The latest episode of Law & Order: SVU, which dealt with date rape, was directed by Mariska Hargitay.

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The actress, who plays Olivia Benson on the NBC procedural, spoke to TVLine about the working on the episode and also revealed that she has directed another episode for season 17. So fans can look out for some more of that insightful Hargitay vision on the series. Hargitay told the publication that she was very passionate about directing and is getting better at it.

"I certainly knew I wanted to direct again. It's great to have a few under my belt now; the other side of the camera is starting to feel more familiar," she said. "I went into the season knowing I didn't just want to direct one [installment] like the previous seasons, but that I'd challenge myself and try to direct two. 'A Misunderstanding' is the first of the season. I love directing, and feel the same way I did when I first fell in love with acting. Much the same way, it felt very natural and organic to me."

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The episode, titled 'A Misunderstanding,' dealt with the sensitive subject of sexual consent. Speaking about what research went into preparing for it, Hargitay said she had plenty experience in the matter informing her direction.

"I use research on SVU. But when I direct, I study it like someone might for a test," she said. "It helps, too, that I've been working on this show for 17 years and have the Joyful Heart Foundation [which helps survivors of sexual assualt], so I have an intimate knowledge of the subject matter."

The episode aired on Jan. 20 on NBC.

Watch the preview:

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