The series of twists that lead to Cabot’s “death” on SVU
Season 5, Episode 4, “Loss,” is full of twists

, even by SVU standards. Benson and Stabler

(Chris Meloni) investigate the rape and murder

of a woman who at first glance seems to be a sex

worker or drug dealer. However, they find that she was an officer with the DEA and was working undercover at the time of her death. DEA agents warn Benson and Stabler not to pursue the case, as the victim was likely murdered by a very powerful and dangerous Colombian drug cartel. But with the help of Det. Tutuola (Ice T), they find enough evidence to charge the leader of the cartel, Rafael Zapata (Jacinto Taras Riddick).

Knowing that the murdered cop was likely killed because she talked about Zapata’s poor sexual performance, Cabot baits the criminal to his face, hoping a potential bruise to his reputation might make him think about taking a plea deal. But her gambit backfires, and she is squarely in Zapata’s crosshairs. Thanks to his high-priced lawyer and his influence, Zapata is able to silence witnesses and dismiss evidence, and Cabot asks the judge to dismiss the charges against him, hoping the DEA will still be able to make a case. Before that can happen, the DEA receives a tip that Cabot’s life, and her mother’s, may be in danger, as the cartel has both of their addresses.