If the Law & Order Franchise Doesn’t Commit to a Benson/Stabler Romance Soon, I’ll Lose My Mind

The enormous world of Law & Order knows no bounds. The hit franchise has been entertaining its viewers for many years now, and it is still going strong and boasts a loyal fanbase. Some shows that came out of this legal drama include Trial by Jury, True Crime, and my favorite, Special Victims Unit (SVU). Law & Order: Special Victims Unit has been around since late 1999. I was incredibly late to the SVU train, but once I started the first episode, I can proudly say that I never looked back. There is just something about SVU that stands out from the rest of the franchise, and a part of it is thanks to the characters and their chemistry — especially the iconic duo of Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay) and Elliot Stabler (Christopher Meloni).

Benson and Stabler share probably one of the most palpable chemistries in the franchise. However, we have yet to see them romantically involved, even though it’s been years. Though the “slow burn” gets annoying here and then, I can’t help but keep watching just in case the highly-anticipated time comes.

What Is ‘Law & Order: Special Victims Unit’ About?

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit follows a group of NYPD detectives assigned under the Special Victims Unit, which is focused on solving sexually motivated crimes (something that is well-described in the show’s iconic intro). Apart from Benson and Stabler, the initial cast includes John Munch (Richard Belzer), Monique Jeffries (Michelle Hurd), and Captain Donald Cragen (Dann Florek), though some cast come and go throughout the seasons.

SVU’s detectives almost always work in pairs, so we get to see the characters’ differing dynamics. For instance, Munch is usually cynical and sarcastic and sometimes butts heads with whoever he’s paired up with. His original partner in the show is Brian Cassidy (Dean Winters), who can level with his rather straightforward personality at times, although Munch’s best partnership is arguably with Odafin “Fin” Tutuola, played by Ice-T. Meanwhile, Benson and Stabler, no matter how much they care for each other, also disagree from time to time, but I love seeing them work together regardless.

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Benson and Stabler Are the True Definition of a Slow Burn

We are introduced to Benson and Stabler from the get-go of SVU, leading to an immediate understanding of how their partnership dynamic works. Benson, for instance, possesses a deeper sense of sympathy towards the victims. Whenever she comes across a case that personally resonates with her, she often goes above and beyond to help solve it. In Season 25, the SVU tries to solve the case of Maddie Flynn (Allison Elaine), a teenager kidnapped by a sexual predator. Benson — who is now the captain — becomes heavily involved in the case, continuously expressing regret for not seeing the signs earlier when she saw Maddie in a van with a man. She has so much guilt for it, hence why she is trying so hard to put an end to it. There are other instances of Benson letting her emotions get the best of her (especially sexual assault cases), and I understand where she is coming from. But sometimes, her perspective becomes an issue for her superiors and colleagues — including Stabler.

Stabler, on the other hand, has a more cynical outlook on cases. But, as a viewer, I can say that the detective has more than his fair share of heavy emotional involvement. Whenever SVU trends on social media, it almost always involves a meme of Stabler shouting at a suspect. Look, these two may be alike in a lot of ways, but there are times when they also have different approaches to a case, causing more problems. Their personalities clash a bit, but I love how they are always there for each other when needed. Theirs is a special bond that I personally adore seeing on television.

Please, Just Make Benson and Stabler An Item Already!

I consider myself a patient person. In fact, I love slow-burn relationships on TV (such as Gilmore Girls’ very own Lorelai Gilmore and Luke Danes). I revel in the whole will-they-won’t-they. I find it to be a great trope if done right. But the case of Benson and Stabler is quite different. Sure, making us want two characters to get together is a smart way of keeping us as viewers, but man, give us something! SVU is now on Season 26 and these two are still not together, despite many viewers pointing out how good they would look as a couple. Seeing Benson and Stabler on-screen left me desperate for these two characters to realize that they’d be good together.

Over the seasons on SVU, there have been many close calls with Benson and Stabler and their evolving partnership. I’m still reeling from the almost-kiss in Season 24 that I am about to lose my mind. Now that the possibility of more between them is out there, I’m desperately waiting for the franchise to make it happen. As corny as it is, they are meant to be. It gets wilder when you remember that the other characters in the show have moved on with their lives. Some are married, have kids, and found their calling. Meanwhile, the Benson and Stabler fandom is stricken with desperation (and maybe even annoyance). It’s obvious that these two see each other as more than friends, so please, give me what I deserve and make them an item! It’s been more than two decades already, and now is the right time to make them a couple, once and for all. ‘Til then, I will be here, devouring every crumb of possibility.

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit is available to stream on Peacock in the U.S.

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