Skip to main content

Things are getting messy on Law & Order: Organized Crime. Elliot Stabler (Christopher Meloni) is dealing with feelings for two different women while grieving the loss of his wife. Season 2 is likely to bring even more drama. One thing that’s for sure: Elliot is really confused when it comes to Olivia Benson and Angela Wheatley.

Angela Wheatley betrayed Elliot

Christopher Meloni and Mariska Hargitay together in a scene from 'Law & Order: SVU.'
Elliot Stabler (Christopher Meloni) and Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay) | Virginia Sherwood/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images

While investigating the death of Kathy Stabler (Isabel Gillies), Elliot began developing feelings for Angela Wheatley (Tamara Taylor), the ex-wife of Richard Wheatley (Dylan McDermott). Since Angela experienced a loss of her own (her son), Elliot believed she was a safe haven he could run to for support and comfort. He would often stop by her apartment and talk about his grief.

Things took a dark turn when Elliot discovered Angela was the one who ordered a hit on his wife. The woman he was developing feelings for turned out to be a traitor. Things are complicated by the fact that Angela implied she’s in love with Elliot. Her lawyer asked if she loved him, and she had a look on her face that seemed to confirm his suspicions.

Elliot was angry with Angela after discovering her role in his wife’s death. However, his romantic feelings for her seemed to resurface after she was poisoned. When Richard made fun of Angela’s condition and said his lawyer told him she had “a little tummy ache,” Elliot became visibly upset and pushed Richard into his car. Elliot’s feelings also came back as we watched her clinging to life at the end of the season 1 finale.

Things are complicated with Elliot Stabler and Oliva Benson

Mariska Hargitay as Captain Olivia Benson and Christopher Meloni as Detective Elliot Stabler in a scene from 'Law & Order: Organized Crime'
Mariska Hargitay as Captain Olivia Benson and Christopher Meloni as Detective Elliot Stabler | Virginia Sherwood/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images

Elliot’s feelings for Olivia (Mariska Hargitay) came through during an intervention his family held for him after he began exhibiting signs of PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). At one point during the intervention, he says, “I love you,” and looks directly at Olivia. However, he catches himself when he sees the shocked looks on everyone’s faces. He then says he loves all of them.

Even Richard can see Elliot is in love with Olivia. While speaking to Angela, he lets her know she is not the love of Elliot’s life. They may have shared some passionate moments, but Richard assures her Elliot is not thinking of her when they’re together. Rather, Olivia is the woman on his mind. Richard didn’t specifically name Olivia, but when Angela asked about it, her lawyer told her Richard most likely referred to Olivia.

How does Olivia feel about Elliot?

Olivia is aware that Elliot is a man who is still grieving his wife. She’s smart enough to realize he is likely confused because he just needs someone to hold on to for support. Oliva has fond feelings for Elliot, but it seems like she’s being very careful about the whole thing. She cherishes their friendship and the years they spent as partners, but she knows the timing is all wrong for a romance.

Will a romance ever happen between these two? It’s not clear just yet how Olivia is really feeling about Elliot. She seems more concerned about making sure he is OK emotionally. Romance doesn’t seem to be on her mind right now. We’re not sure if there ever will be a relationship between them. The Law & Order: SVU Season 22 finale seemed to suggest something could happen in the future, but things are still fuzzy.

At the end of season Law & Order: SVU Season 22 Episode 16 (titled “Wolves in Sheep’s Clothing”), Elliot asks how Fin (Ice-T) met his fiancée. Oliva says they used to be partners. After she says this, Elliot gives her a brief look, and then they raise their wine glasses, toasting to partners.

Follow Sheiresa Ngo on Twitter.