[s20e12] - Blackmail

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

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

The episode features several notable guest stars who later became franchise staples: [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

: 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 : The investigation reveals the victim was having

: 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.

: Detectives Lupo and Bernard discover the body of Megan Kerik, a journalist for a celebrity gossip site, at an abandoned construction site. "Law & Order" Blackmail (TV Episode 2010) -

: Plays the blackmailer, Dennis di Palma. Esparza later joined Law & Order: SVU as a series regular, ADA Rafael Barba.