When the body of Gretchen Quinn is found wearing only a red slip after having gone through an upper-story window, Benson and Stabler soon find out that 'Gretchen Quinn' has never existed. While trying to piece together her life, the detectives are led to Gretchen's psychiatrist and a well-known television newscaster, both of whom were sleeping with her, and through an overdue library book finally trace Gretchen back to a young woman who changed her name and identity after graduating high school to get away from her sexually abusive father. Cragen and Benson find it easy to identify with the young woman, as they both have ghosts of their own from which they must escape. Detectives manage to contact the victim's sister, who experienced the same trauma growing up.

Episode Viewers and Ratings

Season 1 Episode 2 of Law & Order: SVU resulted in a 0.00 rating in the 18-49 demographic.

Law & Order: SVU Season 1 Episodes...

• s01e01 - Payback
• s01e02 - A Single Life
• s01e03 - ...Or Just Look Like One
• s01e04 - Hysteria
• s01e05 - Wanderlust
• s01e06 - Sophomore Jinx
• s01e07 - Uncivilized
• s01e08 - Stalked
• s01e09 - Stocks & Bondage
• s01e10 - Closure
• s01e11 - Bad Blood
• s01e12 - Russian Love Poem
• s01e13 - Disrobed
• s01e14 - Limitations
• s01e15 - Entitled Part 1
• s01e16 - The Third Guy
• s01e17 - Misleader
• s01e18 - Chat Room
• s01e19 - Contact
• s01e20 - Remorse
• s01e21 - Nocturne
• s01e22 - Slaves

Law & Order: SVU Show Summary

The drama follows Det. Elliot Stabler, a seasoned veteran of the unit who has seen it all, and his partner, Olivia Benson, whose difficult past is the reason she joined the unit.

Overseeing the team is Capt. Donald Cragen. Cragen's tough but supportive approach to the team's complex cases guides the squad through the challenges they face every day. Also featured is Det. John Munch, a transfer from Baltimore's hugging unit, who brings his acerbic wit, conspiracy theories and street-honed investigative skills. Munch is partnered with Det. Odafin Tutuola, whose unique sense of humor and investigative experience make him a formidable match for Munch.

Assistant District Attorney Alexandra Cabot, and her successor, ADA Casey Novak add a legal component to the series through their efforts to bring closure to the intense investigations. Also aiding the detectives is forensic psychiatrist Dr. George Huang, whose insight into the minds of the accused often provides significant clues that lead to the resolution of a case, and M.E. Melinda Warner, who helps the detectives get the evidence they need from the bodies they find.