Law & Order: SVU‘s writers didn’t have to look far for their latest ripped-from-the-headlines plot. It’s straight out of the US presidential election.
In an upcoming episode of the fictional NBC crime drama, the Special Victims Unit will investigate a politician whose campaign goes out of control after several women make damaging accusations against him, NBC said in a statement. The network did not reveal any more details about the character or the accusations he’ll face in the episode.
The character, to be played by Veep’s Gary Cole, appears to be inspired by Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump. The real-estate mogul’s own campaign has been threatened in recent weeks by his sexist commentary, allegations of assault, and alleged lewd behavior towards women on the set of NBC’s The Apprentice, which he hosted and executive produced.
The Law & Order: SVU episode is titled “Unstoppable” and is slated to air on Oct. 26, less than two weeks before the Nov. 8 presidential election.
Law & Order, which is currently in its 18th season, is known for featuring fictional cases that mirror current events. Past episodes of the series have featured an Italian dignitary accused of sexual assault that harkened to the real-life case of former International Monetary Fund chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn, and a mayoral candidate who became embroiled in a sexting scandal, reminiscent of former Congressman Anthony Weiner’s indiscretions. The show’s season 18 opener also reportedly featured a scene that was loosely based on the San Bernardino, California shootings.
In September, showrunner Rick Eid told The Hollywood Reporter that the show might incorporate a Trump-like character. ”It is possible we may try to explore a story involving some sort of brash demagogue with political ambitions,” Eid said.