What Transpires for Mariska Hargitay in the Season 27 Finale of SVU?
The Law & Order: Special Victims Unit season 27 finale reaffirmed that Mariska Hargitay’s Capt. Olivia Benson is precisely where she belongs.
In the episode aired on Thursday, May 14, titled “Monster,” the squad faced a critical confrontation as Benson confronted Chief Kathryn Tynan (Noma Dumezweni) in a climactic showdown.
This season, Tynan had previously suspended Benson from her role as SVU captain. Meanwhile, the new Detective Jake Griffin (Corey Cott) was working to uncover incriminating information about Tynan to alleviate the ongoing tensions. Despite having a close relationship with Tynan, who acted as a surrogate parent to him after his father’s death in the line of duty, Griffin uncovered that Tynan had aided his dad, believed to be a corrupt officer, in covering up a murder.
In another dramatic turn during the episode, Griffin was shot while on duty. Upon Tynan’s arrival at the hospital, she threatened Benson’s position for allegedly endangering her team.
“I’ll have your badge for this,” Tynan warned Benson. “Your career is finished, and I feel no remorse about that.”
Benson responded confidently, “I don’t believe that’s going to happen.”
It was then disclosed that Griffin had recorded his conversation with Tynan about his father, positioning Tynan’s career at risk instead.
Benson stated her intention not to use the recording but asserted she wouldn’t allow Tynan to “destroy” her career.
SVU showrunner Michele Fazekas mentioned in an interview with People prior to the finale that she aimed for viewers to recognize the impending end of Benson’s career.
“Mariska has been a part of this show for 27 years. It’s natural to think, ‘This must come to an end eventually,’ so we shouldn’t ignore that,” she explained. “Let’s embrace it.”
While developing season 27, Fazekas intended for Benson to express her reasons for remaining in her job.
“It’s like, ‘I continue because there’s nothing else I can do,’” Fazekas remarked. “And thus, she somewhat reaffirms her commitment.”
With the next season of SVU on the horizon — NBC confirmed the show’s renewal last month — Fazekas expressed the importance of focusing on “this core group” of detectives.
“I really wanted to bring the focus back to that,” she told People. “They apprehended the perpetrator, and the issues with Tynan have been largely resolved.”
Law & Order: SVU is now available for streaming on Peacock.
