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"Asunder"
SVU, Episode 2.07
Production number: E1404
First aired: 1 December 2000
  th of 502 produced in SVU  
th of 502 released in SVU
  th of 1271 released in all  
Stabler Tatum Asunder
Written By
Judith McCreary

Directed By
David Platt

Summary[]

The truth behind the alleged rape of a woman by her husband comes to light when a history of domestic abuse is uncovered.

Plot[]

A heated domestic quarrel ends up with Patricia Andrews charging her police officer husband, Sgt. Lloyd Andrews, with rape. The Special Victims Unit investigates the crime, but they have roadblocks every step of the way. It turns out that Patricia is the most abusive -- Patricia has a history of physically abusing Lloyd, and even throwing heavy objects at Lloyd, but every time the police are called to their residence, Lloyd's colleagues sweep it under the rug.

This time, Patricia tells Munch that Lloyd raped her, and the detectives are trying to sort out if it's real, or if there's a vindictive motive to the charge. But another distress call to the police summons them to the Andrews' apartment, and this time, Patricia has cut Lloyd with a knife. Now Patricia is under arrest.

Cabot is brought in to sort things out, as it seems that both parties, prone to violence, have let their marital problems escalate out of control. Bottom line: Lloyd supposedly apologized to Patricia for raping her. Patricia recants and doesn't want Lloyd to be charged. But Cabot won't let Patricia get off so easily. She charges Patricia with assault with a deadly weapon. Patricia deals out of doing time by reluctantly testifying against Lloyd. But he's found not guilty, and Patricia and Lloyd kiss and make up.

Meanwhile, Jeffries makes a decision about her own future with the SVU. Cragen has to deal with a pending discrimination lawsuit by Jeffries, who is on desk duty pending further psychiatric evaluation. Jeffries has admitted to sleeping with someone that she had under suspicion as a suspect in a case, and because of the sensitive nature of her job, the police psychologists and top brass thought she should be off the street, pending further inquiry. Heartbroken that Cragen agrees that she needs help, Jeffries decides to leave the SVU.

Cast[]

Main cast[]

Recurring cast[]

Guest cast[]

References[]

Quotes[]

Munch: [to Patricia Andrews] Think of your body as part of the crime scene. Time and body fluids erode evidence. The procedure is we head to the hospital, and then I'll take your statement.
Patricia Andrews: So basically the bastard rapes me and you waste time. That's the procedure?
Munch: Ma'am...
Patricia Andrews: Look here, Officer...
Munch: Detective Munch. Perhaps you'd be more comfortable with a female detective.
Patricia Andrews: I'd be happy to talk to anyone with a brain.
Munch: There are five stages of grief. Don't go through them all at once.

Munch: All you've proven here today is that women are still chattel.
Cabot: Only if they want to be.

Benson: Even a married woman has the right to say no.

Sam Tiffany: Hell of a railroad job on what he said in the heat of the moment. Got me thinking about the fights with my wife, what people might say. Sometimes I want to kill her.
Cabot: If she dies, then you've got a problem.

Background information and notes[]

Episode scene cards[]

1 2 3 4 5

Special Victims Unit
Squad Room
Monday, September 25

Home of Cyrus Parker
211 East 24th Street
Monday, September 25

One Police Plaza
Wednesday, September 27

Manhattan South
Homicide Task Force
4th Precinct
Thursday, September 28

Arraignment Court
Trial Part 26
Friday, September 29

Previous episode:
"Noncompliance"
"Asunder"
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
Season 2
Next episode:
"Taken"
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