One of the Most Disturbing SVU Moments Is All About William Lewis
One of the show's most infamous serial killers has constantly put fear in viewers, but one scene took it to a whole new level.
Over the series' 25-year history, SVU's writers have worked to create interesting and sinister serial killers, but none of them was as memorable as William Lewis, who first appeared in season 14.
The psychopath, played by Pablo Schreiber, pestered Olivia Benson and her team throughout Season 15, taking hostages, killing, and stalking innocent people.
Known as a spree killer, Lewis tortured and killed several people in one day, which rendered him a real threat to society. Benson tried to find this elusive criminal, but he managed to get to her first.
Lewis kidnapped Olivia and tortured her for nearly four days, burning the detective with cigarettes, forcing her to drink alcohol, and even branding her in the process. Fans were horrified watching their beloved heroine endure the terrible torture and were greatly relieved to see the serial killer finally caught. Despite the enormous emotional impact of the torture scene, viewers agreed that what followed was far more disturbing.
In true psychopathic style, Lewis decided to defend himself in court by refusing to hire a lawyer. Thanks to this original decision, Lewis was able to interview witnesses himself, including Benson.
The serial killer got a real kick out of questioning her about the pain of surviving his torture, reliving those heartbreaking moments in front of a room full of people. The humiliation that Lewis subjected Benson to during his own trial made fans shudder in disgust, wishing the lunatic was behind bars for life.
Moreover, some people found this scene particularly disturbing because Lewis finally showed emotion, proving that even serial killers have feelings. Before that, Lewis acted like a robot, determined only to hurt other people while remaining completely cold.
In the trial scene, especially during Benson's interrogation, Lewis was clearly angry with his victim, showing real emotion perhaps for the first time in his life.
Some viewers even believe that the killer tried to provoke Olivia during the court session, hoping that she would attack him on the spot and lose her job as a result. Benson was able to control her feelings, but unfortunately, this did not stop Lewis from later escaping from prison to try to frame the detective once again.