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We love “Law & Order” at TODAY. So when we say that Thursday’s events between “SVU” and “Organized Crime” were unlike any other, it’s not a secret.
If you’re looking for a detailed recap of the events of the Richard Wheatley trial or a play-by-play of what happened to Elliot Stabler’s (Christopher Meloni) son, Eli, look elsewhere — because we are here to discuss the huge personal moments Stabler shared with his former partner-turned-“friend,” Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay).
Fans were already in a frenzy after a NBC promo showed them holding hands a few months ago. Now we know that this was only one of many moments they shared during crossover episodes “People VS Richard Wheatley,” and “The Christmas Episode,” from the two franchises.
After 12 years working together for the NYPD’s Special Victims Unit as partners, Stabler ghosted Benson for a ten-year period — only for him to return to New York City to see his wife be killed by a car bomb.
Things started off rocky as Wheatley’s trial began for the murder of Stabler’s wife, Kathy. Fans know that Wheatley knows about Stabler’s relationship with Benson because he suggested last season on “Organized Crime” that Benson was Stabler’s true “one true love”. It’s not surprising that he stirs up the pot during trial when he warns Benson that she may not want be there when Angela Wheatley, his ex-wife (or “one true love”) with Stabler, takes the stand.
Benson confronts Stabler over the conversation and questions him why Wheatley would tell her that.
Stabler tells Benson, “That’s not your business.”
This is where it gets really interesting and Benson gets to shine. He calls out Stabler because he’s been so consumed with himself since his return to New York that he hasn’t bothered to inquire about her life over the past 10 years.
She tells him, “I know you’re struggling to find your way through the mountain of grief. I have tried my best to help you but it is not a one-way road, Elliot.”
She continues by saying that Stabler showed up at her home unannounced and drugged undercover. “You have not asked me any questions about what has been happening to me since I left,” she said. This was also the night Stabler admitted he hadn’t written the letter Benson sent him when he returned from NYC, and that Kathy had. (We’re still reeling from that ). ).
“Why did your give me that letter?” She asks.
He replies, “I don’t know what I know,” and then adds, “I guess that I didn’t know where to start.” “
Benson said, “Well that makes us two.”
It was hard to watch but it was necessary and laid the foundation for future personal conversations.
Stabler was devastated to learn that his youngest son Eli had disappeared from home after Wheatley’s trial ended in a mistrial.
A wild twist occurs when Eli, who was previously caught with his grandmother’s medication stolen, meets a girl, and ends up in her apartment. He starts drinking and pulls out some pills. He ends up falling asleep on the couch and finding the girl dead in her next room.
Eli finally dials his dad to get help. But the older Stabler isn’t alone in his quest for Eli: Benson, his trusted partner for the rest of his life, joins him.
Fans recognize this car scene as the one in the promo. In it, the two are holding hands. We get to see what happens next.
This is a major deal. Fans finally get to see Benson & Stabler together after years of watching them chase down bad guys in their car. This is a rare opportunity to see the two of them as they slowly start to build a relationship.
“Whatever occurred, we’re moving forward and we’re going home with him,” Benson said.
She says, “We’re going find out what’s going on here, and take it step by step,” as her love theme. (Yes, there is a love theme that plays during pivotal scene! While she holds his hand, the music starts to play. Can we not talk about the way she looks at him in that moment?
Benson and Stabler then go to the police station to rescue Eli after another cop has found him and talked him down from jumping off a platform. It is worth noting that the cop asked Benson if he was his mother. Also, it is worth pointing out the parallels this plot has with Eli’s birth.
Benson saves the life of a pregnant Kathy in the episode “Paternity” from season nine of “SVU”. She helps to deliver Eli and then holds him in an ambulance. She is only right to be with Eli during this time of crisis.
Stabler, back at the police station pleads with Benson to come along to the room and talk to Eli about the situation in a moment of vulnerability. Both Stabler and Eli get the story out of Eli. They then go on to work independently to determine who was ultimately responsible. ).
They later go to pick Eli up after he has been evaluated by a doctor. In another wonderful moment, Benson must step in to ask staff where Eli is. He comes in hot and demanding to see him in Stabler style.
Benson and Stabler have a moment together before Eli sees them. Fans are then treated to another conversation that they’ve been waiting for — Benson discussing her relationship with Stabler while she was away.
Stabler starts the conversation by telling Benson that he wants to learn more about her life. (We love progress. )
“Seeing anyone?” Stabler says. (Yes, he did say that!) )
“Seriously?” Benson replies, and Stabler asks, “Seriously?” “
She says “Little bit” before confirming that she is currently single.
“But you did,” a serious Stabler says.
Benson replies, “Well, it’s been 10 years Elliot.”
Just when you think Stabler might let it go, Stabler says, with the biggest smile on his face, “About what number?” “
It seems like a dream, but it is a real conversation between them. )
Benson continues to tell Stabler all about the serious relationship that nearly ended in her choosing: Ed.
After Benson tells Stabler that Ed has died, Stabler apologizes and the doctor brings Eli to Eli. Eli is “showing signs” of severe anxiety. “
Stabler later visits Wheatley who he believes may have hired the man responsible for Eli’s death.
Wheatley tells Stabler that the cryptocurrency he used to kill the girl wasn’t his because he can only access it through his daughter Dana, who he shares with Angela.
Angela is looking to be the bad guy here. After talking to Richard, Stabler, Benson and Benson have arguably the most honest conversation about their relationship status.
He grabs Benson’s arm in a gesture similar to the way Stabler grabbed Benson after she delivered Eli in “Paternity” and spins her around so he can talk to her face-to-face.
Stabler states, “I want to find equilibrium here, in this — whatever that is.” (OK, it’s now clear that these two are not just friends. Their relationship is complex. We are stan. )
Benson replies to a smiling Stabler, “How about we just call it friendship?” “How’s this for now? “
span data/contrast=”none For now” is our permanent residence! )
“Hello my friend Olivia! I’d love you and Noah to come over to my house this weekend for a Christmas family get-together,” Stabler said.
“Wow,” a clearly surprised Benson responds.
She says, “OK, I just have to think about it,” while choking up, because she, like us, can’t believe that this is happening.
“But, I’ll let it be known?” She says in a high-pitched voice, “But I’ll let you know?” Are they flirting ?!).? “Can you let me know? “
“Just come,” Stabler gently says.
Stabler insists Benson and her child come over to their home. We need a minute! He stares at her after the conversation. Mariska Hargitay is missing her Emmy nomination for this season.
