When Chris Meloni unexpectedly left Law & Order: SVU, many wondered if Mariska Hargitay could carry the show on her own. Meloni’s departure meant Hargitay would now lead the series without her long-time partner, an adjustment that left some skeptical of her ability to anchor the show solo.
Showrunner Warren Leight, however, had no doubts about Hargitay’s talent. “When I came in there, I don’t believe people understood how good she was,” Leight told NY Daily News. “Everyone thought it was about the chemistry she had with Elliot [Chris Meloni], and people did not understand she could carry the show on her own.” The continued success of SVU has proven that Hargitay was more than capable of leading the series.
Hargitay’s portrayal of Olivia Benson has significantly impacted the entertainment industry. She believes her character paved the way for more strong female characters on television. “Olivia opened the door,” Hargitay said. “At the time, I don’t remember any other characters like that. I am very excited and happy when I see other characters like this. I say the more the merrier, baby. I don’t want it to be an anomaly. Let there be all strong, amazing women, and I am so happy to know there is an appetite now.”
While Hargitay shows no signs of leaving SVU soon, she has considered what a fitting end for her character might look like. “With Olivia finding real peace and balance and love,” she shared with TV Insider. “She’s given so much to others that I want her, as she has fought for other people, to fight for herself.”
NBC president at the time, Vernon Sanders, acknowledged the challenge that would come with Hargitay’s eventual departure. “I’m glad we haven’t had to face that,” Sanders said in a 2013 interview with Variety. “We’d have to give it a lot of thought, and it would be a collaborative decision.” The show’s success has been significantly tied to Hargitay’s performance, with Sanders noting her unique appeal across demographics. “It’s hard to say how much of our audience is coming exclusively for Mariska, but women are our primary audience. Mariska is one of those performers who transcends. The fact that she’s got appeal to not just one demographic… is a unique thing on the television landscape.”
Leight reassured fans that Hargitay’s exit, whenever it may come, would be handled with grace and respect. “We’d have a way to arc her out; she might not leave all at once. There would be a chance for closure, and then you hope you can reinvent the show,” Leight said.
Hargitay adores her role on SVU, not only for what it’s done for her career but for the impact it has had on viewers. Olivia Benson has become a role model and icon for women worldwide, inspiring Hargitay’s activism and allowing her to make a real difference. “I sometimes get confused myself; I spend so much time as an actor and advocate, and they are interwoven,” Hargitay said. “These girls are looking for someone to look up to. Olivia is empowered, and they aspire to be like that. They say, ‘I wish Olivia was my mother. Then she could have protected me.’”
As she contemplates the eventual end of her character, Hargitay likens it to running a marathon. “Sometimes when you see the finish line you can run faster and you have more energy,” she said. “So that’s how I’m sort of approaching it. I’m going to give it my all and sprint as hard as I can.”
Mariska Hargitay has undeniably proven her worth as the heart and soul of Law & Order: SVU, continuing to lead the series with strength and dedication.