For over two decades, Ice-T has played Det. Odafin “Fin” Tutuola, a staple in the long history ofLaw & Order: SVU. An unlikely choice for the role of a police officer after his oftentimes contentious lyrical relationship with the LAPD, most fans associate him with his role as Fin over his illustrious rap career.
Fin’s played a major part in many episodes as one ofLaw & Order: SVU’s longest-running characters,but his finest work comes from the episodes that feature him in the main, or very prominent, role. As he celebrates his 25th year in the role, longer than his former TV partner, the late Richard Belzer, and just shy of his co-star Mariska Hargitay, we’re ranking the top tenbest Fin Tutuola episodes fromLaw & Order: SVU.
10Learning Curve
Season 13, Episode 21
In an episode centered around Fin’s son, Ken (Ernest Waddell), and the physical and sexual assault of his fiancé, Alejandro (Miguel Govea). Fin takes it upon himself to solve this vicious attack, which is intertwined with another sex crime that leads back to a teacher who continually lies, causing more destruction along the way.
The episode, while not primarily focused on Alejandro’s plight, focuses on the continually evolving relationship between Fin and Ken. Fin continues to rebuild from the damage he’s caused by being absent in his life, and we see him become his son’s biggest advocate.
9Gone Fishin
Season 19, Episode 1
In the season 19 premiere ofLaw & Order: SVU, Fin travels to Cuba to help track down the serial rapist, Byron Marks (Will Chase). Although he makes the arrest across the border, his actions are brought into question by ADA Rafael Barba (Raul Esparza), now having to make the case for keeping Marks in America for trial while working to convince his victims to testify.
It’s one of the more remarkable Fin episodes inSVUthat shows Fin stepping somewhat outside the boundaries of the law to help bring criminals to justice.
It’s one of the more remarkable Fin episodes inSVUthat shows Fin stepping somewhat outside the boundaries of the law to help bring criminals to justice. It’s a change of pace for Fin, and his commitment to bringing Marks to justice, even if he bent the rules, made this episode one of his most impactful.
8Manhunt
Season 2, Episode 18
Still very early into Fin’s time onLaw & Order: SVU, he joins his partner, John Munch, in the search for a serial killer. Fin and Munch track down the killer, one that’s eluded Munch for years, and bring him to justice together.
This episode is the best of the best for John Munch, but it also represents some of the best work of the Fin and Munch partnership, one that would help define the early years of the show. Fin shines brightly alongside Munch, and it sits atop the best work this incredible partnership accomplished.
7Anchor
Season 11, Episode 10
In season 11 ofLaw & Order: SVU, Fin takes it upon himself to investigate the case of a murdered young woman after a patter emerges. He and Munch follow the trail of a man who has weaponized his anti-immigration viewpoints to terrorize the community, including the murder of several children, ultimately being found not guilty in court.
The episode is a heavy one based on its subject matter, and utilizes the “ripped from the headlines” approach that makes it feel prescient in today’s climate. “Anchor” brings Fin front and center and showcases his ability to stay laser-focused during interrogation, even if he does lose his cool from time to time.
6Strain
Season 7, Episode 5
Fin’s relationship with his son takes another turn in episode 5 of season 7, when he learns about his son Ken’s sexuality. Although he struggles to accept it, Fin leans on Ken to help him and Benson solve a double homicide involving a gay couple who have AIDS.
A layered episode, it contains the big reveal about Fin’s son that sets the tone of their relationship, and also the first time we see him working to come to terms with it. Although Fin eventually becomes a staunch advocate for his son, we see a different side of him in this episode, one that adds nuance and complications to an already complex character.
5Poisoned Motive
Season 14, Episode 22
It’s a perilous situation onLaw & Order: SVU, as Fin’s history in narcotics ties back to double sniper shootings. With the help ofLaw & Order: Criminal Intent’s Alexandra Eames (Kathyn Erbe), the SVU must solve the case that puts Fin in direct danger when it’s revealed the shooter is the daughter of his ex-partner whose career ended after he took a bullet meant for Fin.
Fin has to atone for the mistakes of his past while working to make them right after his then partner, Amanda Rollins (Kelli Giddish) finds herself on the wrong side of a bullet for Fin. The episode is heavy on suspense and lessons, as Fin becomes a hostage in the pursuit of Gloria Montero (Jessica Camacho), adding additional context to Fin’s sins of the past and how it continues to affect his present.
4Diss
Season 20, Episode 22
In a star-studded episode ofLaw & Order: SVU, Fin becomes engrossed in a case surrounding the assault of the wife of a rap star embroiled in a beef with another. Throughout the course of the investigation, Fin’s ties to Snake (Orlando Jones), one of the rap stars and a childhood friend of Fin’s, are revealed, putting him in the middle of a complicated case.
Snoop Dogg appears in this episode as the rival rapper, RB Jones, and it’s fun to see him cameo in it, albeit under more dubious circumstances. Another Fin heavy episode, the depth of Fin’s pain surrounding the death of his mother comes into focus here, and gives us a glimpse into Fin’s “why” in his career choice.
3Venom
Season 7, Episode 18
In the first of a two-part arc onLaw & Order: SVU, the story of Darius Parker (Chris “Ludacris” Bridges) begins. As the investigation into a confusing homicide puts Ken in the spotlight, Fin discovers that he’s covering for Darius, who admits to a brutal double murder.
“Venom” sets the table for the events of “Screwed”, arguably one of the best episodesSVUhas ever aired, and Ludacris' muted, terrifying performance amplifies the pressure-cooker feeling of the episode. Season 8 provides the earth-shattering payoff, as Fin and the entire SVU squad see and feel Darius' premonitions come true.
2Screwed
Season 8, Episode 22
The second in the two-partLaw & Order: SVUarc involving Darius Parker and his murder trial, as well as the season 8 finale, “Screwed” doesn’t just put Darius on trial, but those surrounding him, including Fin, Olivia Benson, Elliot Stabler (Christopher Meloni), and his mother, Teresa Randall (LisaGay Hamilton). Darius navigates the justice system and weaponizes the detectives' secrets, ultimately leading to his shocking acquittal at trial.
With Fin’s simmering anger boiling over against the backdrop of Darius' psychopathic mindset, this episode is a must see for all Fin Tutuola fans, and one of the best in his character’s story.
“Screwed” is not only the best Fin episode, it’s also one of the best inLaw & Order: SVU’s history, one that puts the entire precinct in peril and alters the course of several lives. With Fin’s simmering anger boiling over against the backdrop of Darius' psychopathic mindset, this episode is a must see for all Fin Tutuola fans, and one of the best in his character’s story.
1Haunted
Season 6, Episode 10
An episode ofLaw & Order: SVUthat sees Fin almost meet his maker, he is shot while trying to stop a bodega robbery, ultimately causing the deaths of two young men. While he recovers, his past catches up with him during the investigation which helps him track down a murdered woman’s baby.
It’s a deeply complex story for Fin, and one that shows both his nurturing side and his commitment to justice for the victims of the case he investigates. It’s hard to find a better and fuller picture of him as an individual, and its portrayal of the complicated but ultimately genuine Fin Tutuola makes “Haunted” the best Fin episode in the history ofLaw & Order: SVU.
