The List of Every Law & Order: SVU and Organized Crime Crossover
The two hit NBC crime series not only share a universe, but also some storylines.
In its 30-year history, the Law & Order franchise has spawned many spinoffs, but the most successful one was SVU, which has been running for 24 consecutive seasons.
Many of the characters from that series have become fan favorites, so NBC's decision to make a separate series called Law & Order: Organized Crime with Christopher Meloni returning as Detective Elliot Stabler was met with great enthusiasm.
Former partners Stabler and Olvia Benson got back together and made a habit of appearing in each other's series, allowing the writers to create some pretty interesting crossovers over the past two years.
So, without further ado, here is the list of all the SVU and Organized Crimes crossovers:
1. "Return of the Prodigal Son" (SVU season 22 episode 9) + "What Happens in Puglia" (Organized Crime season 1 episode 1)
Stabler returns to New York from Italy to attend a dinner honoring his former partner Olivia Benson, but instead suffers a devastating loss when his wife Cathy is killed in a car bombing apparently meant for him. With the help of Benson and the other policemen, Stabler rejoins the ranks of the NYPD, becoming the new head of the Organized Crime Bureau. The writers of the series managed to bring back everyone's favorite character by creating an interesting redemption arc and explaining in detail why Stabler returned to the Big Apple.
2. "Trick Rolled at the Moulin" (SVU season 22 episode 13) + "An Inferior Product" (OC season 1 episode 5)
One of the most critically acclaimed storylines of SVU's season 22 came in the form of a crossover with Organized Crime, when once again Benson and Stable were forced to work together, investigating three women suspected of robbing wealthy men. This storyline proved extremely personal for the former partners and had a huge impact on their work and friendship.
3. "I Thought You Were on My Side" (SVU season 23 episode 3) + "New World Order" (OC season 2 episode 2) + "The Outlaw Eddie Wagner" (OC season 2, episode 3)
In this three-part crossover event, Benson confronts Stabler. The story explores their loyalty and allegiance to their respected agencies. When a rape victim identifies an important and extremely dangerous mobster as her abuser, SVU and OC will have to work together to solve this complex mystery, trying not to put targets on their backs in the process. Not only is this crossover well-written, but it also explores in depth the political implications of the cops' actions.
4. "The People vs Richard Wheatley" (SVU season 23 episode 9) + "The Christmas Episode" (OC season 2 episode 9)
This time Stabler and Benson put their differences aside as they try to get the man they believe is responsible for Katie's murder behind bars. But, of course, nothing goes according to their plan, some friends become enemies, and character's loyalties are constantly changing. And that's not all – Stabler's son Eli is missing, and Benson and her team will do everything they can to reunite father and son. The storylines collide, once again reminding everyone why we love Law & Order so much.
5. "Did You Believe in Miracles?" (SVU season 23 episode 20) + "Lost One" (OC season 2 episode 20)
A schoolgirl is reported missing and Benson's team must investigate the case. But it looks like Stabler's help will be needed, as a surprising connection to the Brotherhood is discovered. A short suspense crossover about children and their parents, questions Benson's role as a mother, while adding layers to her relationship with Stabler.
6. "Gimme Shelter Part 1" (OC season 3 episode 1) + "Gimme Shelter Part 2" (SVU season 24 episode 1) + "Gimme Shelter Part 3" (Law & Order season 22 episode 1)
The crossover between the three Law & Order series was one of the most anticipated events of this television season, and the writers certainly pulled it off, making the most of the characters they have and creating a fascinating story about international criminal gangs, murders and unexplained shootings. Truth be told, it was just great to see all these different characters appearing together on screen, exchanging jokes and figuring out the truth.