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In the latest episode of Law & Order: SVU, the storyline revisits a significant yet often overlooked character—Serena Benson, the mother of protagonist Olivia Benson. This marks the first time in many years that Olivia has visited her mother’s grave since Serena’s death, which occurred off-screen back in Season 3.
Serena’s passing is a plot detail that has been largely forgotten by newer fans of the series, many of whom may be unaware that she appeared in the original pilot episode in 1999. The emotional impact of the graveside scene serves as a reminder of the long-standing familial trauma that has shaped Olivia’s character.
This moment effectively highlights a critical narrative flaw: the decision to kill off Serena has often been viewed as unnecessary and poorly executed, particularly since it happened off-screen.
Serena Benson: A Different Character in Her Solo Appearance
Serena Benson’s sole appearance in the pilot episode presents a different persona than what is later described. In this brief moment, she shares a glass of wine with Olivia and expresses her concern about her daughter’s involvement in SVU, particularly regarding a harrowing case that Olivia is set to handle.
This scene portrays Serena as a caring, supportive mother and a rape survivor herself, suggesting that she has navigated her trauma and found a path forward. In stark contrast, Olivia’s subsequent recollections paint Serena as an emotionally abusive alcoholic, raising questions about the coherence of her character arc.
Following Serena’s untimely off-screen death, Olivia reveals to her colleagues that she learned about her origins during a heated argument, where a drunken Serena expressed regret over having her. This portrayal undermines the earlier depiction of Serena as a supportive figure, marking a troubling shift in character development.
The narrative decision to reframe Serena as a destructive presence in Olivia’s life seems more like a plot device than a meaningful character exploration. While it could provide an avenue for Olivia’s emotional depth, the approach feels like a missed opportunity to explore the complexities of their relationship.
The Case for On-Screen Closure: Serena’s Struggles
The show’s writers may have intended to illustrate a deeper narrative about familial trauma and its fallout. Yet, the fact that Serena’s struggles with alcohol are never shown directly weakens the storyline. The complexities of raising a child conceived through trauma could very well have led Serena down a dark path, but viewers were given no on-screen witness to that decline.
Had her story arc included direct depictions of her battles, not only would it have enriched the narrative, but it would have provided a more profound emotional resonance for Olivia as she grapples with her family legacy.
A Missed Opportunity for Dynamic Conflict
Serena and Olivia represent two divergent approaches to coping with trauma. Whereas Serena’s character seems to lean toward avoidance, Olivia aggressively pursues a path of healing through advocacy for other survivors. Their contrasting strategies could have created compelling tensions across the seasons, reminiscent of the conflict found in characters like Stabler, who dealt with his own family issues.
The Impact of Serena’s Absence
The absence of Serena has deprived audiences of potential touching moments during significant milestones in Olivia’s life. Serena’s perspective on pivotal events—like Olivia’s adoption of Noah or revelations about her father—could have added layers of emotional complexity. Envisioning Serena’s reactions to these moments sparks intrigue and underscores what has been lost in the narrative.
In essence, Serena’s character could have provided a multi-dimensional lens through which viewers could engage with Olivia’s journey. Her involvement could have cultivated dynamic storylines focused on family, love, and healing, had she remained more present.
As fans reflect on these narrative choices, the question remains: Did the show lose valuable storytelling opportunities by sidelining Serena Benson? The discussion is open for fans to weigh in.
Law & Order: SVU Season 26 airs on NBC on Thursdays at 9/8c. The next new episode will air on April 3, 2025.
Source
www.tvfanatic.com