Law & Order: SVU is renowned for its intense and gripping episodes, but for Mariska Hargitay, one episode stands out as particularly challenging. In an emotional revelation, Hargitay shared that the episode “Something Happened” from Season 19 dredged up a lot of old pain, both for her character, Olivia Benson, and for herself.
“Something Happened” and Its Emotional Impact
“Something Happened” is a unique episode where the procedural elements of Law & Order: SVU take a backseat, allowing a deeper exploration of Olivia Benson’s psyche. In this episode, Olivia talks to a character who claims to have experienced her own traumatic past. To gain her trust, Olivia must open up about her own history, which proved to be a challenging task for both the character and the actress.
“I think in some way it dredged up all this old pain, and in some ways it was utterly healing and cathartic to even address it,” Hargitay told E! News. “She spent so much time proving to everybody that she’s OK and she can handle the things that happened to her, but in this way, one of the things at the end is she’s so broken and so victorious. Because despite these pains, despite what she’s been through, she’s still victorious.”
The emotional toll of the episode lingered with Hargitay long after filming. “I was wrecked for about three more days. It was hard for me to switch gears into the next episode,” she added. “My body, my mind, and my soul didn’t have time to recuperate from it.”
Exploring Olivia Benson’s Trauma
Despite the difficulty of episodes like “Something Happened” and “Surrender Benson,” Hargitay is committed to delving into the darker aspects of her character. She believes it’s crucial to address Olivia’s mental and emotional health, hoping that the series will continue to explore these themes.
“I think that because Olivia and so many of the characters on our show have been through so much trauma, I really wanted to delve into that a little more,” she told Today. “We have this idea that, ‘The strong woman, she just deals with it,’ but the way somebody is strong is to be comfortable in their vulnerability.”
For Hargitay, true strength lies in acknowledging and dealing with one’s emotions. “Real strength has to do with feeling the feelings, dealing with them, and moving through them,” she said.
Balancing Olivia Benson and Personal Life
Having played Olivia Benson for decades, Hargitay has developed a deep connection with her character. This role has profoundly impacted her, helping her become a more self-aware and whole person. “This character has taught me so much. I’ve become a more whole person, a more self-aware person,” she told The Cut. “I want to inspire people to have the strength to look in the mirror, go deep, and know that they can tolerate the pain and get to the other side so they can achieve what they want, especially the peace that they crave.”
Despite her deep connection with Olivia, Hargitay emphasizes the importance of separating her personal life from her character. Her family, particularly her husband Peter Hermann and their children, play a crucial role in helping her detach from the intense emotions of her role. “How do I keep them separate? I’m madly in love with my husband,” she said. “He’s my home. I come home and we laugh. My children are my angels. All I ever wanted was to be a mom and to have this family, because mine was broken apart at a very early age, so these things are so sacred to me.”
The Enduring Legacy of Law & Order: SVU
Mariska Hargitay’s portrayal of Olivia Benson has left an indelible mark on television, inspiring countless viewers with her strength, vulnerability, and resilience. As Law & Order: SVU continues to tackle challenging topics, Hargitay remains dedicated to bringing authenticity and depth to her character, ensuring that Olivia Benson’s story resonates deeply with audiences.
What’s your all-time favorite episode of Law & Order: SVU? How do you feel about the show’s exploration of trauma and resilience? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
