The Law and Order franchise has a strategic reason for keeping Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay) and Elliot Stabler (Christopher Meloni) apart at this time. Their undeniable chemistry was evident during their collaboration in the first 12 Seasons of Law & Order : Special Victims Unit.
However, with Stabler being married and a father of five, a romantic development seemed improbable. Yet, the timeline of Benson and Stabler’s relationship in Law & Order : Special Victims Unit hints at a connection that runs deeper than either character has been willing to acknowledge.
Stabler made his comeback in 2021, but tragedy struck soon after with the murder of his wife. The inaugural season of Law & Order : Organized Crime centered on Stabler’s relentless pursuit of justice following Kathy’s (Isabel Gillies) untimely death.
This heartbreaking event also set the stage for a possible union between Benson and Stabler. However, as time went on, Law & Order : Special Victims Unit faltered by sidelining their relationship in the latest seasons, leaving fans yearning for the resolution of their potential romance.
Christopher Meloni’ Law & Order Return Revived Stabler & Benson’s Romance Hopes
Stabler’s departure from Law & Order : Special Victims Unit stands out as one of the most disheartening moments in the series’ history. His last episode is undeniably one of the show’s most poignant, culminating in a heart-wrenching scene where he is compelled to fatally shoot a young girl who, in a moment of desperation, opens fire in the squad room.
Her actions stem from a deep-seated anger over her mother’s lack of justice following a rape. Given the emotional toll of this incident, it’s no surprise that Stabler chose to leave the unit afterward. However, his abrupt exit without a farewell to Benson dashed any lingering hopes for a romantic connection between them.
When Stabler made his comeback a decade later, fans were thrilled at the prospect of a romantic union between him and Benson, particularly after Kathy’s passing cleared the way for their potential connection.
The initial seasons of Law & Order : Organized Crime teased the idea that they were meant to be together, with Richard Wheatley exploiting Stabler’s hidden emotions and Stabler inadvertently confessing his love for Benson during a tense intervention. Regrettably, these tantalizing moments led to no significant developments, leaving their relationship stagnant for several years.
Law & Order Can’t Move Benson & Stabler’s Relationship Forward Because They Are In Different Shows
Given that Elliot Stabler (Christopher Meloni) mainly features in Law & Order : Organized Crime and Benson is the star of Law & Order : Special Victims Unit, it poses a challenge for their relationship to evolve beyond mere contemplation, as they rarely share screen time.
In the initial seasons of Law & Order : Organized Crime, the two series managed to maintain their connection by allowing occasional conversations or meetings between them. Additionally, there were moments in other episodes where Benson discussed Stabler with Rollins, or Bell inquired about the status of Stabler and Benson’s relationship.
This approach is most effective while Benson and Stabler remain unaware of their true feelings for one another. Once they become a couple, it risks becoming tiresome for other characters to discuss their relationship rather than allowing it to unfold on-screen.
Law & Order : Special Victims Unit is currently facing a similar issue with Rollins and Carisi. Rollins is often absent, while Carisi is actively involved in Benson’s team for season 26. Her absences are justified by her being on a mission. While this explanation holds some merit, it would feel repetitive if Benson and Stabler were portrayed in a similar manner.
How The Law & Order Franchise Can Bring Benson & Stabler Together ?
The relationship between Benson and Stabler in Law & Order : Special Victims Unit and Law & Order : Organized Crime has been largely overlooked. For instance, Benson recently gave Eileen Flynn the compass necklace that Stabler once gifted her, yet their interactions remain minimal.
Additionally, Law & Order : Special Victim Unit’s 25th season has missed several key crossover opportunities, suggesting a deliberate effort to downplay Stabler’s presence while Law & Order : Organized Crime remains in a state of uncertainty. Although there are plans for Benson to join Stabler’s series when it eventually debuts on Peacock, the lack of a confirmed release date renders this promise rather insignificant.
For Benson and Stabler to successfully embark on a romantic relationship, the Law and Order franchise must commit to regular crossover events. This would enable the characters to develop their bond gradually and meaningfully.
Additionally, Stabler’s return to Law & Order : Special Victims Unit poses challenges, especially since Benson now leads the unit. Therefore, the most viable option for the series is to hold off on their romantic union until the conclusion of Law & Order : Special Victims Unit, allowing for a heartfelt reunion in the series finale.