‘Law & Order: SVU’ Season 17, Episode 18: ‘Unholiest Alliance’ Synopsis Released – Will Olivia Benson Return?

The last episode of Law & Order: SVU left fans with a major cliffhanger. Everyone is wondering what will happen with the SVU and Olivia Benson. Even though viewers know that Mariska Hargitay’s character would never do anything to jeopardize her career, Tucker is facing some serious allegations and Benson is caught right in the middle of it all.

Law & Order: SVU is on hiatus for a few weeks, but in the meantime, NBC has released the synopsis for the next episode. It does appear that in season 17, episode 18 that the Catholic schoolgirl sex ring storyline will continue. Unfortunately, Hargitay’s name isn’t mentioned in the press release. Will Olivia Benson return to the SVU?

As seen on the last episode of Law & Order: SVU, Olivia Benson was forced to pack up her desk. So, what can viewers expect when L&O returns?

“When one of their own is implicated in a cover-up,” Spoilers Guide teased the “Unholiest Alliance” synopsis, “the SVU struggles to unravel a sex trafficking operation deeply rooted in government offices, the police department and the Catholic Church.”

We knew all you #SVUDiehards would come through. Here's your second deleted scene from last nights episode… Enjoy! https://t.co/TKzWCVLTdX

— SVU Writers Room (@SVUWritersRoom) March 3, 2016

For those worried about Mariska Hargitay’s future on Law & Order: SVU, it is unlikely Olivia Benson will be gone for long. She is one of the core cast members and one of the most popular. It is true that the others have left the series, such as Christopher Meloni, who played Elliot Stabler. This is just a theory, but I really don’t see Mariska leaving right now.

As for Benson’s job, someone else will be taking over the SVU, it is just until the investigation into Tucker is complete. Benson and Tucker were involved, so it is understandable why she was taken out of command. It is just a precaution and during an investigation, all the bases have to be covered.

The whole conversation is one of the best parts of #ManhattanTransfer.#SVU pic.twitter.com/4Jo4WpTY6c

— Mariska Mission (@MariskaMission) March 4, 2016

What will be interesting to see is what happens with Tucker. As E! Online mentioned in their recap of the episode, it is being claimed that Tucker was told about the Catholic schoolgirl sex ring last year. Some in law enforcement might have backed off since judges, police officers and even a congressman were involved. However, Tucker doesn’t scare easily. It is difficult to believe that he would just turn the other way. Could this be linked to the issues between Tucker and his cousin, Father Eugene? That scene was intense and must play more into the storyline than just Tucker having a cousin in the Catholic Church. There must be more to that story, especially after the allegations against Tucker. Perhaps this is what the episode title “Unholiest Alliance” implies.

On Twitter, fans are reacting to the recent storyline on Law & Order: SVU. One person was so upset with Benson packing up her desk that they threatened to stop watching the show. Another said that if the SVU was done with Olivia, then they were done with the series. People are even asking if Mariska Hargitay will return on community forums and Yahoo! Answers.

NBC has not released a promo for the next episode of Law & Order: SVU. Once one is published, perhaps fans will know more about Olivia Benson’s fate. What should be made clear is that Benson was not fired – she was reassigned, just like the title “Manhattan Transfer” implies.

What do you think will happen when Law & Order: SVU returns March 23 with season 17, episode 18? Who is on your suspect list for the episode titled “Unholiest Alliance?” How will this case be resolved and what will be the outcome of the accusations against Tucker? Will Olivia Benson return to the Special Victims Unit or are you worried about Mariska Hargitay’s future on Law & Order: SVU?

[Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images]