Before we start, Kalli and I (Terryn) wanted to talk about something important. So the other night as we were writing, I was looking on Tumblr and I saw these two gifs side by side. See them here
https://barbra271.tumblr.com/post/670497851723399168/from-different-angle-b-were-you-concerned-about
So in the scene where Rafael shows the tape of the interrogation room from "The Return of The Prodigal Son", it's paused right before Olivia and Elliot make contact. Watch how Elliot grabs and holds Olivia when she gets between him and the suspect. It's an intentional choice on Rafael's part to spare Olivia having to talk about why she did that. I didn't have this in mind when we wrote the previous chapter. We were intentional about how we wrote Elliot in Olivia's dream but didn't realize Elliot had put his hands on her aggressively. This points out to me that Elliot's violent tendencies wouldn't change if he and Olivia were in a relationship. He shows the characteristics of being a gaslighter. Which is defined as Gaslighting is a technique that undermines a person's perception of reality. When someone is gaslighting you, you may second-guess yourself, your memories, and your perceptions. After communicating with the person gaslighting you, you may be left feeling dazed and wondering if there is something wrong with you.
So my opinion, this chapter as intense as it is, sparks a conversation I didn't realize needed to be had.
Kalli here and I absolutely agree with everything Terryn has said. I've known Elliot's violent tendencies have been a problem for a while, but I kept telling myself he would never hurt a woman. Now I know I was wrong. He nearly knocked Olivia aside to get to the perp. Not to mention all the other times Elliot has grabbed Olivia's arm roughly to get her attention. This is a problem and it needs to be addressed.
If you or anyone you know is experiencing domestic violence please visit https://www.thehotline.org/ that has confidential support 24/7/365
Now there are three songs in this chapter:
Olivia's first one is No Good Deed by Rachel Tucker based on the one in Wicked the Musical https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7gXtOi67OKE
Rafael's song is What Hurts the Most by Kirk Jay https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yu9GfxwOvuo
And Olivia's second song is I Say No from Heathers the Musical (The UK version) (lyric changes made to fit SVU) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dLA04_ukN4Y
Olivia makes a decision based on her dream and the steps that follow
Olivia was putting her thoughts together as she was heading to work. She was supposed to be taking a day off but her mind was racing and she needed help putting her thoughts together. She rushes into the precinct and Amanda immediately rushes over to her
"Liv, is everything alright? You're supposed to be taking some time off."
Olivia looks at Amanda with tears in her eyes surprising the other woman.
"I don't know how else to explain this but I had an extremely vivid dream last night and Rafael is in trouble. We need to find him."
Olivia could feel herself starting to hyperventilate. Carisi helps her sit down.
"Okay Liv, deep breaths. What do you mean?"
"It's a long story but all of you guys were right about something being off with Rafael. I just needed help figuring all of this out."
"We're here for you Liv, whatever you need." Fin says.
"Ok Amanda I need you to find a way to access the security cameras in his building."
