The Law and Order: SVU 26x02 promo shows the team going up against a federal judge, here's what happens

Law and Order: SVU started season 26 off strong with "Fractured," an episode centered on a group of pre-law students who were brutally attacked in their apartment. One victim was murdered and it was her post-humous video declaring who she felt empowered to say, "no," to that led the jury to convict her classmate unanimously.

The premiere spotlighted the crimes of a college student but episode 2, "Excavation," is going after a federal judge (Brett Cullen). We're in for a tense case as the abuse the judge is being accused of happened decades ago.

According to the episode's synopsis, an investigation is brought forward after a woman's repressed memories resurface. They're triggered by the discovery of an old notebook that she found in her family home. Devastated, she seeks justice but the person who abused her was her stepfather and in the decades since he hurt her, he's risen to a prominent position.

Of course, the SVU are up for the challenge but, as the promo shows, this judge isn't one who backs down either. Though we can't see who he says, "Well, good luck 'cause you're going to need it," to it's probably Carisi since the synopsis states his case is stalled by a powerful judge. Hopefully, this man goes down for what he did.

Thursday, Oct. 10 is going to be a good night for Olivia Benson fans as she's crossing over to Law and Order for season 24 episode 2, "The Perfect Man." The episode will see her going up against Nolan Price in court as she's a witness for the defense which surprises him and Sam Maroun. This is the AI dating app case that Maura Tierney teased would include Lt. Jessica Brady's first scene with Benson.

It'll be interesting to see their dynamic since everyone's still adjusting to Brady taking over for Kate Dixon. The new boss has a hands-on approach, and she speaks her mind. Be ready for her and Benson to have a dust-up as Tierney shared they aren't going to agree about a legal matter during the case. But two hours of Mariska Hargitay commanding the screen? You know we're in!

Benson will also crossover to Law and Order: Organized Crime in the second episode of its fifth season. It's still unknown when the crime drama will be make its debut as a Peacock original. We'll keep you posted. Stay tuned to Americans Undercover and follow us on social media for more content (Facebook/X).

Law and Order: SVU airs Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET on NBC. Next day streaming is available on Peacock.