Highlights

• Barba and Benson’s relationship strained in SVU Season 23.
• Barba defended Richard Wheatley, accused of murdering Stabler’s wife.
• Benson felt betrayed due to her close bond with the Stabler family.
• Barba admitted he loved Benson unconditionally during a bar conversation.
• Barba has not appeared in SVU since the Season 23 finale.
• Fans hope for Barba’s return and reconciliation with Benson in Season 26.

Rafael Barba and Olivia Benson’s strong friendship fell apart in Law & Order: SVU Season 23, surprising many fans.

Barba, a former Assistant District Attorney, returned in this season after a long absence.

His decision to defend a controversial figure, Richard Wheatley, set off a chain of events that would strain his bond with Benson.

Barba’s return as a defense attorney in the Wheatley case, involving the murder of Kathy Stabler (Elliot Stabler’s wife), did not sit well with Benson.

Given her close friendship with Elliot and his family, Benson couldn’t understand Barba’s choice to defend a man who had caused them so much pain.

Despite Barba’s attempts to explain his decision, Benson viewed it as a betrayal, leading to tension between them.

What Caused the Rift Between Barba and Benson?

Barba, who had always worked closely with Benson, found himself on the other side of the courtroom when he chose to defend Wheatley, who was accused of orchestrating Kathy Stabler’s murder.

Benson, a longtime family friend of the Stablers, took this very personally. The situation worsened when Barba publicly questioned the nature of Benson and Stabler’s relationship during the trial, adding fuel to an already heated situation.

The most intense moment of their conflict came in the Season 23 finale. During a conversation at a bar, Barba confessed that everything he did, including defending Wheatley, was out of care for Benson.

However, Benson reminded him that she had asked him not to take the case in the first place. Barba then revealed deep-seated emotions, even bringing up Benson’s traumatic past involving her father.

Will Barba and Benson Reunite in SVU Season 26?

Barba’s appearance in the Season 23 finale was his last to date, and he was absent from both Seasons 24 and 25.

However, his parting words, “When you’re ready to stop feeling betrayed by me, I’ll be here,” left the door open for future reconciliation.

With Law & Order: SVU Season 26 premiering soon, fans are eager to see if Barba will return and whether he and Benson can repair their fractured relationship.

Though it’s unclear if Barba will come back in Season 26, one thing is certain—both characters have a deep connection.

Even if a romantic relationship isn’t in the cards, they could still find a way to become close friends again. Only time will tell if they will work through their differences.

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit Season 26 will air on NBC, October 3 at 9 p.m. ET, and is also available to stream on Peacock.