Scoop: LAW & ORDER: SPECIAL VICTIMS UNIT on NBC - Wednesday, January 16, 2013

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Scoop: LAW & ORDER: SPECIAL VICTIMS UNIT on NBC - Wednesday, January 16, 2013 "Lessons Learned" - A professor's unusual encounter with Detective Amaro (Danny Pino) sends the SVU on an investigation into reports of sexual abuse at a prestigious private school. Stonewalled by the school board, Detective Benson (Hargitay) enlists ADA Barba (Esparza) and a retired teacher (guest star Elliot Gould) to help reveal a massive cover-up as more and more victims emerge. Also starring Ice -T (Detective Odafin Tutuola) and Kelli Giddish (Detective Amanda Rollins.) Also guest starring Buck Henry and Elizabeth Marvel. LAW & ORDER: SPECIAL VICTIMS UNIT airs on NBC on Wednesday, January 16 at 9pm!

Created by Emmy Award-winning producer Dick Wolf, "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" is now in its fourteenth season. The program has received numerous accolades from community-based organizations for the social issues it tackles, and cast members are frequently recognized for the work they do off-screen to promote personal health and safety and other volunteer efforts and initiatives.

This hard-hitting and emotional series from NBC's "Law & Order" brand chronicles the life and crimes of the Special Victims Unit of the New York City Police Department, an elite squad of detectives who investigate sexually based crimes. Dedicated Detective Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay), a seasoned veteran of the unit who has seen it all, heads up the department with empathy and professionalism, all the while dealing with her difficult past - as a product of rape and a witness to her mother's grief, she can personally relate to each victim she tries to help.

In 2011, Hargitay (Detective Benson) garnered her eighth Emmy nomination for Lead Actress in a Drama Series, and won the 2006 Emmy for that category. Also in 2011, she received her sixth SAG nomination for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series for her portrayal of Detective Benson. In 2009, Hargitay earned her second Golden Globe nomination for Lead Actress in a Drama Series for the role, winning the award in 2005.

Captain Donald Cragen, (Dann Florek, reprising the role he played on the first three seasons of "Law & Order" 1990-1993), oversees the unit with a tough but supportive approach to the team's complex cases, guiding the squad through the challenges they face every day. Sergeant John Munch, (Richard Belzer, "Homicide: Life on the Street"), a transfer from Baltimore's homicide unit, brings his acerbic wit, conspiracy theories and street-honed investigative skills to the team. Detective Odafin "Fin" Tutuola (Ice-T) adds a unique sense of humor and undercover investigative experience, making him a formidable match for any partner.

Returning for their second year are Detectives Nick Amaro (Danny Pino) and Amanda Rollins (Kelli Giddish), who bring their own talents and Style of investigation, all the while learning the ropes from senior detectives and facing head-on the emotional toll it takes to work the SVU. In 2012, Pino was nominated for the ALMA Award for Favorite TV Actor.