Introduction
When Elliot Stabler (Christopher Meloni) and Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay) first graced our screens on Law & Order: SVU, their partnership was iconic. Together, they tackled some of the creepiest, most disturbing cases on TV. However, after Stabler left in Season 12, their relationship became one of the greatest “what ifs” in TV history. Fans held onto the hope that the two would eventually rekindle their connection, especially after Stabler returned in Law & Order: Organized Crime. Yet, despite several signs of a potential romance, the relationship between Benson and Stabler has been frustratingly ignored and dropped.
With Law & Order: Organized Crime facing challenges in its latest seasons, there is one clear way for the series to regain momentum: by fully exploring and resolving the long-awaited romance between Benson and Stabler. This is not just a fan service—it’s essential for the future of the show. Let’s break down why this reunion is crucial for both the show’s success and the audience’s satisfaction.
The Early Promise of Benson and Stabler’s Reunion
A Reunion That Was Promised, but Never Delivered
When Elliot Stabler made his return during the backdoor pilot for Organized Crime, the stage was set for something significant to happen between him and Benson. Their reunion was full of tension, and fans were eager to see them reconnect both professionally and personally. In fact, during their shared scenes, it seemed inevitable that the two would start a romantic relationship.
But then, things took a turn.
As Organized Crime progressed, it became clear that the chemistry between the two was no longer being fully explored. After a brief but intense moment in Season 3, including an emotional conversation about Stabler’s wife, Kathy’s death, and a near-kiss, their relationship seemed to lose all momentum. Fans were left hanging, waiting for the payoff that never came. Inexplicably, Season 4 dropped all mentions of their budding romance.
This shift didn’t just feel like a missed opportunity—it felt like a betrayal to the viewers who had followed the story for so long. As we near the premiere of Organized Crime Season 5, there’s still time for the show to correct this mistake, and it starts with revisiting the relationship between Benson and Stabler.
SVU Is Not Helping
It’s one thing to ignore Benson and Stabler’s relationship on Organized Crime, but the problem is made worse by the fact that SVU is essentially pretending Stabler no longer exists. He has not been mentioned once in SVU Season 26, even though the show could have easily integrated him into a few episodes. For example, the recent crossover with Rollins could have used the expertise of the Organized Crime Unit. The fact that Stabler has been so conspicuously absent only exacerbates the problem.
It’s clear that if SVU is going to continue this avoidance, it will fall to Organized Crime to resolve the tension that has been building between these two characters for years.
Why Organized Crime Needs to Revisit Benson and Stabler’s Relationship
The Fans Demand It
The biggest reason Organized Crime needs to address the Benson-Stabler relationship is simple: the fans want it. After years of teasing, the audience is eager for the payoff. Any show that teases a romance, only to abandon it without any real resolution, risks alienating its fan base.
In this case, the storyline is so iconic that the stakes are high. Mariska Hargitay and Christopher Meloni have built an undeniable on-screen chemistry, and fans have been invested in the will-they-won’t-they aspect of their relationship for over two decades. Organized Crime cannot afford to waste this opportunity.
Moreover, a properly executed romance would bring in new viewers, as well as retain the loyal audience. If the show avoids addressing this tension or dismisses it entirely, it could alienate viewers who are tired of being led on with no follow-through.
The Power of Resolution
In storytelling, there is something incredibly satisfying about seeing long-running tensions finally addressed. Imagine the emotional payoff when Benson and Stabler finally confront their feelings for each other. The emotional complexity of their relationship has been hinted at for years, but it has never been fully explored. With Benson having moved on to other relationships and Stabler dealing with the trauma of his wife’s death, there is so much emotional depth that could be unpacked.
A resolution to their relationship is necessary not only for the sake of continuity, but also because it will allow both characters to evolve. Stabler has spent years struggling with guilt, grief, and obsession. Benson, meanwhile, has grown into a strong, independent leader. Their personal growth, when put together, has the potential to create one of the most compelling relationships in the Law & Order franchise.
Professional and Personal Storylines Can Coexist
Law & Order: Organized Crime has always balanced professional and personal storylines effectively. The series shines when combining family dynamics with the gritty world of organized crime. Stabler’s past, which includes the emotional toll of losing his wife and the unresolved issues with Benson, makes him an even more complex character when these aspects of his life are explored.
However, the show can’t rely solely on criminal plots. Adding the personal drama between Stabler and Benson will not only enrich their characters but also give fans more to invest in. The relationship doesn’t need to overshadow the central crime storylines, but it should certainly be a subplot that grows naturally over time. The show can blend their professional lives in the Organized Crime Unit with the emotional weight of their personal story, making both aspects feel more authentic.
How the Show Can Avoid Overdoing It
Subtlety Over Heavy-Handedness
While the prospect of a reunion is exciting, Organized Crime needs to handle the Benson-Stabler relationship with care. It’s important that the writers don’t force the romance into every episode. Instead, the relationship should evolve organically, with key moments that highlight their emotional connection without overshadowing the action-heavy crime storylines.
The best moments of Law & Order: SVU were often those where Benson and Stabler’s connection was evident through subtle interactions rather than grand gestures. They didn’t always need to say everything out loud, and their quiet, unspoken moments were just as powerful as anything they could have verbalized.
In Organized Crime, the reunion can start with small, meaningful conversations. As Stabler and Benson begin to navigate their new dynamic, it will feel more genuine and heartfelt if the writers avoid forcing too much drama or melodrama.
Providing Closure for Their Past
One thing the show must do is provide closure for their unresolved history. They need to talk about why they’ve been apart for so long, and what their feelings are now. It won’t be enough to have them simply flirt or share occasional banter. The emotional weight of their past should be acknowledged, and the reunion needs to be framed in a way that feels earned. Fans deserve to see a real conversation, one where both characters open up about what they’ve been through and how they’ve changed.
Conclusion
The decision to make Benson and Stabler’s relationship a central plotline in Law & Order: Organized Crime could be exactly what the show needs to revitalize its ratings and win back loyal viewers. The series has struggled in recent seasons, but a reunion between these two iconic characters would bring a sense of resolution that fans have long been craving.
By handling their romance with the same care and emotional depth that made their original partnership so compelling, Organized Crime can revive its narrative and give audiences the payoff they’ve been waiting for. However, it’s important that the relationship doesn’t overshadow the central plot of the show. If the writers can strike the right balance, Benson and Stabler’s reunion could be the catalyst that propels Organized Crime to even greater success.
