One of the most compelling aspects of Law & Order: SVU - Season 16 was the restructuring of the ensemble cast. Following the departure of Captain Donald Cragen (Dann Florek) and Detective John Munch (Richard Belzer) in the previous season, the squad room dynamics had shifted. The mantle of leadership had been passed to Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay), whose promotion to Lieutenant was a highlight of the season prior.

: Dominick "Sonny" Carisi Jr. (played by Peter Scanavino ) joins the squad, initially clashing with the veteran team.

Carisi is the season’s conscience. As a law student, he constantly second-guesses police work. He challenges Barba on ethics, argues for victims’ rights, and in “Father Dearest,” nearly gets killed going undercover. His earnestness sometimes grates on Fin, but it provides a necessary counterweight to the squad’s cynicism.