Stabler was Benson’s partner for the first 12 seasons, and many ofthe bestSVUepisodesrevolve around their loyal partnership.
However,SVUcontinues to teaseBenson and Stabler’s relationshipwithout delivering payoffs or clear answers.
Season 6, Episode 8
Doubt
Stabler admits that his wife Kathy left him.
Season 7, Episode 20
Fat
Stabler requests a new partner after complicated feelings about Benson.
Season 10, Episode 7
Wildlife
Benson pretends to be Stabler’s prostitute when he goes undercover.
Season 11, Episode 9
Perverted
Stabler mortgages his house to bail Benson out of jail.
Custom Image by Yeider Chacon
Season 12, Episode 19
Bombshell
Benson and Stabler go undercover as a married couple who swings.
Season 24, Episode 12
Blood Out
Benson and Stabler almost kiss, but Benson pulls away.
While grief was an understandable reason for initial hesitation, enough time has passed that avoidance feels contrived.
Instead,Law & Orderleans on narrative stall tactics, like Stabler’s infamous letter.
Benson leadsSVU, advocating for survivors and running her squad in its case-of-the-week procedural style.
Even if Stabler were to return toSVUas a detective, their dynamic wouldn’t be the same.
Benson would be his commanding officer, not his partner, potentially creating a professional conflict.
While Benson and Stabler’s chemistry remains undeniable,Law & Order: SVUmay have evolved beyond their partnership.
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