Christopher Meloni wants a special conclusion for his character Elliot Stabler and Mariska Hargitay’s Olivia Benson. The actor, who returned to the Law & Order universe in 2021, recently shared his vision for the iconic duo’s future. He believes the characters should have a definitive and satisfying send-off.

Meloni discussed the pair’s future in an interview with People. His comments come after a recent emotional season premiere where Stabler expressed his love for Benson. The moment has reignited long-standing fan speculation about a potential romantic future for the partners.

The Challenge and Allure of a Benson-Stabler Romance

Meloni acknowledged the difficulty of bringing the characters together romantically. He stated that for Benson and Stabler to get together is “hard.” The actor pointed to the depth of their unspoken understanding as a key element of their connection. He described this unique friendship as inherently “sexy.”

The dynamic has been a cornerstone of the franchise since its 1999 debut. Meloni credits his real-life friendship with Hargitay for making his return to the series seamless. He reflected on their shared history, noting that no one else can bridge the gap of their long journey together.

An Improvised “I Love You” and Its Lasting Impact

The emotional season 27 premiere featured a pivotal moment for the characters. Stabler told Benson “I love you” during a scene mourning their late captain. Mariska Hargitay later revealed to Today that the line was an ad-lib by Meloni. She felt it was the truth of the scene and that he needed to say it.

Hargitay joked that Stabler is clearly in love with Benson. The moment has set a new tone for their relationship moving forward. While a definitive ending is not yet in sight, Meloni’s vision provides a clear direction for the characters fans have followed for over two decades.

The ultimate resolution for Benson and Stabler remains a central question for the show’s passionate audience. Christopher Meloni’s hope for a sunset-ending ensures fans will be watching closely for any development in this long-running character arc.