Will Hart / NBCU Photo Bank / Getty Images. Wong), the group's forensic psychiatrist, that Stabler realizes his choice to save Benson was his own, and she didn't make him. At least, Benson told Stabler she wasn't seeing anyone when he not so subtly asked her during December's "SVU" and "Organized Crime" crossover. Then she recalls how he showed up drugged at her apartment in the middle of the night while Noah was there asleep. Well, it has been 10 years, Elliot, Benson replies. Stabler mentions the risks of Kathy having their most recent child since she was over the age of 40. Bensons longtime friend and former SVU ADA Rafael Barba (Ral Esparza), decides to defend Wheatley, much to Bensons dismay. Benson offers to take Kathy to a doctors appointment after Stabler is pulled out of town for their current case. Stabler responds that he already did. In the session, Stabler starts off by saying, "I don't like endings," in response to the therapist's question from their previous meeting about why Stabler wanted to go back to work. Theres someone else another woman whos the one true love of his life., He further taunts Angela and says, Every time he was looking into your pretty brown eyes, touching your face or wherever else he was touching you Im willing to wager he was thinking about her.. Benson then tells Stabler about the latest with her brother, which leads Stabler to ask why shes helping Simon given all the evidence against him. (In a 2016 interview, Meloni revealed he was the one who insisted that spontaneous hug be included in the scene. While Benson stares at her squad happily celebrating the event with their partners, Stabler approaches with her coat and drapes it over her shoulders while she hands him a glass of wine that she got for him. Women keep leaving me, Stabler responds. The episode ends when Cragen calls Benson into his office and tells her Stabler quit. Benson sleeps with Detective Brian Cassidy (Dean Winters), another member of the "SVU" team, one night. Stabler looks up into Bensons eyes from the ground and runs his hand through her hair while his thumb grazes her mouth. The most honest conversation viewers witnessed to date about why Stabler left happens in a hospital waiting area after both Stabler and Benson visited Kathy. "Loss. With the help of his team, Stabler is able to prove Eli didnt murder the girl, but another man who entered the apartment did. And this letter, Benson continues. Stabler refuses and says, Too many people have suffered already. Rook then tells Stabler hes a human being, and he passed the test. Benson and Rollins had an adventure and conversation to remember during a visit to the suburbs. I guess Ill have to, she responds. Then Stabler drops the bomb of all bombs when he declares that he didnt write the letter.. Since Stabler walked out the precinct door, the show reinvented itself with a renewed focus on Benson who, no longer shackled to her work spouse, had the space IE 11 is not supported. I dont have an extended family support system. In later episodes, Lewis again puts Benson through even more horrific things, like a game of Russian Roulette, which results in his death. Eli has wandered away, walking up to a bridge and contemplating suicide. That was hard for me, scary, she tells him. Benson, who grew up with an alcoholic mother, stands up for Valerie, who claims Miles has drug and alcohol dependencies. Come on now, you know thats not true, Benson responds. At the hospital, Benson is surprised to hear from the doctor that Stabler is fine. The episode ends with Stablers family, which includes Stabler's grandchildren, gathered at home getting ready to welcome visitors, presumably Benson and Noah. Stabler meets up with Benson in a park on a snowy day, and the meetup also marks the first time Stabler sees Noah, who's sledding nearby. That was finally answered in last night's episode, "Return of the Prodigal Son," which you can watch on Hulu with a free trial. When love warps into hate, theres nothing you wont do, Stabler responds, before telling her he signed the divorce papers. The truth is, you know things about him I will never understand, Kathy says. Benson shows up at the lab only to find Stabler tied to a chair. Otherwise, we cant be partners., I cant believe youre saying that, Benson says. The woman next to her asks who Elliot is since shes apparently been mumbling the name Elliot all night. I didnt say anything else did I? Benson asks. Whatever you decide, I understand, Stabler says. He wouldnt question himself after what youve done. Stabler, who was drugged while undercover, immediately goes to Bensons apartment late at night. With all due respect to the writers, whatever you see is really she and I figuring it out figuring out what the exact words are or the exact emotions are.. "And what if things work out?" The beloved characters have shared many scenes together since Stabler's return (including one very notorious letter), and Benson was encouraged in the Season 23 finale of "SVU" to explore romantic feelings with Stabler. Thankfully, she wasnt hit, and Stabler cradles Benson in his arms on the ground. She said the chemistry between the characters has been "undeniable" and "a complicated factor" in their "deeply complex relationship," which has inspired countless works of fan fiction. We needed a change, she says. Please dont tell me how I feel, Benson responds. In his drug-induced state, Stabler tells Benson he felt he had to see her since they never talked. Benson assumes he means about their last case, but then Stabler says us. She tells him now isnt the time for that discussion and instead says shes going to call in that he was drugged to figure out whats in his system. Benson confirms shes not seeing anyone at the moment. He asks for her help with Kathleen. A letter that you didnt even write. Law & Order: SVU, After each of these lines, Stabler confirms Kathy actually wrote those words not him. Stabler keeps telling her to shoot Gitano, and eventually says she can do "the right thing" in this moment since he says he did not when he chose to go to her after she got hurt instead of running after Ryan. Thats what Im counting on. Then Benson realizes Kathy wants her to convince Stabler to sign the divorce papers. "I wouldve done the same thing," Benson responds. The eighth episode of the inaugural season of "SVU," "Stalked," really put "Protelliot" a nickname given by fans to Stabler when hes acting especially protective on the map. Basically, Porter has been lying to the SVU team this entire time, so the detectives lay a trap to call him out on it. Well that makes two of us, Benson says. Stabler tells Benson that the letter was Kathys idea, and Kathy thought it would be an easier way to start a discussion since the two hadnt seen each other in years. Stabler apologized for both leaving and not telling Benson about his decision. Then, Stabler transitions to talking about the one other woman who has been such a crucial part of his life for decades. Stabler tells him to stay put and Eli tearfully says he's sorry. Porter catches up with Benson as he waits for the elevator. The SVU episode ended when the NYPD Intelligence took over the case from the SVU team, leading right into the first Organized Crime episode. Rollins and Carisi also share a moment and kiss at this ceremony, which turns into a non-wedding when Fin and Phoebe decide not to get married that day. She then tells him about the one man she thought she may have settled down with for good, and only offers up his first name, Ed. Bernie visits Kathleen in jail, with help from Benson getting her access. You know everything about me even the parts that Id rather forget. The two agree to go get some food, and Stabler asks whos buying. Bell calls in SVU to help with the Albanians. Now Stabler has a choice to make: Does he go after Ryan, who's quickly grabbed by Gitano, to try to bring him to safety, or does he go in the opposite direction to make sure his wounded partner is still alive? He asks her how long she"s been "sleeping with Cassidy." ", Protelliot asks Benson if shes been to the doctor, and she says, Its just a bug.. Rook abducts Benson. Lewis torments Benson throughout the entire premiere episode of Season 15, and moves her to a remote location and cuffs her to a bed. In one scene, Benson is video chatting with Stabler when Fin, who at this point is more aware than almost anyone about what these two mean to each other since hes worked with them both almost since the beginning, walks in after Stabler asks Benson if he should cut his visit short. ET, with a new Organized Crime episode following at 10 p.m. So, who does he call to seemingly make a confession of sorts to in what could be his last few hours? Cragen throws her out of interrogation and says that a 5-year-old couldve done a better job, to which Benson responds, Then go hire one.. "There's nobody that I trust more to bring my son home in one piece than Stabler," she tells Carisi, and adds she's going to meet them at home. The partners' boss, Capt. Witnesses rush over to help Stabler, as does Benson, who calls for help. In the Season 22 SVU finale, Fin is set to marry his first partner, Phoebe. The Milgram nickname is important as its a reference to psychologist Stanley Milgram, who conducted shock experiments to test how far someone would go to follow instructions, despite the moral feeling of his or her conscience. Benson points out theyve been partners for seven years longer than anybody else there. Benson coaxes Simon into sharing his version of events, and its revealed Millfield set Simon up as payback for what happened between Simon and her sister as teenagers (her sister ran away after Simon kissed her, and the Millfields assumed an assault had transpired). Well, Fin may have your six, but hes definitely not me, Stabler says. Cragen tells Stabler hes running away from himself and that he paired him up with Blaine so he can get a taste of what he is like to work with. Why would you ask me that? Stabler responds. Then Stabler confesses to Benson something thats been on his mind: His father staged a shooting while he was on the job years ago. What ensues is a truly unforgettable standoff where she has to decide if she wants to risk shooting Gitano to end this once and for all, or run the risk of hitting Stabler and killing him by mistake. Benson also asks about how Stablers search for the truth is going related to his dad. I think it worked out even better than I couldve hoped for.). In Scorched Earth, we are also introduced to Detective Amanda Rollins (Kelli Giddish), who ends up delivering an unforgettable line to Benson about Stabler years later in the Season 23 finale. This confession also reveals Benson hasn't moved past Stabler leaving her without a word for 10 years. Cut to Benson and Stabler later spotting each other in the precincts hallway. Rescue is another example of Stabler backing Bensons play and being there for her during a moment that toes the line between personal and professional. Benson confronts Stabler outside of the courthouse about Angelas upcoming testimony and asks him if theres any reason she shouldnt attend. I actually watch her back and not her backside, Fin responds. Hargitay also told TODAY in February that the scenes in this episode were her favorite ones to film with Meloni since he returned to the franchise. she says. The rest of the episode is laced with tension between the partners as they work to find their footing again from Benson calling out Stabler's anger management problem to later pointing out when he calls a victim Dani instead of Danielle, to which Stabler responds, Is something bothering you?. While on the phone, Fin hands it off to Stabler to talk to her. Benson tells Stabler shes worried about him, given his behavior after the death of his wife and the grief associated with that loss. The guy never touched his wife., The pair go at it again in the squad room in front of Fin and Cragen when Stabler say to Benson: Im the longest relationship youve ever had with a man. Why didnt you trust me? she says through tears. Well, some people arent as blessed as you are, she responds. And as for why Stabler abruptly left without telling Benson himself? She emphasizes to Stabler that he walked away, and she had to find out about his exit from Cragen. Stabler confronts Rojas in the parking lot, and Rojas holds a gun to Bensons head. Stabler again tries to spend time with them both by asking Benson if he can take them to lunch. The SVU team found that Stabler was the original target and it all may have been connected to the men Stabler was in New York to testify against. Their meeting ends in an argument, and Stablers attempt at getting his mothers help is unsuccessful. Viewers know he went home with a girl he met on the street and woke up hours later to find her dead in the next room. #WhatsInTheLetter trended for weeks online, and "SVU" fans on Twitter also put a letter emoji on their profiles. Although Stabler will be busy on his own show, Stabler is expected to appear on more SVU episodes. During a briefing, Benson and Stabler have a sidebar conversation, in which Benson calls out Stabler for not telling her he was undercover. A case of he said/she said between a college advisor and a graduate student, in which the advisor says he and the student had a consensual sexual encounter and the student claims it was rape, lands Benson and Stabler on opposite sides. They both realize theyre A+, and Stabler looks over at Benson and says, Id give you a kidney, to which Benson responds, Not if I gave you mine first.. Cinema is Benson and Stabler having an entire conversation with their eyes. Benson continues to calm Stabler at the hospital, including when the doctor talks to him about Eli. Stabler says he couldnt, and at this point, the others in the room take notice of their bickering. Viewers are also treated to seeing Benson and Stabler interrogate a suspect together, not missing a beat just like old times. (And so the foreshadowing begins). Benson asks Stabler if he ever worried about what his kids would be like before he had them and added that he's lucky he and his wife know what they're "passing on.". "You were the single most important person in my life, and you just disappeared," Benson said. Newsom says. A doctor tells Stabler and Kathy he believes Kathleen has bipolar disorder and suggests medication after hearing about her recent erratic behavior. Its in your blood, Stabler replies. Love affairs? Spoilers ahead for Episode 19 of Law & Order: SVU Season 24, called "Bend the Law." The real-world explanation for Meloni leaving SVU was reportedly a contract dispute when Season 12 ended. Kathleen may be sick, but youre the one with the problem, Benson tells him. Like last time, Benson and Stabler's sympathies fall on opposite sides. So hes the sacrificial lamb, Benson responds. What the hell just happened? Stabler says to Benson as she walks out of the courtroom. Fin tells Elliot that Benson has a kid now, and Stabler quickly responds, A son? Stabler refuses to sit and listen to what everyone has to say and instead says all questions should go to his supervisor, Sgt. WebOlivia Margaret Benson is a fictional character and the main protagonist of the NBC police procedural drama Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, portrayed by Mariska Hargitay.Benson holds the rank and pay-grade of Captain and is the Commanding Officer of the Manhattan Special Victims Unit of the New York City Police Department, which operates out of the Grab onto us., I know youre all just trying to help, Stabler says. She will put on her writing cap for important trending and pop culture moments, especially ones related to "Law & Order: SVU." Months later, former SVU showrunner Leight tweeted that the Season 24 premiere was supposed to pick up with Benson and Stabler sharing a dance alone at the event, but in real life, Hargitay had suffered a broken ankle and Meloni had grown out a beard to go with his undercover arc to kick of OC Season Two. Stabler walks Benson out through the back garden. Stabler shows up to the ceremony late since he was looking at apartments in New York City, which is a subtle confirmation and assurance to Benson hes staying. After the players hidden sexuality unexpectedly becomes the subject of a media leak, Cragen thinks Benson and Stabler are to blame. There are many nostalgic moments in the episode for Benson and Stabler fans, including the two entering a scene before backup arrives, despite Bells order not to. Stabler gets caught up in Bensons family life, and Benson gets tangled in his. Then, Stabler fires and hits Jenna, who ends up bleeding out and dying in front of him. Benson goes to introduce Noah to Stabler, but Noah jumps in that he already knows whom Detective Stabler is, his moms former partner. Cragen later tells Benson, who'd been trying to get in touch with Stabler, that her longtime partner has resigned. "I recently lost a friend a very close friend, partner," Stabler continues. She clocks Stabler for not answering her questions, and he responds, Thats none of your business. Cut to Stabler in the car with Benson, who reassures him. "I can't do this anymore. The partners continue holding hands as they move further into the club and only break apart when another couple pulls Benson away. Benson strategically alleviates the situation by manipulating Stuckey into thinking she doesn't like Stabler. Benson asks Stabler why he was so jumpy the other night when she went to his building to talk about the letter. Thats going to be $100 to watch, $250 to join each. Then she wraps her arms around Stabler as he says, Guys gotta eat, huh?. Its nice to see your face, Benson says to Stabler, noting he shaved off the beard that was part of his undercover persona. When a suspected killer who stalks his victim sets his sights on Benson, the squad, particularly Stabler in Protelliot mode, goes the extra mile to keep an eye on her. Stabler spots them on the street as hes picking out flowers for his mom. Meloni told TODAY in February that little moments like holding hands, which among the fans are obviously a big deal, are ones he and Hargitay add into the scenes themselves. Benson replies that she and Stabler are best friends.". The pretend arguments were part of setting a plan in motion for Stablers next undercover assignment with a group of dirty cops within the NYPD known as The Brotherhood.. At the last minute, he spins around and pulls Benson into a hug. In the beginning, Benson met with Stabler to hand over the files at a park, where Stabler met Noah. And then Im not sure what happened. As ADA Gillian Hardwicke (Melissa Sagemiller) points out, Stabler has had Bensons back for over 10 years. In the middle of the night, 4:47 a.m. to be exact, an already awake Stabler gets a text from Benson telling him to meet her downstairs, where shes sitting on his porch with a cup of coffee for him and tea for herself. This episode is the continuation of a crossover with SVUs Trick-Rolled at the Moulin, which ends with Stabler shielding Benson in the car after theyre both shot at (classic Protelliot). Then Stabler responds, Hey, my friend, Olivia, Id like you and your son, Noah, to come on over to my place this weekend for a family Christmas get-together.. For the past four years, he lived in Rome as an international liaison for the NYPD. Did he ever do you? A young tech named Dale Stuckey (Noel Fisher) is with Benson and Stabler at various crime scenes throughout the episode, and at one point, even makes a careless mistake that ends up setting the suspect free. Do you want to know my dating history, detective? Benson says with a smirk. Our feelings dont matter, Porter responds. Lost One picks up where the end of SVU left off, with Benson consulting with OC about a missing girl, who happens to be the daughter of one of the members of The Brotherhood. Stabler does not yet realize that it was Ed Tucker yes, that Ed Tucker from IAB but Benson does tell him Ed is dead. ", Benson explains by saying she broke one of her personal rules by getting involved with a co-worker. Bensons and Kathys car gets slammed by what ends up being a drunk driver. With tears in her eyes, Benson says, You were the most, single most, important person in my life, and you just disappeared.. Kathleen informs her dad that this is an intervention, and Benson chimes in that the intervention is related to what the two of them recently discussed in the car. Stabler says he doesnt abuse his authority, to which Rook responds, Every cop abuses his authority. After conversing more with Stabler, Rook eventually confesses to his crimes. If you guessed the latter, you would be correct. Stabler rushes over to Benson and turns her over. Benson and Stabler later realize Porter had bugged all of the phones in their office. I have to work on changing his about that see if I cant make myself No. Then the head of the Internal Affairs Bureau, Ed Tucker (Robert John Burke), who dates Benson in a much later season, interviews Benson and informs her they pulled her phone records and found that she talked multiple times to a reporter named Kurt Moss (Bill Pullman). One of the long-running mysteries of SVU for the past decade was why Stabler never said goodbye to Benson. Cragen calmly responds, You know me better than that. Its contents had not been revealed, so fans were But now after the death of Kathy, that can, for the first time in over 20 years of them knowing each other, change. Stabler goes undercover as an animal smuggler, which means more time away from Kathy and their young son, Eli. While talking about living in Rome, Stabler describes his apartment and tells Benson she wouldve loved it., You know what, Elliot, she responds. During a moment of reflection at home before the meeting, Stabler sits outside in the back garden and leaves Benson a voicemail. You might want to make sure Stablers children arent there. After Benson tells him to freeze, Gitano quickly slashes her neck with a knife, and she falls to the ground. This moment was teased in a previous promo and sent fans into a spiral. Benson tells Rollins she talked to Stabler before he went back undercover, and he promised her he didnt know the suspect was being put in witness protection. When Stabler expresses his disbelief, Benson explains, Im single. Copyright 2023 PopCulture.com. At the beginning of "Whipping Post," fans assumed the worst and that Stabler opened the door and spent the night with Leonetti. On "Law & Order: SVU's" mid-season finale, Olivia Benson shared some frank talk with exiting Amanda Rollins about Elliot Stabler. Youve never been gun-shy before, Benson says, to which Stabler replies, Things change., Well like you said, youre the longest relationship that Ive ever had with a man, Benson says. Later on, Stablers in the locker room changing when Benson appears in the doorway. One of the smugglers finds Bensons jacket, and then she emerges from the bathroom without her shirt. Each always mentioned Stabler's marriage as the answer which wasn't a "no." The pair said a lot of things to each other, but eventually Rafael told her that he understood why she defended Stabler, because Thats what you do when you love Benson is taken for questioning by IAB after evidence makes her the cases prime suspect, and she ends up in jail unless someone can post her $250,000 bail. Hows that for now? Note the "for now" part.