Olivia Benson quotes from Law & Order: Special Victims Unit

Noah's all right?

Benson

Yeah, he just has a cold. But today, of all days.

I know that this is stressful, but you have got nothing to worry about.

Benson

Then why are we here?

My best guess? Judge Linden agreed to a courtesy hearing to cover her bases. She's the one who suggested you take Noah, and the circumstances were a little bit unorthodox.

Benson

Just promise me I'm not going to lose my son.

The loss of my daughter is a regret I will carry for the rest of my life. I spent years searching for her. I hired a private investigator. I was too late. But thank God I found Noah. I want to be there for him in a way that I wasn't for Ellie.

Benson

He's a child. My child. Not a way for you to alleviate your guilt.

Lieutenant Benson, please...

Benson

I don't know what her intentions are. She's a stranger to me, to Noah.

I granted this hearing because my concern is what's best for Noah. I would like to hear what his grandmother has to say. Mrs. Porter?

I have no intention of ripping a little boy from the only home he has ever known, but I have serious reservations about Ms. Benson's fitness to parent.

How so?

My PI became aware of Noah's existence from an ACS investigation for suspected child abuse.

Benson

That investigation is closed!

Your Honor, and it has absolutely no bearing on the validity of the adoption.

Benson

There was no findings of wrongdoing.

I understand that there were bruises.

Benson

There were bruises on Noah because I saved him from almost being hit by a cab. I love my son. I would never, ever, do anything to hurt that boy. I want what's best for him. I always have.

If you really cared about what's best for him, you wouldn't deny him a relationship with his grandmother, his only living blood relative. I may not be able to overturn the adoption, Your Honor, but I am determined to be a part of this little boy's life, for his sake.

You got the wrong bro. And that little bit you got me with? Man, I'll be ordering lunch from my favorite gyro cart tomorrow.

Yeah? Well, unless they change the penalty for rape, you'll have to tell them you'll pick it up in about twenty-five years, all right?

There's no way I raped that ho.

Okay, so tell them it'll only be about three to fifteen. Because whatever was in that crap you gave her, it killed her.

Look, I never sold to the bitch.

Fin

The bitch? Are-are you trying to go to jail?

[sneers] Alright, I never sold to the "young lady".

Fin

But you knew her.

She was with a dude I did business with. Some white dude. Had a weird white boy 'stache. So what now?

Yeah, that's the dude. You see? I'm a good citizen, helping you out and all. So I can go now.

Benson

While we appreciate how devastated you are that your drugs are killing people... no. No, you can't go.

Who's she?

Benson

I'm the bitch that's gonna smack your pretty face next time I hear you say "ho".

Benson

You're preying on vulnerable kids. But what the hell, you made a lot of money, right? You got rich. You're a venal predator, and we're gonna prove it in court.

Is that right? What's that trial going to look like? Call your first witness, counselor; oh, you can't put her on the stand, she's mentally unstable. Your second witness? She's no good either - she's a junkie. Next, a liar. After that, a thief. And for the big finale, drumroll, please: a 15-year-old slut who trades her body for drugs. No jury is gonna believe anything that comes out of their mouths.

Laurel

You know what I remember? When he... That stupid National Geographic special. The antelope going after the cheetah, sinking his teeth into their warm flesh... I was thinking about the animals that got away. You'd think they'd learn, right? But there they are the next day, running right across the plains...

Benson

Laurel, I want you to know that this is a very common first reaction, to blame yourself. But it's wrong.

Laurel

Not to the cheetah, it's not.

Laurel

Why do you do this? It's pity, right? You pity the pitiful.

Benson

You couldn't be more wrong.

Laurel

And you're not Jesus! You can't save me! You can't make it go away. No matter what you say, the pain, the humiliation. It's never gonna go away.

Benson

Laurel, I have been doing this a long time and I'm pretty sure that you feel alone.

Laurel

I feel pure and utter hatred. You can't know.

Benson

Laurel, I know all about hate.

Laurel

Really? Did someone force your legs open? Did they lie on top of you like you're nothing more than a mattress and then force themselves into you like a knife? Stabbing your soul over and over and over again? Pity isn't going to bring my soul back nor is false sympathy or whatever it is you're doing right here.

Benson

But your soul's not dead, Laurel, and I think that I'm here to help you understand that. This I know. Your soul is not dead.

Why would a guy who gets punched with bare knuckles for a living take a plea deal?

Benson

Because we're going to hit him with something much harder.

Benson

I screwed up, Rafael.

No. This was coordinated, planned, well-executed. Look, there's no way you could have seen this coming, Liv.

Benson

You know what the problem is with this job? What good do we really do? I mean, we come in after the fact with a broom and a mop and we clean up the mess. What would really matter, or would... really be special is if, just one time, we could prevent it from hitting the floor.

We prevent the next mess.

Benson

I should have seen this coming. As a cop, as a mother, should have seen this coming.

Well, you...

Benson

What?

Nothing.

Benson

You can't punch me harder than I've already punched myself, believe me.

Maybe you wanted this Sheila thing to work out too much. Look, maybe all you just wanted was a family.

Benson

Yeah. What was I thinking?

That's... why I shouldn't have said anything.

Benson

Does she know why she's here?

Fin

She's a smart lady.

Benson

She didn't ask for a lawyer.

Fin

Maybe not that smart.

[seeing one of Noah's toys in a "prison"] What's he in for?

Benson

Stealing all the ice cream.

I never trusted that elephant.

How's the little guy doing?

Benson

He's great. He's stayed up past 10:00 every night this week. And last night, I let him finish an entire ice cream sundae, while watching cartoons, in my bed.

And you?

Benson

Well... as long as I don't close my eyes, I'm good.

After the military, Mike decides he wants to tend bar at this dive, Lucky's.

Benson

Yeah, in Hell's Kitchen.

Before it was chic. After he died, every night for... six months, I'd go into Lucky's. And order one too many vodka sodas. I could tell you not to beat yourself up over Sheila. But if there's one thing I hate, it's a hypocrite.

Benson

Optimum Air knew that Carter raped her, and still they put her in that cockpit with him.

Fine. But if you proceed with this case, I suggest you get yourself a big umbrella, 'cause the skies are gonna open up and a lot of federal crap is gonna come raining down on your head.

Benson

My umbrella is... plenty big.

Fin

[entering as Dodds leaves] Want me to cut him? You know I'll do it.

Benson

Congratulations on the indictment.

[chuckles] The first thing Optimum will do is make a motion to dismiss. Which they'll win, but I get to appeal.

Benson

And you'll win that?

60/40 against. But we got the wheels turning. If this law's ever going to change, this is a good start.

You have no idea what my life is like.

Benson

Doesn't mean that I don't understand what you're going through.

Do you people ever stop with the empathy?

Benson

Which "people" are you referring to?

Let me guess. You cried tears of joy when Obama was elected. Said you'd move to Canada if Trump ever got in. Yet, here you are.

Benson

I was never going anywhere, but right or left, I want to find the man who assaulted you and make sure that he is apprehended and punished.

You heard.

Benson

How bad was it?

The Titanic meets the Hindenburg meets my first year of Little League.