14 DAY TRIAL // Season 14 of the hit NBC series “Law & Order: SVU” ended with a huge cliffhanger, as series regular Mariska Hargitay’s Olivia Benson was being held captive at gunpoint by a rapist. The season 15 special 2-episode premiere, airing last night, brings closure to that story, but only to bring more drama as well.
Above is a teaser trailer for season 15, which, as fans know, marked the return of Mariska after network executives renewed her contract after picking up the show for another year.
Speaking with TV Guide, showrunner Warren Leight stresses the obvious: New York City police Detective Olivia Benson will never be the same again after the ordeal.
“I don't think Olivia's character can ever be the same after this. And that's what we'll be playing for the rest of the season is watching her process this,” he says.
“[The road to recovery is a] path that she's watched 100 people go on over the last 15 years, so I think for an audience to see her on that path I think will be very moving and cathartic and engaging,” Leight adds.
At the same time, Benson will have to see if she can walk down this road to recovery on her own, while also helping others, which will be one of the biggest story arcs this season.
What did you think of the season 15 premiere? Let me know in the comments section below.