Mariska Hargitay has been gracing our televisions since 1999, or for over two decades now. In that time on Law & Order: SVU, she has seen countless castmates come and go, whether they be regulars or simply special guests. Given that each episode is focused on a different crime, the actors and actresses who come and go are numerous and constant.
Over the years, though, both her personally, as well as her character, Benson, have developed some real and strong relationships with each other. It makes sense because if you work with someone day in and day out, it is impossible not to build chemistry and rapport. One of the strongest connections has always appeared to be Detective Stabler (Christopher Meloni). But fans expecting an on-screen romance, you may want to cool your jets a little.
Hargitay and Meloni have been working together on Law & Order for years now. Their characters, Capt. Benson and Det. Stabler, have been close for a long time, and throughout the show's history, writers have even hinted at a potential relationship brewing. In fact, Stabler's spin-off show, Law & Order: Organized Crime, has bounced the idea for multiple seasons as well.
While Hartigay knows her character intimately, fans are a bit disappointed at her recent interview on Alex Cooper's Call Her Daddy podcast. Hartigay has nothing but positive things to say about her co-star, but that does not mean she is looking for their characters to be more than just friends, at least not yet.
In response to the idea of a show relationship, Hartigay said, “Maybe on the last episode, I think that’s when they should be together... if it’s right. We’ll see when we get there. We are soulmates, in a way. We are. And I think that, I mean, Chris has had a profound impact on my life, my artistry. I think we’ve had a big impact on each other. And so Olivia and Elliot are… but let’s see where the story takes us, you know?"
Reading between the lines, it seems Hartigay does not want it as part of the plot until the show is ending. Fans are finding that to be a shame, as many have shipped the two for years now. In the past, Meloni has also spoken about the topic, especially after the near kiss the two shared upon his return to the series.
“[We are] doing the best we can to make it honest, not make it bait. If we do bait, at least for me, I always do it with a wink,” he said at the time. “I think it’s good-natured, but maybe you guys are over that. And that’s valid.” In other words, people want it to go to the next step, but as of now, it does not appear that that will be coming any time soon.
Benson and Stabler have quite a connection, on the screen as well as off of it. The plot has constantly hinted at more, but it has never crossed that line. The fan base may feel it has been a constant tease, but perhaps the real goal has just been to make the situation play out as naturally as possible. Nevertheless, it appears "natural" may not be here for a while yet, much to the dismay of hardcore shippers.