Mariska Hargitay is tantalizing fans with the prospect of another thrilling reunion between Olivia Benson and Elliot Stabler on Law & Order: SVU. While the duo last graced the screen together in the show’s 22nd season, the spark between the beloved characters hasn’t dimmed. Fans have been eagerly awaiting their on-screen reconnection, and it seems that Hargitay shares their anticipation.
In a recent interview with Variety, Hargitay revealed that she’s been in touch with Chris Meloni about a potential reunion. The excitement in her voice was palpable as she shared, “I’m actually planning on it. We had a party recently, and it was heavenly. I met his showrunner, and they want us together. Chris and I were talking about it, and it’s time. It’s time now for us. This has been a long time without being in each other’s universe, and we’re eager to get back in the ring.”
The unresolved tension between Benson and Stabler was last seen when their characters almost shared a kiss but stopped short due to a last-minute change in the script. Hargitay and Meloni both felt their characters should have taken that step, but show creator Dick Wolf had other plans. “Chris and I thought it should go one way, but the powers that be didn’t agree,” Hargitay disclosed. “Dick gets the final say, and he didn’t want that.”
Despite the strong desire to reunite, logistical challenges have complicated the process. Meloni, deeply embedded in his role on Organized Crime, has a demanding schedule that makes crossovers difficult. SVU showrunners David Graziano and Julie Martin have expressed their own frustration. Graziano explained, “The logistics of these two actors’ busy schedules play a huge part in the delay. Chris is in every scene of his show, which limits his availability for crossovers. Even when we borrow Mariska for a day or two, we feel her absence keenly.”
When Benson and Stabler do reunite, their relationship won’t pick up where it left off. Graziano added, “We have a responsibility to Benson’s character and to the narrative. There have been significant events in both SVU and Organized Crime that complicate their reunion. True love may prevail in the end, but first, they need to address and resolve the monsters lurking in their pasts. Otherwise, these issues will shadow their relationship.”
Hargitay’s fervent commitment to her role and her enthusiasm for working with Meloni again suggest that the much-anticipated reunion might be closer than fans think.
