The Best Bensler Moment In Law And Order: SVU Season 8
The crime procedural is an exceptionally popular genre on television, and it's not difficult to see why. Though these kinds of shows tend to remind us of just how bleak the world can be, they just as often point out that there's almost always a light at the end of the tunnel. "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" is no different, highlighting some of the worst crimes imaginable while getting us acquainted with the heroes tasked with bringing those responsible to justice. In doing so, leads Detective Elliot Stabler (Christopher Meloni) and Detective Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay) have become TV legends.
Since "Law & Order: SVU" premiered way back in 1999, either Benson, Stabler, or both have served as the focal point of the series. Both are committed to their jobs, the people that sadly walk into their lives in need of help, and one another, making them one of the most beloved duos in the history of television. Of course, they're both human, so they've each endured their fair share of ups and downs over the years — be them personal or professional. However, when Benson and Stabler are on the same page, they're at their best, providing "SVU" fans with some truly special moments.
Specifically, in regards to Season 8, there's one Benson and Stabler — aka "Bensler" — scene that stands out as the best of the bunch.
Choreographed put Benson and Stabler's bond on full display
For a good portion of "Law & Order: SVU" Season 8, Olivia Benson disappeared from the spotlight. This is because, in real life, Mariska Hargitay was in the later stages of pregnancy, so she took time off to welcome her first child, August, into the world. To account for this in storyline, Benson started working on an undercover solo assignment which left Elliot Stabler to helm the show, but he didn't do so alone. Connie Nielsen joined the cast as Detective Dani Beck and worked a few cases at his side before Benson inevitably returned in "Choreographed."
Following Beck's unexpected resignation in "Cage," "Choreographed" showed viewers what Stabler had on his plate without a partner. Despite doing a decent job on his own, Benson came back as his full-time partner even though there's clearly some animosity between the two. For as alike as they may seem, they're not immune to disagreements that send their working relationship into a tailspin. Nevertheless, learning that they have the same blood type prompted them to express how much they care about each other and the lengths they'd go to keep one another around.
After so much time apart, it was exciting to see Bensler reunited once again despite the tension between them. Their dynamic returned to normal in time, but "Choreographed" planted that seed incredibly well, reassuring us that there isn't a problem big enough that could tear them apart for good. For that reason, Benson and Stabler's reunion is the best moment out of their entire Season 8 story.