Mariska Hargitay both starred in and directed Wednesday night’s Law & Order: SVU episode as it took a hard look at high school sex and its perceptions. A classic “he said-she said” case of sexual contact left two young lives forever changed, and a young man’s college hopes dashed.

#IHaveHope. Thank you to my beautiful and brave cast. You told a story that will #ChangeTheRules. pic.twitter.com/dugpl4pCgu

— Mariska Hargitay (@Mariska) January 21, 2016

Called “A Misunderstanding,” Mariska Hargitay as Olivia Benson taught parents watching the episode that teens aren’t equipped to voice their feelings, and those feelings often become part of an unwanted controversy that can involve the law.

Wednesday’s episode featured the return of actress Rita Calhoun as Elizabeth Marvel, who serves as the teen girl’s attorney. Even Mariska Hargitay as pro-victim Benson says she isn’t sure there’s a case.

It’s no surprise that an episode directed by Mariska Hargitay exposes the complexities of rape. The added component of teen angst provides a series of twists and turns that viewers not just watched, but felt, too.

#ThatFeelingWhen you're trying to frame the shot but your guest stars are SO money all you can do is watch. #SVU pic.twitter.com/G0nyL2hkpv

— Mariska Hargitay (@Mariska) January 19, 2016

Did you see Law & Order: SVU on Wednesday night? Any parents of teens who missed the episode should definitely check it out “On Demand,” as there are valuable lessons to be learned.

Law & Order: SVU, starring Mariska Hargitay, Ice-T, Raul Esparza, Kelli Giddish, and Peter Scanavino airs on NBC on Wednesday nights at 9 p.m. ET.