After days of percolating on the simply adorable photos of two of television’s favorite stars, it’s time for an unofficial investigation into what exactly is going on.
Mariska Hargitay and Chris Meloni were recently seen on the set of “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” smiling, embracing and touching faces.
The photos thrilled their fans for a multitude of reasons. Firstly, their characters, Capt. Olivia Benson and Detective Elliot Stabler, haven’t physically been in the same scene on “SVU” since the Season 24 finale back in 2023 (yes, you read that right).
Secondly, the beloved pair also reunited with one of their OG “SVU” co-stars, Dann Florek, who portrayed Special Victims Unit boss Capt. Donald Cragen until the character’s retirement in Season 15. Meloni shared photos of himself with Hargitay and Florek on his Instagram page Aug. 2.
“Hangin with friends on a Friday nite,” he captioned the trio of pics.
Florek last made an appearance on “SVU” via FaceTime during the show’s 500th episode in 2021, and he’s made some appearances on “OC” for some sentimental scenes with Meloni.
He appeared to be casually dressed in his photos with Meloni and Hargitay, who were both sporting suits and looked to be in character.
Hargitay posted about being together again with Meloni on Instagram Aug. 4, sharing a photo of her and her longtime friend holding hands and smiling.
“Reunited,” she wrote, along with two blue heart emoji.
New Photos Show Mariska Hargitay and Chris Meloni, or Olivia Benson and Elliot Stabler, Hugging
Now, to one of the most important points in this very unserious investigation: What is the story behind the photos of these two hugging?
Cameras are visible in one of the pictures, which could mean fans will get just their fifth canon Benson-Stabler hug in 27 seasons. (We will never forget the one hug that was taken from us.)
What Is Happening With Benson and Stabler’s Relationship?
There are also lingering questions about Benson and Stabler’s relationship status. While Meloni guest-starred last season in a scene to rough up a guy who approached Benson’s son, one of Stabler’s last big “SVU” moments with Benson happened when they almost kissed in her kitchen back in Season 24.
She later told him that was “a bad time” for her, and Stabler said it was “just not the right moment.” (OK, then when is the right moment?)
Let us not forget the compass necklace, a gift from Stabler to Benson in the Season 24 finale crossover event with “OC.” He told her he hoped it would lead her to happiness.
Hargitay told TODAY.com in January 2024 that she and Meloni designed that necklace together.
“I wanted Chris’ impact because he’s so thoughtful and specific and does such a deep dive on things like this that matter,” Hargitay said. “I wanted it to mean as much to him as it meant to me. So he’s the one that came up with what the (symbols on the compass) stood for.”
Meloni later told us the necklace symbolizes “true north.”
“You know, you’re the star by which you navigate,” he said. “It was kind of a fitting — we’ve both been navigating turbulent seas, whether it’s in the storytelling part of it or in the personal life part of the storytelling. I think the sense of navigation.”
Benson loaned the necklace to a victim’s mother in the Season 25 finale, and it hasn’t been seen since. (We think it’s the right moment to bring that back — unless she has found her happiness with a certain bald-headed detective.)
When Were Benson and Stabler Last on Screen Together?
Hargitay and Meloni’s characters last shared the screen in the most recent season of “Organized Crime” in an episode Meloni wrote.
Stabler spent part of the episode in a coma, and Meloni told TODAY.com in April that Benson was his character’s “icebreaker” that could “almost break through” Stabler’s coma.
“It’s her voice that he hears,” he said.
Benson and Stabler also shared some uncharacteristically silly scenes, like when Stabler wanted to leave the hospital and told Benson she could help him out or “just stand there and watch me get naked.”
Meloni described that moment as “a nod to the fans.”
It was also important for him to write the episode featuring Hargitay because he said he “inevitably” rewrites their characters’ scenes.
“I thought it was a natural and correct evolution to get to gain greater insight into their engagements — maybe not where they’re going and all that stuff,” he said. “Those are bigger-ticket items. How they speak to each other, how they feel about each other.”
One thing is for certain: It’s about time viewers get some answers about what’s going on with these two. And we can only hope that Season 27 of “SVU,” which premieres Sept. 25 on NBC, will give us some.
