Elliot Stabler is finally giving fans some answers about his abrupt departure nearly 10 years ago.
Christopher Meloni, who portrayed Stabler, made his last appearance on season 12 of “Law & Order: SVU.”
When the series returned from hiatus, Olivia Benson (played by Mariska Hargitay) learned that he was retiring following a shooting.
But now, ahead of his return to the franchise in the spinoff “Law & Order: Organized Crime,” Stabler is formally addressing his exit and offering up some clarity.
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A new extended trailer, shared on Instagram, teases “Stabler’s coming home.”
It features a tense scene between Stabler and Odafin Tutuola (Ice-T), who clearly has some resentment towards his longtime friend and co-worker.
"Look, when I left SVU, I know I didn't handle that well,” Stabler explains.
Fans may be stoked for Stabler’s return, but Fin isn’t letting him off as easily.
"You didn't handle it at all!" he exclaims, adding, “We worked side by side for 10 years, man!"
The scene builds on a previous promo in which Stabler explained why he’s been gone from the NYPD for so long.
“You know how so much time has passed that you can’t reach out?” he says, adding, “Days turn into months turn into years, and I just kept waiting for the right moment.”
Meloni originated the role in 1999. Stabler was Benson’s partner up until the character was written off in 2011 following contract negotiations.
NBC has been teasing Stabler’s return for months.
Ahead of the epic reunion, the 57-year-old actress posted a black-and-white photo next to her 59-year-old co-star while filming at a cemetery location.
Other pictures include two director’s chairs showing their characters’ names from “Law & Order: SVU,” with the back reading “Law & Order: Organized Crime."
Earlier this year, Meloni even shared selfies from the set of “Law & Order: SVU.”
“We are a little bit closer,” Meloni captioned a photo featuring Hargitay sitting a few feet behind him.
After delaying the spinoff due to COVID, the network announced that the “Law & Order” crossover event will air April 1.
Meloni is set to appear on an episode of “Law & Order: SVU” alongside Hargitay.
Immediately following “SVU,” NBC will premiere “Law & Order: Organized Crime” at 10pm ET/PT.
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