“Law & Order: SVU” wouldn’t be the same without Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay). A fierce detective with a heart of gold, she dedicates herself to helping victims and taking down the bad guys. Fans absolutely adore her, but when it comes to her love life, opinions are divided. Recently, viewers discussed who they think was the worst of Benson’s former boyfriends, and two names kept coming up: Brian Cassidy (Dean Winters) and Ed Tucker (Robert John Burke).
The Contenders: Brian Cassidy and Ed Tucker
Brian Cassidy, a former SVU detective, met Benson during his tenure on the squad. His inability to get along with his fellow detectives and his involvement in two criminal investigations made many fans feel he wasn’t a suitable match for Benson.
Ed Tucker, on the other hand, was an Internal Affairs Bureau officer who often clashed with Benson and her old partner. Despite their rocky start, he and Benson had a relationship that eventually fizzled out.
Fans Weigh In
On Reddit, fans passionately debated who was the worst boyfriend for Benson. Cassidy and Tucker both left lasting impressions, but for many, they simply didn’t measure up to what Benson deserves.
One Reddit user expressed their frustration with Cassidy, saying, “Cassidy ****** me off because he couldn’t keep it together.” Another user, who admitted to having a personal bias, said, “I think I loved him [Brian Cassidy] the most with Olivia because he’s exactly like the last few guys I dated before my current relationship. I really wanted them to make it.”
However, many fans saw Cassidy as a symbol of toxic masculinity. “Cassidy was a classic study of toxic masculinity. He treated Liv like crap and it was hard to watch her get treated like that,” one fan commented.
When it came to Tucker, opinions were equally strong. “Tucker followed closely by Brian Cassidy. I love Dean Winters; he is super attractive, but Cassidy and Liv… no Bueno,” a fan explained. Another user agreed, stating, “Tucker by a mile.”
The Hope for Benson’s Future
Fans of “SVU” just want to see Olivia Benson happy. While Cassidy and Tucker brought some joy into her life, it was never meant to last. Benson deserves someone who makes her feel safe and loved, and fans are hopeful she will find that special someone soon.
As the series continues, viewers remain optimistic that Benson will eventually find a partner who truly appreciates her. Until then, the debate over her past boyfriends will undoubtedly continue, reflecting the deep investment fans have in her happiness.