In an unexpected turn, Law & Order: SVU season 27 midseason finale’s case falls flat, but it sets up some of the most interesting character arcs in the show in a while. Dick Wolf’s TV universe thrives both on CBS and NBC, but it’s safe to say that the crowning jewel to his small screen empire remains to be the Mariska Hargitay-led procedural. As the longest-running scripted show, much has been said about Law & Order: SVU‘s longevity.

Not that the show is immune to issues plaguing broadcast TV, including cost-cutting measures, but aside from a rotating cast, Law & Order: SVU season 27 operates the same way that the show has done before. In fact, now, one could argue that Benson’s team is in a much better place, as it’s no longer understaffed after being short on people for a couple of years. So, naturally, NBC has to find new ways to challenge her, and they may actually have.

Law & Order: SVU Season 27 Fall Finale Case Is A Dud, But It Resulted In Great Moments

The case Law & Order: SVU season 27, episode 8, “Showdown” isn’t a typical straightforward mystery. It involves a motivational speaker’s girlfriend being abducted and assaulted. However, throwing a wrinkle in his claims is the accusation that the victim may have staged the crime to get back at him for cheating — ala Gone Girl. Ultimately, the jury couldn’t decide on a verdict, resulting in the judge calling it a mistrial. Overall, the case is actually weak for a fall finale. Law & Order: SVU has come up with so many more engaging narratives, even for its non-special episodes.

What the case lacks in substance and flawless execution, Law & Order: SVU season 27 fall finale makes up in personal storylines. Working the mystery led into some of the best individual moments. Firstly, pairing Curry and Rollins is a brilliant move, as it highlights how effective they are as individuals and in a team. It’s rare to see two fully-formed law enforcers teaming up in the show, and it’s refreshing to see that neither of them is mentoring a newer colleague.

On the other hand, Bruno and Griffin coupled up is an interesting choice, considering that they are the youngest members of Benson’s squad. They get a little too hard at times, especially during the interrogation scenes, but if played right, Law & Order: SVU season 27 can use their partnership as a barometer for how much they will grow in their roles. After his brief return last week, Fin continues to be on leave to deal with the fallout from his assault on the heels of Captain Cragen’s memorial service in the premiere.

The most interesting character storyline in “Showdown,” however, is how it unexpectedly put Griffin at the center of its narrative. Carisi coming in and grilling him for filing out paperwork that could weaken their case, and then proceeding to put him on the stand are great ways to endear the character to both his co-workers and the viewers. Because of his ties to NYPD Chief Kathryn Tynan, it has been a struggle to trust him. That said, seeing him petrified for screwing up is an indication that he is truly committed to being part of Benson’s team. Now, it’s more interesting what the future holds for him.

Benson Finds Her Worst Enemy Yet In Law & Order: SVU Season 27

In terms of the biggest ramification of Law & Order: SVU season 27 fall finale’s case, it’s how it moves forward Benson and Tynan’s brewing conflict. The premiere made it clear that NYPD’s newest chief would pose challenges to the Manhattan SVU’s steadfast leader, although this time, butting heads doesn’t mean Mariska Harigitay’s character getting sacked. Instead, her new boss wants Benson to take a more visible role in an effort to bolster Tynan’s own reputation. Technically, Benson is being offered a promotion, but because she’s so dedicated to her job at Special Victims that she would rather stay there.

Unfortunately for her, Tynan isn’t taking no for an answer. The pair’s tense but civil relationship fully fractures on the heels of the case, after Benson refuses to leave the victim to attend the press conference with the NYPD chief. Benson is no stranger to office politics. She has had friction with pretty much every single chief Law & Order: SVU has had (which is the usual case in procedurals), but what makes Tynan more dangerous is that she is not wrong.

Benson’s role now as a captain is to manage her team. However, she continues to operate as a detective for the most part. Instead of relegating duties to her people, she goes on runs with them. Granted that this shows just how much she cares about the victims, but it isn’t part of her job description anymore, and the more frequently she does this, the more time she takes away from doing her actual responsibilities. Frankly, it’s a brilliant conundrum for someone like Benson who has already mastered her craft as an on-the-ground law enforcement officer. This time, she is challenged to evolve into a true leader in Law & Order: SVU season 27.