UPDATE: The video has since been removed by the source. The original article follows.
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit releases a promo for an upcoming crossover event, which teases the reunion of Elliot Stabler and Olivia Benson. Christopher Meloni and Mariska Hargitay were the leads of SVU for over a decade, portraying Stabler and Benson, respectively. That would continue until 2011, when Stabler was abruptly written off the popular drama in the premiere episode of season 13 due to a pay dispute between the Meloni and NBC. However, in March 2020, it was announced that the actor would be returning to the Law & Order universe for his own spinoff.
The spinoff, titled Organized Crime, will chronicle Stabler’s return to the force after a devastating personal loss. The series, which is set to co-star Dylan McDermott and Tamara Taylor, released a preview which offered fans their first glimpse of Meloni since his sudden departure. While the Organized Crime teaser showed Stabler calmly explaining why he took so long to return, even speaking with a bit of warmth, the SVU trailer takes a different approach.
Law & Order: SVU unveiled a teaser for the upcoming crossover event with Organized Crime, which will take place on April 1. In the promo, posted to social media, viewers are treated to Benson’s perspective on Stabler’s absence. The teaser flashes back to some of the duo’s moments as a team before lingering on the painful moment when Benson had to accept that her partner would not be returning.
The preview seems to suggest that Benson might not be so quick to accept Stabler’s reasons for staying away. From the brief scenes that are shown, it appears that the writers of Law & Order are taking a very relatable approach to the way in which even the closest friendships can fade over time. Looking at Stabler’s vantage-point, he essentially admits that he was waiting for the right time to reach out. But, on the other hand, Benson might feel as though she was abandoned by her partner. It’s a safe bet that the teasers don’t tell the full story. But, from the early impressions, it looks like SVU aims to work in Meloni’s sudden farewell to its favor.
Given the importance of the relationship between the two characters, many fans of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit are invested in a satisfying reunion between Benson and Stabler. There has always been an element of intrigue to their bond, which added an emotional core to the show beyond its procedural trappings. Hopefully, when the crossover event begins in a few months, the spark between the former partners will still be present.
