TV

Olivia Benson May Rule SVU, but There’s One Thing She’ll Never Have

Olivia Benson May Rule SVU, but There’s One Thing She’ll Never Have
Image credit: NBC, Legion-Media

Still no prospects after 25 years of the show.

Summary:

  • As the longest-running Law & Order spin-off, Special Victims Unit has followed the life of Olivia Benson for 25 years.
  • Mariska Hargitay 's character has become synonymous with the show and has been promoted to captain after years of work.
  • However, there is a thing the show refuses to give her: love and a successful romance.

Given all the background on Olivia Benson that Special Victims Unit viewers now have, it’s not hard to guess why she finds it hard to open up. She has been wounded by people whom she thought closest to her from a very young age, and then spent years working in an environment where she was constantly reminded of women’s vulnerability.

Surely, she has her friends and colleagues as her support system, and she has an adoptive son, whom she loves dearly. However, one season after the other, fans find Olivia Benson to be extremely lonely and in need of a romantic connection that would last.

Is Bensler Canon in Law & Order?

One of the things that seems to keep the writers from involving Olivia in too many romantic relationships is the huge Bensler fandom, which is still active even though Elliot Stabler hasn't been a part of Special Victims Unit for many years. A ship that began when the two worked hand-in-hand has always been teased, but never materialized.

Olivia Benson May Rule SVU, but There’s One Thing She’ll Never Have - image 1

Now, with both Benson and Stabler working in different divisions, and Law & Order: Organized Crime is becoming a streaming exclusive under Stabler's leadership, the chances of a proper crossover are insanely slim.

And if the creators don't plan to bring them together sooner rather than later, some viewers will continue to beg for someone else to enter Olivia's life, while others believe that the writers' decision to keep Benson's romances brief is a perfect way to portray a strong woman dedicated to her job.

“I like that Liv is basically "married to the job" and while she clearly enjoys the company of men, she hasn't made man-hunting the primary goal in life. There are many happy and successful "career women" in the world,” Redditor Secret_Asparagus_783 said.

While some people aren't excited about the prospect of Olivia getting into a serious relationship because of Stabler, and others want to see her as a career-oriented woman first, another category of fans just doesn't believe in the show's ability to write a strong and happy relationship without it turning out boring.

Either way, it doesn't look like Benson will be settling down anytime soon. However, season 25 won't be the last we see of her and the Special Victims Unit cases, so there's still a chance that someone will sweep her off her feet in season 26. Be sure to keep an eye out for any news and updates to be the first to know about potential love interests.