Things are heating up on Law & Order: Organized Crime as Elliot Stabler (Christopher Meloni) navigates complex emotions for two different women while still mourning the tragic loss of his wife. With Season 2 promising even more drama, it’s clear that Elliot is deeply conflicted between his feelings for Olivia Benson and Angela Wheatley.
Angela Wheatley’s Betrayal
While investigating his wife Kathy Stabler’s (Isabel Gillies) death, Elliot began developing feelings for Angela Wheatley (Tamara Taylor), the ex-wife of crime boss Richard Wheatley (Dylan McDermott). Angela, who was also grieving the loss of her son, seemed to provide a sanctuary for Elliot. He often sought solace in her apartment, sharing his grief and finding comfort in their conversations.
However, this budding romance took a dark turn when Elliot discovered that Angela had orchestrated the hit on his wife. The woman he was beginning to trust and care for had betrayed him in the worst possible way. Despite this revelation, Angela implied she had genuine feelings for Elliot, further complicating matters.
Elliot’s anger toward Angela was palpable, yet his romantic feelings for her seemed to resurface when she was poisoned. Richard’s callous remarks about Angela’s condition—describing it as “a little tummy ache”—infuriated Elliot, leading to a physical confrontation. As Angela lay clinging to life in the Season 1 finale, Elliot’s conflicted emotions were evident.
Complications with Olivia Benson
Elliot’s complex feelings extend to his longtime friend and former partner, Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay). During a family intervention for his PTSD, Elliot inadvertently confessed his love for Olivia, though he quickly attempted to backtrack by claiming he loved everyone present. Even Richard Wheatley could see the depth of Elliot’s feelings for Olivia, hinting to Angela that she was not the love of Elliot’s life. Though Richard didn’t name Olivia directly, Angela’s lawyer suggested she was the woman on Elliot’s mind.
Olivia’s Perspective
Olivia is acutely aware of Elliot’s ongoing grief and emotional turmoil. She understands that his confusion and need for support may be driving his feelings. While Olivia cherishes their long-standing friendship and partnership, she is cautious about the timing of any potential romance. Her primary concern is Elliot’s emotional well-being, and romance seems to be a secondary consideration for her at this point.
The Season 22 finale of Law & Order: SVU hinted at the possibility of a future relationship between Elliot and Olivia. In the episode “Wolves in Sheep’s Clothing,” Elliot’s curiosity about Fin’s (Ice-T) relationship with his fiancée leads to a brief, telling moment. When Olivia mentions that they used to be partners, Elliot’s subtle reaction and their subsequent toast to partners suggest a deeper connection that might be explored in the future.
The Uncertain Future
As Law & Order: Organized Crime moves forward, the question remains: will Elliot’s tangled emotions resolve into a clear romantic path? With his heart torn between the betrayal of Angela Wheatley and the enduring connection with Olivia Benson, viewers are left to wonder what lies ahead for Elliot Stabler in both his personal and professional life.
