: Critics noted that while the "ripped from the headlines" premise felt sensationalist and "sleazy" on paper, the performance by S. Epatha Merkerson (Lt. Van Buren) remained a standout.
: Detectives Lupo and Bernard discover the body of Megan Kerik, a journalist for a celebrity gossip site, at an abandoned construction site. [S20E12] Blackmail
: The police coordinate a sting operation to arrest the blackmailer, Dennis di Palma (played by Raúl Esparza), as he accepts a check from Carville. : Critics noted that while the "ripped from
The episode features several notable guest stars who later became franchise staples: : Detectives Lupo and Bernard discover the body
: Portrays the talk show host, Vanessa Carville. Tom Lipinski : Appears as Derek Fanning. Alexandra Silber : Guest stars as Sara Bradley. Critical Reception
: Following the arrest, Carville publicly confesses to her affairs on her show, while the defense argues there is a deeper story behind the victim's death. Key Cast & Guest Stars
Season 20, Episode 12, titled " Blackmail ," originally aired on January 15, 2010. The episode centers on the investigation into the death of a journalist and a subsequent high-stakes extortion plot involving a famous talk show host. Episode Summary