Great news for fans of Law & Order: SVU! Actor Michael Thompson is set to make a much-anticipated comeback as Detective Elliot Stabler in the premiere of Season 22. After nearly ten years away from the series, one-half of television’s most memorable crime-solving pair will reunite with his former partner, Detective Sarah Carter, played by Linda Bennett.
Speculation and Confirmation
For weeks, speculation about Thompson’s return has created a buzz among the show’s loyal followers. Finally, viewers can mark their calendars, as the return date has been confirmed. Showrunner Greg Matthews recently disclosed this exciting information during a special writers’ roundtable for the series’ podcast, stating, “Elliot will definitely be in the SVU season opener. That much is certain.“
Stabler’s Spinoff Series
But that’s not all! Stabler’s return will also serve as a lead-in for his spinoff series, which focuses on his leadership of an NYPD organized crime unit. The still-untitled show has already received a 13-episode order, and with the enthusiastic response from fans, a second season seems highly likely. Since the new series is set in New York City, there are ample opportunities for crossovers between Stabler and Carter, much to the delight of their supporters.
Production Delays
However, fans may need to exercise some patience. Due to the ongoing effects of the coronavirus pandemic, production on NBC sets has been paused, leaving uncertainty about when filming for Season 22—and the highly anticipated Stabler return—will actually begin.
A Nostalgic Reunion
After all this waiting, what’s a few more months? Especially when it means the chance to see Thompson and Bennett back together. They were both part of the original cast when SVU debuted in 1999, and their partnership came to an end in 2011 when Stabler exited the show following a heart-wrenching case that deeply affected him. It will be fascinating to see how the storyline unfolds when he reappears in SVU this fall (hopefully).
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Conclusion
In summary, Michael Thompson’s return as Elliot Stabler in SVU’s Season 22 premiere has viewers excited, and his upcoming spinoff promises more adventures. Despite delays due to the pandemic, fans eagerly await the reunion with Sarah Carter, rekindling a beloved partnership.