Law & Order: SVU season 18 episode 20, 21 (finale) spoilers: What’s next?

Next week, Law & Order: SVU season 18 episode 20 will be airing as well as episode 21 a.k.a. the finale to along with it. The following two episodes could be linked (airing one after another on Wednesday night); if nothing else, they are going to focus on powerful, complicated cases that have to do with hate crimes, racism, immigration, and so much more. These are different stories than what the show has highlighted as of late, and that could cause the show to be ending on an even more memorable note than we’re used to seeing as a viewer.

The following synopses offer up a little bit more information in terms of what is coming up next.

Season 18 episode 20, “American Dream” – “A hate crime against a Muslim family results in the death of their daughter. When a crucial witness in the case is deported, Barba (Raul Esparza) is forced to drop the charges against a suspect, and tensions rise between communities on opposing sides of the case.”

Season 18 finale, “Sanctuary” – “The unexpected release of a suspect in a hate crime case leaves Benson (Mariska Hargitay) and Barba (Raul Esparza) caught between two families seeking justice for their loved ones. As public protests escalate to violence, Benson goes to desperate lengths to make an arrest.”

So why are there 21 episodes this season as opposed to the typical 22? Much of that is part due to the unaired episode called “Unstoppable,” which hopefully will turn up on a DVD or something down the line. For now, it’s clearly one of the most controversial episodes in the show’s history given that NBC never wanted to go through the drama that would go along with airing it.

As for whether or not SVU will give a cliffhanger at the end of the season, that could go either way. One of the big things to remember when it comes to this series is that this is a show that goes with its gut. If there is a reason to end on a happier note, it will; it also has no problem leaving you guessing, which is one of the many reason this show has done as well as it has for 18 seasons and counting. Given that it was never in any danger of being canceled, the writers don’t have to worry about crafting a proper series finale.

What do you want to see on the final episodes of Law & Order: SVU season 18? Sound off now in the attached comments!

(Photo: NBC.)