Christopher Meloni and Mariska Hargitay have been fan favorites for decades as Detective Elliot Stabler and Captain Olivia Benson on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. Their undeniable chemistry both on and off-screen has made their partnership one of the most iconic duos in television history. But it wasn’t always smooth sailing for their characters. One moment in particular stands out to Meloni as his favorite scene with Hargitay, and it’s one that would shape their relationship for seasons to come.
In a recent interview with Us Weekly, Meloni reminisced about a deeply emotional moment in SVU history—the moment when Stabler and Benson’s bond was tested to its breaking point in the Season 7 episode titled “Fault.” In this episode, viewers witnessed a high-stakes, life-and-death decision that would have lasting repercussions on both characters.
Let’s dive into this memorable moment, why it holds such significance for Meloni, and how it reflects the powerful connection between Benson and Stabler that has kept fans invested in their dynamic for more than 20 years.
The Iconic Scene: A Life-and-Death Decision
In “Fault,” one of the darkest episodes of SVU, the detectives find themselves in a deadly standoff with serial killer and sex offender Victor Gitano, played by Lou Diamond Phillips. Gitano kidnaps a child and holds both Benson and Stabler hostage, ultimately forcing them to make a heart-wrenching decision.
The pivotal moment occurs when Gitano has a gun to Stabler’s head, and Stabler looks to Benson, asking her to take the shot. The choice: kill Gitano to save Stabler’s life, or let him go free. This situation pushes the boundaries of their friendship, blurring the lines between professional duty and personal connection.
Meloni explained, “My favorite scene featuring myself and Mariska Hargitay was when Lou Diamond Phillips had a gun to my head, and Stabler told Benson to take the shot.” This moment was particularly fraught, as both Stabler and Benson are forced to make life-altering decisions based on their personal feelings for one another, leading to a major shift in their relationship.
In the episode, Benson is reluctant to take the shot, as she’s unwilling to sacrifice Stabler’s life even in the face of Gitano’s deadly threats. The situation becomes even more emotionally charged when Stabler chooses to check on Benson (who’s been injured earlier in the episode) rather than saving a child Gitano had kidnapped. This lapse in judgment, driven by their strong emotional bond, ends up having tragic consequences, as the child is killed by Gitano.
The Fallout: A Turning Point for Benson and Stabler
The emotional toll of the episode’s events is significant, and the consequences of Stabler and Benson’s decisions echo throughout the following seasons. By the end of the episode, Benson’s professional judgment has been clouded by her deep care for Stabler, and as a result, she asks for a new partner. This marks a moment of intense conflict in their partnership, one that would continue to affect their relationship for seasons to come.
What makes this scene stand out for Meloni is the vulnerability and emotional weight it brought to both of their characters. As he said, “We were bound to each other in that moment as people and characters.” It wasn’t just a dramatic action sequence—it was a turning point in the emotional and psychological evolution of their relationship. The moral quandary forced both Stabler and Benson to confront the deep emotional stakes of their partnership, and the episode highlighted just how much they were willing to sacrifice for each other.
Interestingly, SVU fans also note the real-life connection between Meloni and Hargitay that adds even more depth to this moment. At the time of filming, Hargitay was eight months pregnant with her first son, and Meloni recalls this as a particularly emotional time for both of them. “Mariska was eight months pregnant at the time, so it’s a moment I find particularly special,” Meloni shared, adding a layer of personal sentiment to the already intense on-screen drama.
This fact not only deepens the emotional weight of the scene but also shows just how tightly the bond between the actors mirrored that of their characters. In a way, they were both living and breathing the scene, making it even more impactful for both the cast and the audience.
The Continuing Legacy of Benson and Stabler’s Relationship
The relationship between Stabler and Benson has continued to evolve over the years, with the pair facing countless challenges together. Their connection has endured through thick and thin, and despite the ups and downs, fans still hold out hope for a romantic relationship between the two. The “will-they-won’t-they” dynamic has played a central role in keeping audiences invested in their story.
Following Meloni’s departure from SVU in 2011, the show continued without Stabler, but Benson’s journey carried on. Hargitay’s portrayal of Olivia Benson remained a fixture on the series, eventually transitioning to a leadership role as the captain of the Special Victims Unit. For fans of the duo, Meloni’s return in Law & Order: Organized Crime provided a glimpse of what might be in store for the iconic pair.
In Organized Crime, Stabler’s return has allowed fans to see his interactions with Benson once again, albeit in a different setting. Although their relationship has changed over the years, the deep-rooted connection they share still sparks interest. The crossover episodes between SVU and Organized Crime give viewers a chance to see both characters in new circumstances while revisiting their shared history. And while they may now exist in separate worlds, the history between Stabler and Benson remains undeniable.
A Nearly-Shared Kiss: Fans Are Still Holding Out Hope
Though the pair has yet to kiss on-screen, the recent near-kiss during a SVU episode left fans buzzing. This moment, filled with palpable tension, reignited the question: Will they or won’t they? Both characters are in different places now, with Stabler dealing with his own personal trauma and Benson balancing her duties as a mother and captain. But the fact that fans are still emotionally invested in their relationship after all these years is a testament to the lasting impact of their on-screen partnership.
For Meloni, who has spent years developing this complex dynamic with Hargitay, it’s clear that their relationship as characters is one of the most significant of his career. “We’ve been through a lot together,” he says. “And there’s something special about the bond that’s been created between these two characters.”
The Enduring Chemistry Between Meloni and Hargitay
One of the reasons Stabler and Benson’s relationship continues to resonate with viewers is the undeniable chemistry between Meloni and Hargitay. Their bond, both on-screen and off, is something fans have been drawn to from the very beginning. Whether they are solving heinous crimes, supporting each other through personal trauma, or facing life-or-death situations, the connection between these two characters is electric.
Meloni and Hargitay’s real-life friendship only adds to the authenticity of their portrayal. Off-screen, they share a deep mutual respect and affection that has allowed them to navigate some of the most intense emotional scenes together. This camaraderie translates into their performances, making moments like the one in “Fault” even more powerful for viewers.
Conclusion: A Moment in Time That Shaped Benson and Stabler’s Legacy
The scene from SVU’s “Fault” remains one of the most iconic and emotionally charged moments in the series’ history. For Meloni, it’s a defining scene that encapsulates the depth of his character, Stabler, and his complex relationship with Olivia Benson. This life-or-death decision, which tested their professional judgment and emotional connection, served as a turning point in their relationship and set the stage for future moments of tension and tenderness.
As the Law & Order franchise continues with SVU and Organized Crime, fans can’t help but look back on these unforgettable moments and wonder what’s next for Stabler and Benson. With the pair now living in separate worlds, we’ll have to wait and see if the years of unresolved tension and unspoken emotions will ever come to a head. But one thing’s for sure: the legacy of their bond will continue to captivate audiences for years to come.
