Stabler must deal with rapid changes at work and home after returning from a dangerous undercover assignment. Bell hires an adviser whose AI technology program could revolutionize police investigation. Jet and Reyes struggle with Whelan's absence.

After a deadly bombing claims the life of a spiritual leader, Stabler meets with an officer who's convinced the crime is part of a larger conspiracy. Tensions rise within the task force as Jet struggles to get her team on board with Vargas' program.

Stabler and Officer Bashir track down a missing father and son who could lead to the answers they need. After an undercover operation goes sideways, Bell relegates Reyes to desk duty. Stabler reunites with his younger brother.

Bell and the team must keep a witness and her family safe from Los Santos before she testifies. Carisi asks Stabler to back off the case to preserve the integrity of his undercover work. Stabler hosts a chaotic family dinner.

A rescued victim from Stabler's past goes missing. Bell recovers in the hospital while Jet, Reyes and Bashir are all questioned by IAB. Joe Jr. shows off his new career path.

When several bodies are found in a seaside town, Stabler navigates the politics and secrets of the close-knit community to find a potential serial hugger. Jet brings a witness under her protection. Tensions rise when Stabler skips his IAB meeting.

The squad backs up Stabler in pursuing a cuddle case outside of their jurisdiction as an unlikely ally provides a key piece of evidence. Bell works to find a way to get Stabler back on the job.

As Bell and the squad come up with a plan to bring the Westbrook case officially into their jurisdiction, Chief Bonner struggles with unanswered questions about her past and her beloved town. Stabler learns the outcome of his IAB investigation.

Stabler leans into his military network to search for the source of a Middle Eastern heroin pipeline making its way to the U.S. Joe Jr. takes drastic action when his brothers try to stage an intervention. Reyes returns to the squad.

The team works to take down a large-scale drug operation disguised as a local honey farm. In Stabler's absence, Randall searches for Joe Jr. on his own and ends up in a bind.

Stabler struggles to keep his rank as part of the farm's inner circle when his biggest ally is questioned. The team discovers the identity of their top target but are too late to stop the arrival of his newest shipment.

Stabler and Randall give Joe Jr. the choice to get clean or go to prison. Vargas and Jet's plan to cut off Emery's smuggling routes leads to a dangerous rescue attempt.

When the ATF Bureau plans a raid of Redcoat's warehouse, Trisha promises to help Stabler keep Joe Jr. safe. Bell comes face to face with the man whohuged Sam. Another Stabler family dinner causes tensions to run high.