Is Detective Benson Leaving SVU?
The long-running NBC drama "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" has been a staple of primetime television for over two decades. The show has seen its fair share of cast changes over the years, but one character has remained a constant presence throughout: Detective Elliot Stabler’s (Christopher Meloni) partner, Detective Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay). But in recent seasons, rumors have been circulating that Hargitay may be leaving the show. In this article, we’ll explore the rumors and provide an update on whether Detective Benson is indeed leaving SVU.
The Rumors
In October 2020, reports surfaced that Hargitay was considering leaving the show after a successful 20-year run. The rumors were fueled by Hargitay’s contract, which was set to expire in 2021. According to Variety, Hargitay had been in talks with NBC to extend her contract, but negotiations had stalled. This led to speculation that she might be leaving the show.
What Does the Future Hold for Detective Benson?
So, what does the future hold for Detective Benson? In a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly, Hargitay revealed that she has "no idea" what the future holds for her character. "I don’t know what’s going to happen," she said. "I don’t know if I’m going to be back or not."
The Show’s Creator Weighs In
Show creator Dick Wolf has also weighed in on the rumors, stating that "nothing is set in stone" regarding Hargitay’s future on the show. "We’re still talking to Mariska, and we’ll see what happens," he told TVLine.
The Impact of a Potential Departure
If Hargitay were to leave the show, it would be a significant blow to the series. Detective Benson is a central character and a fan favorite. Her departure would likely have a significant impact on the show’s dynamics and storylines.
What Would Happen to the Show?
If Hargitay were to leave, the show could potentially continue without her. Here are a few possible scenarios:
- New Partner for Detective Fin Tutuola: Fin (Ice-T) has been a part of the show since its early seasons and has a strong rapport with the other detectives. He could potentially become the new lead detective, working alongside a new partner.
- New Detective Joins the Squad: The show could introduce a new detective to the squad, potentially a younger or more inexperienced officer who would learn from the other detectives.
- The Show Ends: If Hargitay’s departure were to mark the end of the show, it would be a fitting conclusion to a successful 20-year run.
The Fans’ Reaction
Fans of the show have been vocal about their desire to see Hargitay stay on the show. A petition on Change.org has been started to keep her on the show, with over 10,000 signatures at the time of writing.
Conclusion
While the rumors surrounding Hargitay’s departure from SVU are still ongoing, it’s clear that her character is an integral part of the show. If she were to leave, it would be a significant loss for the series. However, the show’s creators have shown that they are capable of adapting to changes and continuing to produce high-quality episodes.
Table: Possible Scenarios for Detective Benson’s Departure
| Scenario | Description |
|---|---|
| New Partner for Detective Fin Tutuola | Fin becomes the new lead detective, working alongside a new partner. |
| New Detective Joins the Squad | A new detective is introduced to the squad, potentially a younger or more inexperienced officer. |
| The Show Ends | The show concludes with Hargitay’s departure, marking the end of a successful 20-year run. |
In Conclusion
While the future of Detective Benson on SVU is uncertain, it’s clear that her character is an integral part of the show. If she were to leave, it would be a significant loss for the series. However, the show’s creators have shown that they are capable of adapting to changes and continuing to produce high-quality episodes.
