One Time SVU Writers Tried Giving Olivia Benson A Truly Interesting Storyline But Messed It Up
It would've been so much better than another kidnapping!
If there is one thing that Law & Order: Special Victims Unit fans can say for sure is that there has been more than enough trouble for Olivia Benson over the years.
Realistically speaking, almost no human being could have recovered from what she's been through so gracefully, let alone go back to work.
But as unrealistic as it is, SVU has its own way of dealing with trauma and does not give Benson a break, no matter how much she needs one.
And even though many fans seem to sympathize with her, it's hard to deny that the constant drama is very entertaining to watch, and Mariska Hargitay 's performance shines even brighter through the character's misery and struggle.
What the fanbase would really appreciate, though, is a change of pace. Despite every kidnapping or threat Benson goes through, the story is just as breathtaking and tense as the first one.
You would expect a person who has been through this so many times to be more cautious, but that's not the case with Captain Benson.
A story that could have been just as devastating (if not more so) and allowed the character to evolve into something new that has yet to be seen on the show was briefly toyed with in seasons 14 and 15.
We've seen that Olivia likes her red wine a little too much for someone with a history of alcoholism in her family, and fans believe that this story would have great potential.
A battle with addiction could be one of the biggest threats Olivia Benson has ever faced, and it would show her in a more vulnerable way.
The story would raise the stakes, bring back the feeling of genuine concern for the character in trouble, and once again show her mental strength.
As unfortunate as it is, these little hints never turned into a major storyline.
However, with SVU being renewed for another season along with other shows in the Law & Order franchise, there is a slight chance that the writers will bring her back and be brave enough to face her this time.