Law & Order, Sept. 27 -- Special Victims Unit began its 27th season with a powerful episode that paid tribute to one of its most enduring characters.

The season opener, aired on September 25, featured the squad and former colleagues gathering to honour the life and legacy of the late captain, portrayed by actor Dann Florek.

The episode opened with Captain Olivia Benson, played by Mariska Hargitay, entering a New York pub where a memorial service was being held in Captain Donald Cragen's name.

Familiar faces returned for the occasion, including Dr George Huang (BD Wong) and Detective Cassidy (Dean Winters), alongside current squad members Sergeant Odafin 'Finn' Tutuola (Ice-T), A.D.A Dominic Carisi (Peter Scanavino) and Amanda Rollins (...