On the long-running series Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay) and Elliot Stabler (Christopher Meloni) shared a close bond, but it’s her friendship with Amanda Rollins (Kelli Giddish) that holds the most significance for Benson. As Rollins is set to rejoin the cast of SVU as a series regular in season 27, fans can look forward to seeing Benson and Rollins working together once more. Though the dynamic between Benson and Stabler has kept viewers engaged for two decades, with some hoping their relationship might develop romantically, it’s the friendship between Benson and Rollins that truly matters most to her character.
It came as quite a surprise when Giddish reappeared on the show so swiftly, especially in SVU‘s season 27 after such a long time. Hargitay expressed disappointment when Giddish departed mid-season 24 as a regular cast member, but she has made occasional guest appearances since then. The bond between Rollins and Benson significantly transformed the dynamics of Benson’s relationships within SVU. For years, working in a predominantly male environment with few female friendships, Rollins introduced Benson to a novel type of relationship that viewers hadn’t witnessed before. As a result, their friendship holds great significance for Benson.
Kelli Giddish’s Return To Law & Order: SVU Confirms How Important Benson’s Relationship Is With Rollins
Benson & Rollins Are A Dynamic Duo
It was announced on the day the season 26 finale of “SVU” aired that Mariska Hargitay (Giddish) would reprise her role as Rollins in season 27, this time as a series regular. Fans were disheartened when Rollins departed, particularly because of her bond with Benson, a connection that had not been seen from Benson since the beginning of “SVU”. As previously mentioned, prior to Rollins’ arrival, Benson only formed close relationships with her male colleagues. With Giddish returning, Rollins and Benson can continue their storyline from where it left off.
On SVU, Rollins is indispensable because her bond with Benson sets her apart from other characters. Giddish’s comeback not only allows them to act together again, but it also gives fans the opportunity to watch Rollins and Benson tackle cases once more. They make an exceptional team, and having Rollins back underscores the show’s dedication to its fundamental relationships.
Why Rollins’ Relationship With Benson Is More Important Than Her Dynamic With Stabler
Rollins & Benson Have A Connection Based Off Friendship And Not A Potential Romance
On SVU, Benson’s association with Stabler often took center stage, but her bond with Rollins presents a more profound, emotionally resonant link. Unlike the lingering unease with Stabler, Benson and Rollins forged a relationship founded on trust, openness, and mutual personal development. Moreover, Rollins represented Benson’s first significant female friendship within SVU, a dynamic quite distinct from her interactions with her male colleagues.
Rollins provided Benson with an environment where honesty thrived, unlike what Stabler had offered her before. Unlike their complex, potentially romantic or tension-filled dynamic with Stabler, Rollins and Benson’s bond was built on open communication and unwavering support. This consistent, growing relationship has made Rollins one of the most crucial characters in Benson’s life.
What Rollins’ Return In Law & Order: SVU Season 27 Might Mean For Benson & Stabler’s Stagnant Relationship
Benson Can Focus On Her Work And Platonic Relationships
With Meloni taking on a lead role in “Law & Order: Organized Crime,” Stabler’s appearances on “SVU” have become less frequent. In seasons 25 and 26, Stabler made occasional guest appearances but is no longer a regular fixture. Although his appearances are scarce now, the strong connection between Stabler and Benson continues to captivate audiences, and their intricate relationship still plays a significant role whenever he reappears. However, with Rollins back in the mix, Benson can now focus more on her relationship with Stabler.
Rollins’ previous role of offering honest counsel and emotional comfort to Benson could aid her in addressing long-standing emotions towards Stabler, potentially fostering significant growth in Benson’s personal life. In other words, the return of Rollins on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit might facilitate Benson’s personal and professional growth.
If you appreciate ScreenRant’s prime-time coverage, why not sign up for my weekly Network TV newsletter? By doing so, you can receive exclusive insights straight from actors and showrunners about the shows you adore. Don’t forget to select “Network TV” in your preferences!
Read More
- 50 Goal Sound ID Codes for Blue Lock Rivals
- Quarantine Zone: The Last Check Beginner’s Guide
- 50 Ankle Break & Score Sound ID Codes for Basketball Zero
- Ultimate Myth Idle RPG Tier List & Reroll Guide
- Lucky Offense Tier List & Reroll Guide
- Mirren Star Legends Tier List [Global Release] (May 2025)
- Every House Available In Tainted Grail: The Fall Of Avalon
- Should You Save Vidar Or Give Him To The Children Of Morrigan In Tainted Grail: The Fall Of Avalon?
- How to use a Modifier in Wuthering Waves
- Enshrouded Hemotoxin Crisis: How to Disable the Curse and Save Your Sanity!
2025-06-07 19:57