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This article contains spoilers for Season 5 Episodes 1 and 2 of “Law & Order: Organized Crime.”
Christopher Meloni made his highly anticipated return as Elliot Stabler in a compelling two-part episode of “Law & Order: Organized Crime,” which he personally penned. The storyline featured a notable appearance from his former partner on “SVU,” Olivia Benson, portrayed by Mariska Hargitay.
In an interview with TheWrap, Meloni expressed his desire to write this storyline, stating, “I wanted to write it because I think I write the Benson/Stabler dynamic well.” He acknowledged the ambition behind his statement but felt confident in his portrayal of their complex relationship.
Dating back to their initial introduction in 1999, Stabler and Benson have developed a deep, albeit tumultuous, bond that has kept fans guessing about the nature of their relationship for years.
The two-part episode presents Stabler recovering in the hospital from a concussion sustained while rescuing a young girl from a sex trafficking operation. This scenario allows for his family and close companions, including Benson, to express their emotions while he is unconscious.
Meloni described this setup as a way to refresh the familiar relationship dynamic, noting, “It was a way to potentially skirt the same old, same old, which is when they get together: Will they? Won’t they?” He emphasized that the physical barrier of Stabler’s condition introduces a new layer to their interaction.
Injecting some humor, Meloni included a memorable line where Stabler, upon awakening, asks Benson for privacy as he changes from his hospital gown to street clothes, playfully saying, “Or you can just stand there and watch me get naked.”
Reflecting on a sequence in which Stabler dreams while in a coma, Meloni depicted scenes of Stabler interacting with figures from his past and experiencing moments of loss and longing as he explains to his mother that he was dreaming about “things he’d lost.”
With the show’s transition from NBC to Peacock+, Meloni noted a newfound freedom for more explicit content regarding language and action. He humorously confirmed the possibilities for stronger language, stating, “Yes, all of the above,” while noting that Stabler’s physicality takes on a more pronounced edge in this latest arc.
Meloni also hinted at an exciting trajectory for the rest of the season, describing it as “the evolution of Stabler.” He mentioned a forthcoming storyline that deeply challenges Stabler’s moral compass, posing questions about the lengths he is willing to go for justice and revenge.
New episodes of “Law & Order: Organized Crime” continue to premiere on Peacock+ every Thursday.
Source
www.thewrap.com