Benson & Stabler Ride Again: Our 10 Favorite EO Moments!

(Last Updated On: February 16, 2021)

Whether you shipped them or not, there is no denying that Olivia Benson and Elliot Stabler will go down in television history as one of the best partnerships. And now they are reuniting after a decade apart! 

Earlier this year, it was revealed that Elliot Stabler – and portrayer Christopher Meloni – would be getting his own show as part of show creator Dick Wolf’s deal with Universal. Fans like myself went wild over the news and thanks to showrunner Warren Leight, we have learned something pretty exciting! In the latest SVU Squadroom podcast episode, Leight teased “it’s pretty clear that Elliot will be in the SVU season opener.” During the episode, they also shared some things about Stabler’s return that didn’t get to be filmed due to the Coronavirus production shutdown as well as some interesting tidbits on the way for Law & Order: SVU’s twenty-second season. You can check that out at tvinsider.com.

In celebration of this duo reuniting, we’ve decided to count down some of our favorite moments between Benson and Stabler. Check them out and let us know your favorites:

Stalked (Season 1, Episode 8)

Early on in the first season, Olivia found herself in the path of a creepy stalker. In this sweet and funny scene, Elliot expressed his concern for his partner wanting to make sure she stayed safe. The kind of banter in this scene would go on to be part of their normal working relationship and friendship as it grew.

Bombshell (Season 12, Episode 19)

From “Wildlife” to “Ace,” we always loved when this pair would go undercover together. And it seems like Elliot did too. It was revealed that his spinoff would see him leading an NYPD organized crime unit which often sees officers infiltrate various criminal organizations. In this episode, Elliot and Olivia pose as a married couple in a swingers club to find suspects in the stabbing of a weapons company CEO. 

Pursuit (Season 12, Episode 17)

This one doesn’t really need an explanation. Lol. 

After their colleague, ADA Sonya Paxton is murdered, Elliot returns from his trip to make sure Olivia is okay. They share a rare moment of PDA with this amazing hug.  

Fat (Season 7, Episode 20)

“Fault,” “Fat,” and “Web.” Also known as the holy EO trilogy! Season seven was a turning point in Benson and Stabler’s relationship. Before they had always teetered around the line between partners and something more but with Elliot’s marriage on the rocks they began to inch towards that line. After realizing what was happening, Olivia decided to be the one to step away and left SVU. The unexpected move hurt Elliot and when he asked her why she didn’t tell him she responded with a resounding “it was just too complicated.” 

Paternity (Season 9, Episode 9)

I know…another hug?! Like I said earlier, a rare moment for them so we’re going to celebrate. This one came after Olivia saved the life of Elliot’s wife Kathy and his newborn baby after a car accident. Not only would she go the extra mile for him but for his family as well.  

Burned (Season 8, Episode 11)

Still reeling from their fallout and being on opposite sides during a case, Olivia found herself at Elliot’s doorstep in the middle of the night. They talked through their issues both realizing that they needed to take a step back from their emotions when it came to each other before it did any irreparable damage.  

Choreographed (Season 8, Episode 9)

Season eight certainly was an interesting one for these partners. They are still dealing with the aftermath of “Fault” and not really getting along throughout the case involving a tangled web of marriages and betrayals. Though, by the end of the episode, it seems like their relationship is heading back in the right direction as they acknowledge even in the midst of tension they would risk their own lives for the other. 

Quarry (Season 6, Episode 13)

As a former EO shipper, I love this scene. But as someone who has watched Olivia Benson blossom as a person in every aspect of life for the last ten years – I ADORE IT! Olivia has always had a difficult time living with where…or more so who she comes from. She was the product of a rape and a mother who used alcohol to cope, When a case that involved a suspect with “questionable genes” began to stir up those feelings in her she can’t help but reach out to one person who knew her best. Elliot looks past her undermining of the situation to tell her how great she turned out despite her origin. 

Closure (Season 1, Episode 10)

Partners for life! After Olivia gets tangled up in an office romance, she gets some advice from Elliot. But his declaration of “I’m your partner for better or worse” would go on to be such a central theme for these two for years to come. They have seen each other through the toughest of situations…and some of the most amazing ones too!

Fault (Season 7, Episode 19)

The best of the best. One of my all-time favorite SVU episodes and we could use this entire episode for this list. Between the fight, Elliot telling Olivia to shoot even though it would probably end in his death, and of course this final scene. A heartbreaking case leads to tension between the duo when Elliot chose to check on Olivia over chasing down a suspect. His move ended up causing a young boy his life and he took that anger out on Olivia. Realizing that their closeness has clouded their judgment they have a tough conversation about their relationship.

Sharing is caring!

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *