Blackmail - [s20e12]

: The police coordinate a sting operation to arrest the blackmailer, Dennis di Palma (played by Raúl Esparza), as he accepts a check from Carville.

Season 20, Episode 12, titled " Blackmail ," originally aired on January 15, 2010. The episode centers on the investigation into the death of a journalist and a subsequent high-stakes extortion plot involving a famous talk show host. Episode Summary

: Detectives Lupo and Bernard discover the body of Megan Kerik, a journalist for a celebrity gossip site, at an abandoned construction site. [S20E12] Blackmail

: Some viewers consider it a weaker entry in an otherwise strong final season of the original run, though it is often cited by fans for Raúl Esparza's "bad guy" performance before his hero turn on SVU . "Law & Order" Blackmail (TV Episode 2010) - IMDb

: Portrays the talk show host, Vanessa Carville. Tom Lipinski : Appears as Derek Fanning. Alexandra Silber : Guest stars as Sara Bradley. Critical Reception : The police coordinate a sting operation to

: The investigation reveals the victim was having an affair with Vanessa Carville (played by Samantha Bee), a prominent daytime talk show host.

: Following the arrest, Carville publicly confesses to her affairs on her show, while the defense argues there is a deeper story behind the victim's death. Key Cast & Guest Stars Episode Summary : Detectives Lupo and Bernard discover

: Critics noted that while the "ripped from the headlines" premise felt sensationalist and "sleazy" on paper, the performance by S. Epatha Merkerson (Lt. Van Buren) remained a standout.