Feeney March 23, 2016 ( 2016 - 03 - 23 ) 1718 6.11 With Benson transferred out of SVU, the detectives work to reveal a massive cover - up in the Catholic church. When their main witness to the crimes is murdered, Rollins and Carisi must figure out who within the clergy is responsible. As the detectives struggle with leads, Tucker 's cousin is discovered to have a dark secret that may help Benson and Tucker keep their jobs, along with arresting the criminals involved. 385 19 `` Sheltered Outcasts '' Mariska Hargitay Ed Zuckerman March 30, 2016 ( 2016 - 03 - 30 ) 1719 6.07 With Carisi undercover at a homeless shelter, another rape in a recent string of attacks occurs nearby. Trying to determine if one of the residents is responsible, Carisi gets himself into hot water with members of the shelter and the community. When a shelter advocate is murdered, Benson debates pulling Carisi out, but they catch a break thanks to some fellow shelter members. 386 20 `` Fashionable Crimes '' Martha Mitchell Penelope Koechl & Jill Lorie Hurst May 4, 2016 ( 2016 - 05 - 04 ) 1720 5.26 An aspiring model says that she was raped by a famous photographer whose assistant did nothing to stop it. Former SVU Sergeant John Munch ( Richard Belzer ) helps the SVU squad question previous clients of the photographer, many of whom admit that they were pressured to have sex with him, but refuse to testify against him as it could jeopardize their careers. 387 21 `` Assaulting Reality '' Alex Chapple Teleplay by : Julie Martin & Warren Leight & Brianna Yellen & Robert Brooks Cohen Story by : Brianna Yellen & Robert Brooks Cohen May 11, 2016 ( 2016 - 05 - 11 ) 1721 6.06 A contestant on Heart 's Desire claims she was raped and SVU intervenes. When they question the man who was involved with the victim, they discover he is innocent, that it was another man in the house who committed the crime. All the while, the executive producers of the show hide evidence from the police and put the blame on their producer. 388 22 `` Intersecting Lives '' Jonathan Starch Julie Martin & Warren Leight May 18, 2016 ( 2016 - 05 - 18 ) 1722 5.78 Tutuola 's son, Ken, tells him that a former inmate says she has been raped by Rikers correctional officer Gary Munson ( Brad Garrett ), who denies the allegation. Barba has SVU quietly investigate the claim by questioning Munson and other officers about a supposed human trafficking ring. After Munson is arrested and Barba gets an indictment, the ADA finds his life threatened when the correctional officer 's union intervenes. 389 23 `` Heartfelt Passages '' Alex Chapple Warren Leight & Julie Martin May 25, 2016 ( 2016 - 05 - 25 ) 1723 7.19 Correctional Officer Munson 's wife, Lisa, solicits Benson 's help as she plans to divorce her husband. Sergeant Dodds volunteers to accompany Benson to the Munson household, where Lisa packs up to leave with her kids. When Benson goes outside to take the kids to the car, Munson brandishes a pistol and takes Dodds and Lisa hostage. A struggle for the gun later ensues, causing a bullet to discharge into Dodds ' abdomen. Although he survives the surgery, Dodds suffers a stroke in the Intensive Care Unit and dies after blood clots form in his brain. Meanwhile, Barba seeks SVU 's help as the threats he is receiving continue ; Tucker reveals to Benson that he plans to transfer out of IAB and into hostage negotiations ; and Carisi puts his plans of becoming an ADA on hold. Reception No. Title Air date Ratings / share ( 18 -- 49 ) Viewers ( millions ) DVR 18 -- 49 DVR viewers ( millions ) Total 18 -- 49 Total viewers ( millions ) Rank ( week ) `` Devil 's Dissections '' September 23, 2015 ( 2015 - 09 - 23 ) 1.8 / 6 8.27 1.2 3.11 3.0 11.38 N / A `` Criminal Pathology '' September 23, 2015 ( 2015 - 09 - 23 ) 1.8 / 6 8.27 1.2 3.11 3.0 11.38 N / A `` Transgender Bridge '' September 30, 2015 ( 2015 - 09 - 30 ) 1.7 / 5 6.69 1.0 2.67 2.7 9.39 N / A `` Institutional Fail '' October 7, 2015 ( 2015 - 10 - 07 ) 1.6 / 5 7.00 1.0 2.76 2.6 8.95 N / A 5 `` Community Policing '' October 14, 2015 ( 2015 - 10 - 14 ) 1.5 / 5 6.20 1.1 2.88 2.6 9.20 N / A 6 `` Maternal Instincts '' October 21, 2015 ( 2015 - 10 - 21 ) 1.5 / 5 6.33 1.0 2.88 2.5 9.20 N / A 7 `` Patrimonial Burden '' November 4, 2015 ( 2015 - 11 - 04 ) 1.5 / 5 6.55 1.4 3.17 2.9 9.72 N / A 8 `` Melancholy Pursuit '' November 11, 2015 ( 2015 - 11 - 11 ) 2.0 / 6 7.76 1.3 3.22 3.3 11.00 N / A 9 `` Depravity Standard '' November 18, 2015 ( 2015 - 11 - 18 ) 1.4 / 5 6.29 N / A N / A N / A N / A N / A 10 `` Catfishing Teacher '' January 6, 2016 ( 2016 - 01 - 06 ) 1.8 / 5 7.86 1.1 2.93 2.9 10.79 N / A 11 `` Townhouse Incident '' January 13, 2016 ( 2016 - 01 - 13 ) 2.0 / 6 8.01 N / A N / A N / A N / A N / A 12 `` A Misunderstanding '' January 20, 2016 ( 2016 - 01 - 20 ) 1.7 / 5 6.91 N / A N / A N / A N / A N / A 13 `` Forty - One Witnesses '' February 3, 2016 ( 2016 - 02 - 03 ) 1.8 / 6 7.31 N / A N / A N / A N / A N / A 14 `` Nationwide Manhunt '' February 10, 2016 ( 2016 - 02 - 10 ) 1.9 / 6 7.69 1.0 2.85 2.8 10.16 N / A 15 `` Collateral Damages '' February 17, 2016 ( 2016 - 02 - 17 ) 1.7 / 5 7.73 1.2 3.03 2.9 10.77 N / A 16 `` Star - Struck Victims '' February 24, 2016 ( 2016 - 02 - 24 ) 1.5 / 5 6.47 1.1 2.80 2.6 9.27 N / A 17 `` Manhattan Transfer '' March 2, 2016 ( 2016 - 03 - 02 ) 1.6 / 5 6.86 1.2 3.18 2.8 10.04 N / A 18 `` Unholiest Alliance '' March 23, 2016 ( 2016 - 03 - 23 ) 1.5 / 5 6.11 1.1 2.83 2.6 8.97 N / A 19 `` Sheltered Outcasts '' March 30, 2016 ( 2016 - 03 - 30 ) 1.4 / 5 6.07 N / A N / A N / A N / A N / A 20 `` Fashionable Crimes '' May 4, 2016 ( 2016 - 05 - 04 ) 1.1 / 4 5.26 N / A N / A N / A N / A N / A 21 `` Assaulting Reality '' May 11, 2016 ( 2016 - 05 - 11 ) 1.4 / 5 6.06 N / A N / A N / A N / A N / A 22 `` Intersecting Lives '' May 18, 2016 ( 2016 - 05 - 18 ) 1.3 / 4 5.78 N / A N / A N / A N / A N / A 23 `` Heartfelt Passages '' May 25, 2016 ( 2016 - 05 - 25 ) 1.6 / 6 7.19 N / A N / A N / A N / A N / A References Jump up ^ Ausiello, Michael ( June 22, 2015 ). `` NBC Premiere Dates For Fall 2015 : ' Heroes Reborn ' ''. TV Line. Retrieved August 21, 2015. Jump up ^ Hibberd, James ( February 5, 2015 ). `` NBC renews 5 dramas : See who made the cut ''. Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved August 21, 2015. Jump up ^ Nellie Andreeva ( April 9, 2015 ). `` The Price Of Success : Hit Shows Bracing For Cast Exits & Untimely Cancellations ''. Deadline. Retrieved April 10, 2015. Jump up ^ Ice - T ( April 6, 2015 ). `` Ice News : 1. Just signed my deal with SVU for season # 17 ! I 'll be back ! 2. BodyCount is starting on our next album for 2016 ' BLOOD LUST ' ''. Twitter. Retrieved April 10, 2015. Jump up ^ Littleton, Cynthia ( March 13, 2015 ). `` ' Law & Order : SVU ' Showrunner Warren Leight Sets Overall Deal with Sony TV ( EXCLUSIVE ) ''. Variety. Retrieved August 21, 2015. ^ Jump up to : Stanhope, Kate ( June 1, 2015 ). `` ' Law & Order : SVU ' to Bring Back Dallas Roberts for Season Premiere ( Exclusive ) ''. The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved August 21, 2015. Jump up ^ Carter, Matt ( August 21, 2015 ). `` ' Law & Order : SVU ' season 17 : When do Mariska Hargitay, cast resume filming ? ''. CarterMatt. Retrieved August 21, 2015. Jump up ^ Warner, Kara ( August 13, 2015 ). `` Mariska Hargitay to direct season 17 episode of ' Law & Order : SVU ' ''. Zap2It. Retrieved August 21, 2015. Jump up ^ Stanhope, Kate ( May 21, 2015 ). `` ' Law & Order : SVU ' Boss Says Fans `` Absolutely Misinterpreted '' Benson 's Stabler Remarks ``. The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved August 21, 2015. Jump up ^ Ross, Robyn ( May 20, 2015 ). `` Postmortem : Find Out Which Series Regular Has Left Law & Order : SVU ''. TV Guide. Retrieved August 21, 2015. Jump up ^ `` Kelli Giddish on Her Law & Order : SVU Baby Surprise and What 's Ahead for Rollins ''. E ! Online. September 23, 2015. Retrieved October 6, 2015. ^ Jump up to : Ross, Robyn ( August 17, 2015 ). `` Mega Buzz : Who 's Returning From Rollins ' Past on SVU ? ''. TV Guide. Retrieved August 21, 2015. Jump up ^ `` Law & Order : SVU 's Peter Scanavino Is Expecting a Baby, Too ! ''. E ! Online. July 28, 2015. Retrieved August 21, 2015. Jump up ^ Wagmeister, Elizabeth ( April 18, 2015 ). `` ' Law & Order : SVU ' Prepping Transgender Episode for Season 17 ''. Variety. Retrieved August 21, 2015. Jump up ^ Carter, Matt ( August 13, 2015 ). `` ' Law & Order : SVU ' season 17 could cross over with ' Chicago Fire, ' ' Chicago PD, ' and ' Chicago Med ' ''. CarterMatt. Retrieved August 21, 2015. Jump up ^ Swift, Andy ( August 13, 2015 ). `` Law & Order Revival Series Update : ' Everybody Wants To Do It ' ''. TV Line. Retrieved August 20, 2015. ^ Jump up to : Stanhope, Kate. `` ' Chicago P.D. ' Boss Teases Dallas Roberts ' ( Final ? ) Return for `` Intense '' ' SVU ' Crossover ``. The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved December 22, 2015. ^ Jump up to : Steiner, Amanda ( August 10, 2015 ). `` Law & Order : SVU : Two - hour premiere to explore Robert Durst case ''. Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved August 21, 2015. Jump up ^ Jones, Kenneth. `` Madam Librarian ! Actors Rebecca Luker and Danny Burstein Tie the Knot '' Archived October 22, 2012, at the Wayback Machine. Playbill.com, June 14, 2000 ^ Jump up to : Kimberly Roots. `` ' Law and Order : SVU ' -- Whoopi Goldberg to Guest - Star in Season 17 -- TVLine ''. TVLine. Retrieved September 23, 2015. Jump up ^ Harnick, Chris ( September 16, 2015 ). `` Whoopi Goldberg Books Twisty Law and Order : SVU Guest Role ''. E ! Online. Retrieved September 18, 2015. Jump up ^ Chris Harnick. `` ' Law and Order : SVU Reveals the Father of Rollins ' Baby ''. eonline. Retrieved October 15, 2015. Jump up ^ Rebecca Iannucci. `` ' Law & Order : SVU ' : Andy Karl in Season 17 Cast -- TVLine ''. TVLine. Retrieved September 23, 2015. Jump up ^ Lannucci, Rebecca ( October 20, 2015 ). `` TVLine Items : B.D. Wong 's SVU Return, SNL Head Writer Steps Down and More ''. TVLine. Retrieved October 21, 2015. Jump up ^ Abrams, Natalie ( March 22, 2016 ). `` Law & Order : SVU : Richard Belzer returning as Detective Munch ''. Entertainment Weekly. Jump up ^ Petski, Denise ( April 6, 2016 ). `` ' Law & Order : SVU ' : Brad Garrett To Guest Star In Two - Part Season Finale ''. Deadline. Retrieved April 14, 2016. ^ Jump up to : Los Angeles Times ( March 18, 2015 ). `` FBI tells law enforcement to search for Durst link in cold cases ''. latimes.com. Retrieved August 29, 2015. ^ Jump up to : Dan Reilly. `` Durst Biographer on What The Jinx Got Wrong -- Vulture ''. Vulture. Retrieved August 29, 2015. ^ Jump up to : Kondolojy, Amanda ( September 24, 2015 ). `` Wednesday Final Ratings : ' Survivor ', ' Modern Family ' & ' Law and Order : SVU ' Adjusted Up ; ' Nashville ' Adjusted Down ''. TV by the Numbers. Retrieved September 24, 2015. ^ Jump up to : Dixon, Dani ( October 1, 2015 ). `` Wednesday Final Ratings : ' Empire ', ' Survivor ', ' Modern Family ' & ' Rosewood ' Adjusted Up ; ' Nashville ' & ' Code Black ' Adjusted Down ''. TV by the Numbers. Retrieved October 1, 2015. ^ Jump up to : Porter, Ricki ( October 8, 2015 ). `` Wednesday final ratings : ' Empire, ' ' SVU ' and others adjusted up, ' Arrow ' holds, ' Nashville ' adjusted down ''. TV by the Numbers. Retrieved October 9, 2015. ^ Jump up to : Porter, Rick ( October 15, 2015 ). `` Wednesday final ratings : ' Empire, ' ' Modern Family ' and ' Arrow ' adjusted up, ' Nashville ' adjusted down ''. TV by the Numbers. Retrieved October 23, 2015. ^ Jump up to : Porter, Rick ( October 22, 2015 ). `` Wednesday final ratings : ' Rosewood ' adjusted up, ' Empire ' and everything else hold ''. TV by the Numbers. Retrieved October 22, 2015. Jump up ^ Lockett, Dee ( October 13, 2015 ). `` Law & Order : SVU Is Doing a Duggars Episode That 'll Be Even Worse Than the Real - Life Story ''. Vulture. Retrieved October 14, 2015. ^ Jump up to : Porter, Rick ( November 5, 2015 ). `` Wednesday final ratings : ' Arrow ' adjusts up, ' Criminal Minds ' rises but still at series low ''. TV by the Numbers. Retrieved November 5, 2015. ^ Jump up to : Porter, Rick ( November 12, 2015 ). `` Wednesday final ratings : ' Blackish ' and ' Code Black ' adjust down ''. TV by the Numbers. Retrieved November 12, 2015. ^ Jump up to : Porter, Rick ( November 19, 2015 ). `` Wednesday final ratings : ' Arrow, ' ' Rosewood, ' ' Survivor ' and ' The Middle ' adjust up ''. TV by the Numbers. Retrieved November 19, 2015. ^ Jump up to : Porter, Rick ( January 7, 2016 ). `` Wednesday final ratings : ' American Idol ' and ' Modern Family ' adjust up ''. TV by the Numbers. Retrieved January 7, 2016. ^ Jump up to : Porter, Rick ( January 14, 2016 ). `` Wednesday final ratings : ' Modern Family ' adjusts up, ' Code Black ' adjusts down ''. TV by the Numbers. Retrieved January 14, 2016. ^ Jump up to : Porter, Rick ( January 21, 2016 ). `` Wednesday final ratings : ' Mike & Molly ' adjusts up ''. TV by the Numbers. Retrieved January 21, 2016. ^ Jump up to : Porter, Rick ( February 4, 2016 ). `` Wednesday final ratings : ' 2 Broke Girls ' adjusts up ''. TV by the Numbers. Retrieved February 4, 2016. Jump up ^ `` ' Law & Order : SVU ' : How Nixed Four - Show Crossover Led to Greg Yates ' Return ''. The Hollywood Reporter. February 10, 2016. ^ Jump up to : Porter, Rick ( February 11, 2016 ). `` Wednesday final ratings : ' American Idol ' adjusts up, ' Blackish ' adjusts down ''. TV by the Numbers. Retrieved February 11, 2016. ^ Jump up to : Porter, Rick ( February 18, 2016 ). `` Wednesday final ratings : ' Goldbergs ' and ' SVU ' adjust up, ' Survivor, ' ' Code Black ' and ' Hell 's Kitchen ' adjust down ''. TV by the Numbers. Retrieved February 18, 2016. Jump up ^ `` Is Law and Order : SVU Taking on Bill Cosby ? Kelli Giddish Previews Star - Struck Victims -- E ! Online ''. E ! Online. February 24, 2016. Retrieved February 26, 2016. Jump up ^ Porter, Rick ( February 25, 2016 ). `` Wednesday final ratings : ' Survivor ' adjusts down ''. TV by the Numbers. Retrieved February 25, 2016. Jump up ^ Porter, Rick ( March 3, 2016 ). `` Wednesday final ratings : ' The Goldbergs ' adjusts up ''. TV by the Numbers. Retrieved March 3, 2016. Jump up ^ Porter, Rick ( March 24, 2016 ). `` Wednesday final ratings : ' Survivor, ' ' Goldbergs, ' ' Criminal Minds ' and ' Chicago PD ' all adjust up ''. TV by the Numbers. Retrieved March 24, 2016. ^ Jump up to : Porter, Rick ( March 31, 2016 ). `` Wednesday final ratings : ' Empire ' adjusts up, ' Survivor, ' and ' Beyond Borders ' adjust down ''. TV by the Numbers. Retrieved March 31, 2016. ^ Jump up to : Porter, Rick ( May 5, 2016 ). `` Wednesday final ratings : ' Chicago PD ' and ' Heartbeat ' adjust up, ' Nashville ' adjusts down ''. TV by the Numbers. Retrieved May 5, 2016. ^ Jump up to : Porter, Rick ( May 12, 2016 ). `` Wednesday final ratings : ' Empire ' and ' The Goldbergs ' adjust up, ' Black - ish ' and ' Nashville ' adjust down ''. TV by the Numbers. Retrieved May 12, 2016. ^ Jump up to : Porter, Rick ( May 19, 2016 ). `` Wednesday final ratings : ' Empire, ' ' Goldbergs, ' & ' SVU ' adjust up, ' Arrow ' & ' Supernatural ' adjust down ''. TV by the Numbers. Retrieved May 19, 2016. ^ Jump up to : Porter, Rick ( May 26, 2016 ). `` Wednesday final ratings : ' SVU ' finale adjusts up, ' Supernatural ' finale adjusts down ''. TV by the Numbers. Retrieved May 26, 2016. ^ Jump up to : `` Premiere week Live + 7 ratings : ' Blindspot, ' ' Empire ' and ' Big Bang Theory ' score biggest gains ''. TV by the Numbers. October 11, 2015. Retrieved October 11, 2015. ^ Jump up to : `` Cable Live + 7 ratings : ' Fear the Walking Dead ' finale grabs biggest gain, ' Married ' tops percentage boost for Sept. 28 - Oct. 4 ''. TV by the Numbers. October 19, 2015. Retrieved October 19, 2015. ^ Jump up to : `` Broadcast Live + 7 ratings, week 3 : ' Quantico ' more than doubles, ' Empire ' and ' Blindspot ' score biggest gains ''. TV by the Numbers. October 31, 2015. Retrieved October 31, 2015. ^ Jump up to : `` Broadcast Live + 7 ratings, week 4 : ' Jane the Virgin ' premiere doubles, ' Empire ' and ' Blindspot ' top charts for Oct. 12 - 18 ''. TV by the Numbers. November 4, 2015. Retrieved November 4, 2015. ^ Jump up to : Porter, Rick ( November 9, 2015 ). `` Broadcast Live + 7 ratings, week 5 : ' Empire ' and ' Blindspot ' have biggest total gains, 5 shows double ''. TV by the Numbers. Retrieved November 9, 2015. ^ Jump up to : Porter, Rick ( November 23, 2015 ). `` Broadcast Live + 7 ratings, week 7 : ' Elementary ' is still a strong DVR show ''. TV by the Numbers. Retrieved November 23, 2015. ^ Jump up to : Porter, Rick ( December 1, 2015 ). `` Broadcast Live + 7 ratings, week 8 : ' Empire, ' ' Big Bang Theory ' and ' Quantico ' top charts for Nov. 9 - 15 ''. TV by the Numbers. Retrieved December 1, 2015. ^ Jump up to : Porter, Rick ( January 25, 2016 ). `` Broadcast Live + 7 ratings : ' Shades of Blue ' premiere gets a good lift in week 16 ''. TVbytheNumbers.Zap2it.com. Retrieved January 26, 2016. Jump up ^ Porter, Rick ( February 29, 2016 ). `` Broadcast Live + 7 ratings : ' How to Get Away with Murder, ' 5 other shows double in a DVR - heavy week 21 ''. TV by the Numbers. Retrieved February 29, 2016. Jump up ^ Porter, Rick ( March 7, 2016 ). `` Broadcast Live + 7 ratings : ' The Blacklist ' and ' The Big Bang Theory ' lead week 22 ''. TV by the Numbers. Retrieved March 12, 2016. ^ Jump up to : Porter, Rick ( February 26, 2016 ). `` Wednesday final ratings : ' Survivor ' adjusts down ''. TV by the Numbers. Retrieved February 26, 2016. Jump up ^ Porter, Rick ( March 14, 2016 ). `` Broadcast Live + 7 ratings : ' Big Bang Theory ' has biggest week 23 gain, ' Jane the Virgin ' and 3 others double ''. TV by the Numbers. Retrieved March 14, 2016. ^ Jump up to : Porter, Rick ( March 3, 2016 ). `` Wednesday final ratings : ' The Goldbergs ' adjusts up ''. TV by the Numbers. Retrieved March 3, 2016. Jump up ^ Porter, Rick ( March 21, 2016 ). `` Broadcast Live + 7 ratings : ' Grey 's Anatomy, ' ' Blindspot, ' ' Jane ' and ' Quantico ' top week 24 ''. TV by the Numbers. Retrieved March 22, 2016. Jump up ^ Porter, Rick ( April 11, 2016 ). `` Wednesday final ratings : ' Goldbergs ' and ' SVU ' adjust up, ' Survivor ', ' Code Black ' and ' Hell 's Kitchen ' adjust down ''. TV by the Numbers. Retrieved April 11, 2016. Jump up ^ Porter, Rick ( April 11, 2016 ). `` Wednesday final ratings : ' Goldbergs ' and ' SVU ' adjust up, ' Survivor ', ' Code Black ' and ' Hell 's Kitchen ' adjust down ''. TV by the Numbers. Retrieved April 11, 2016. Jump up ^ Porter, Rick ( April 11, 2016 ). `` Broadcast Live + 7 ratings : ' Modern Family ' tops the week of March 21 -- 27, 4 shows double ''. TV by the Numbers. Retrieved April 11, 2016. External links Official episode guide Season 17 episodes at MSN.com Season 17 episodes at TV.com Season 17 episodes at IMDb.com Law & Order : Special Victims Unit Characters Detectives Elliot Stabler Olivia Benson John Munch Monique Jeffries Fin Tutuola Chester Lake Nick Amaro Amanda Rollins Dominick Carisi Jr. Commanding officers Donald Cragen Olivia Benson Assistant District Attorneys Alexandra Cabot Casey Novak Kim Greylek Rafael Barba Doctors George Huang Melinda Warner Other characters Barry Moredock Brian Cassidy Elizabeth Donnelly Michael Cutter Sonya Paxton Jack McCoy Seasons Episodes Season 1 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 Notable episodes `` Payback '' `` 911 '' `` Authority '' `` Cold '' `` Zebras '' `` Behave '' `` Smoked '' `` Scorched Earth '' `` Justice Denied '' `` Father Dearest '' `` Rhodium Nights '' `` Lost Reputation '' `` Above Suspicion '' `` Acceptable Loss '' `` Manhattan Vigil '' `` Comic Perversion '' `` Glasgowman 's Wrath '' `` Chicago Crossover '' See also Cast members Awards and nominations Law & Order franchise Retrieved from `` https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Law_%26_Order:_Special_Victims_Unit_(season_17)&oldid=828523537 '' Categories : Law & Order : Special Victims Unit episodes 2015 American television seasons 2016 American television seasons Hidden categories : Webarchive template wayback links Use mdy dates from June 2016 Talk Contents About Wikipedia Wikiquote Français Italiano Nederlands Srpskohrvatski / српскохрватски Edit links This page was last edited on 3 March 2018, at 02 : 27. Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution - ShareAlike License ; additional terms may apply. By using this site, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Wikipedia ® is a registered trademark of the Wikimedia Foundation, Inc., a non-profit organization. About Wikipedia

Question: who dies in svu season 17 episode 5
Answer: an unarmed black man