SUCH a frustrating episode! I certainly understand license to keep the viewer guessing, but this was too much for the usual L&O "wrap it up in 40 minutes" that I'm used to watching! Whoopi Goldberg?! What are you doing here?! I suppose I can't think back to what WG was doing with her career in 2006, maybe it needed a boost at the time?
Anyhow, after a LOT of research on this episode (15 minutes worth - which is far too much already), it seems Whoopi had INTENDED to have a recurring role, but other things came up & we'll never REALLY know what happens with "Chesley Watkins". The following episode does give SOME closure (as to the Martinez involvement) though, which is nice. Overall, an above-par performance by all. Thanks LOCI