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The Law & Order franchise has largely sidelined the dynamic between Benson and Stabler for nearly two years, but this trend has finally shifted.
In Law & Order: Organized Crime Season 5 Episode 2, viewers witness Benson by Stabler’s side as he recovers from an incident that placed him in a medically induced coma, further intertwining their fates. Stabler also makes a brief appearance in Law & Order: SVU Season 26 Episode 19.
Fans of the series are buzzing about the possibility that Benson and Stabler may already be sharing a secret romance, eagerly anticipating more overtly affectionate scenes. However, I approach the situation with a different perspective.
Concerns About Storytelling Quality Amidst Romantic Speculation
While I understand the excitement surrounding Benson and Stabler, my disappointment stems from the narrative choices made in previous seasons.
Season 24 Episode 22 of Law & Order: SVU left Bensler enthusiasts with high hopes for the development of their relationship, with hints of romance implied in a pivotal scene in Benson’s office and an almost-kiss earlier in the season.
Disregarding this potential felt like a significant miss in storytelling, especially as Stabler’s investigations could have intersected neatly with the troubling Maddie Flynn storyline that spanned Season 25.
The Maddie subplot, involving a character kept under the influence of fentanyl, had parallels to Stabler’s hunt for narcotics suppliers, suggesting a natural overlap that could have enriched both narratives.
Instead, viewers were subjected to weeks of Benson’s increasingly frantic search for Maddie, with her single interaction with Stabler revolving around a necklace he had given her. This scene felt out of character for Stabler, who appeared more supportive of Benson’s unhealthy obsession with the Flynn family than concerned for her wellbeing.
For me, this narrative flaw overshadowed any interest in the potential for a romantic relationship between the two characters.
Importance of Focus in Law & Order
Upon its debut, Law & Order: SVU offered refreshing insights into Stabler’s family life and background, a stark contrast to its predecessor, which steered clear of personal dramas. This exploration helped paint a picture of detectives as relatable human beings, akin to the family dinners seen in Blue Bloods.
Nevertheless, the central focus of these police procedurals should always remain on the cases being presented. Law & Order: SVU primarily aims to provide support for trauma survivors, addressing real issues that are often overlooked. Episodes shine when they illustrate the challenges survivors face in navigating the legal system, especially when it inadvertently re-traumatizes them.
The recent crossover event exemplified this, as it portrayed the contrasting philosophies of Benson’s empathetic approach against Brady’s more clinical, outcome-oriented tactics in law enforcement. However, the excitement surrounding Stabler’s brief appearances seems to eclipse these more significant, thought-provoking narratives.
Focusing solely on potential romantic developments between Benson and Stabler diminishes the depth and purpose of the stories being told.
Benson’s Character Development Beyond Work
Nonetheless, there are areas for improvement in how characters are portrayed, particularly regarding the shift seen in Season 26, where Carisi’s traumatic experiences have taken center stage, resulting in Benson being somewhat sidelined.
Personally, I would prefer to see more interactions between Benson and Stabler rather than focusing heavily on Carisi’s ongoing struggles. However, this highlights the larger issue of narrative focus; character-driven moments should not come at the expense of the overarching cases.
Greater emphasis on Benson’s life outside of her role at SVU, including her relationship with her teenage son and connections with friends like Stabler, would create a more comprehensive character profile without saturating episodes with romantic themes. It’s time to move past assessing episodes solely by the presence of Benson and Stabler.
Audience Engagement: What Do You Value?
As viewers, do you find yourselves drawn in by the cases and the portrayal of trauma survivors, or do you tune in primarily for the Benson and Stabler storyline?
Sharing your thoughts in the comments fosters a meaningful conversation, crucial for sustaining high-quality storytelling. Let’s keep discussing the elements that matter most.
Source
www.tvfanatic.com