Olivia Benson quotes from Law & Order: Special Victims Unit

Everybody in New York despises me, or thinks I'm a liar. My family is going to be in that courtroom. I could lose them, my job... I'm not sure this is worth it.

Benson

Nahla, you were raped. You deserve justice, no matter how many mistakes you made along the way.

But people have lost faith in me.

Benson

Because they don't know you. This is your chance to tell them who you are, to tell them your truth. You can do this, and I'm gonna be right behind you.

Are you angry that I figured out your little CSU ruse at the bar two months ago?

Benson

Oh, I'm angry. I’m very angry. But not because of that.

Or maybe because I declined to pursue our relationship?

Benson

Don't flatter yourself. If there weren't two grieving parents in the next room, I'd break your jaw.

You'd regret that, Lieutenant.

Benson

Stay away from me. Stay away from my son. Because if you don't, I promise you I will do something we'll both regret.

We've been doing this a long time, Liv. And we don't say it out loud or when the lights are on, but there are times in the dark when we whisper, Sometimes the law's just not good enough. And a threat to my child's safety is one of those times. At least I won't have to look over my shoulder for the rest of my life. Oh, and guess what? Neither will you.

Benson

No. No. I am not part of this.

Yeah, you are.

Benson

Peter, thank you.

Why? Because I put my career and everything I believe in in jeopardy for a good friend?

Benson

Yes, yes, and I didn't ask for this.

I know you didn't ask for it. I did it anyway. I was always gonna do it. I hope you find someone like that again.

Benson

What does that mean?

Look at what I just did in there. Now, I don't regret any of it, not for a minute. I simply lost perspective. This is on me. It's a weakness and a crack in my character, but the fact is, you became more important to me than the case I was trying, and that is not me, Liv. You can look a case with an open heart. I can't do that.

Benson

I...

Stop! I have to look at a case through clear eyes.

Benson

Hold on...

Stop. Just listen. I have to move on. I have to go, or risk getting blinded again.

Special Investigations? An elegant woman like you, I bet you've got some stories, eh?

Benson

I have a few.

You ever thought about turning them into a series? You know who I am. I could foresee quite a second act for you.

Benson

I'm quite happy with my first act. Not ready for a second.

Well, sometimes it has a way of finding you.

Benson

[while arresting Moore] You find this funny?

I do, actually. There's nothing as funny as watching a beautiful woman make the biggest mistake of her life.

I'm being sent to Coventry. As of Monday morning, I'll be riding point for the Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Task Force on Staten Island.

Benson

No, no, no, they can't do that.

Feathers were ruffled, so a head has to roll.

Benson

I will call the press. I will call 1PP. I will call whoever I have to. This is ridiculous.

Liv, let it go. I've had a good run. And it's not time for you to stick your neck out.

Benson

I'll be the judge of that.

No. You've still got work to do and gas in the tank. It'd be a wasted sacrifice, Captain. [Benson looks stunned] I made it a condition of my exile. Don't worry about me. I'll be back.

Benson

You're a good man, William Dodds.

You are a class act, Olivia Benson. Long may you run.

Raegan

Is this Special Victims?

Benson

It is. I'm Captain Benson. What's your name?

Raegan

Raegan.

Benson

Hey, Raegan. Did something happen to you?

Raegan

I have no idea.

Benson

Raegan, this is going to take time.

Raegan

How many times have you said that to someone?

Benson

Too many. Raegan, this is not going to be easy, but you survived the assault, and you're going to survive this.

Raegan

You've said that before too, haven't you?

Benson

I have, because it's true.

Raegan

How do you know?

Benson

[pause] Because I did. So, if you ever want or need to talk, I'm here.

Raegan

[pause] I know.

Benson

It's going to be okay.

Fin

So what's this new chief's deal?

Benson

Well, he's methodical, he's thoughtful, and he's Ivy League educated.

Fin

So why is he a cop?

Benson

You want me to shame a celebrity into coming out of the closet so you can publicize the case?

I wouldn't say shame. Motivate.

Benson

Okay, Ms. Hadid, you're new to SVU. We don't blame victims here. Human sexuality and criminal behavior are a hell of a lot different than securities fraud.

Thank you, Captain. What I do know, the longer this stays in the news cycle, the longer we're standing here with our junk in our hands.

Benson

Excuse me?

Oh, I'm sorry. Egg on our faces?

Benson

Ms. Hadid, you're the one who pushed Carisi in the first place.

Sonny

Listen, all due respect, but this feels like a circular firing squad. All Captain Benson is saying is that we have an obligation to make this case, and Ms. Hadid is just reminding us that the clock is ticking, quickly and loudly.

The clock isn't ticking, counselor. It's blown up.

Benson

So if we could get your husband's DNA and if he is innocent...

Which he is.

Benson

Then it could very well exonerate him.

Of course it will, but we can wait until after the baby is born. I see you judging me, but however it happened, Evangeline is pregnant and I intend to meet my grandchild here in this world, not in heaven.

Benson

"However it happened"?

I'm sorry, what century is this? All these old white men trying to control women's bodies? I mean, how far off are we from The Handmaid's Tale?

Benson

You grew up taking these rights for granted. My mother, there was a time when she considered abortion, and her only option was back-alley. The bottom line is, if you have enough money, there's always a way, but it's these poor women, these girls in some states, they're gonna see deaths. That's where this is going.

They think that's what we're going back to.

So we're taking on Ohio?

Benson

Oh, it's more like Ohio is taking on us, and, by the way, there's an arrest warrant for you too.

I'm flattered.

Benson

The charge is conspiracy to commit murder if she has an abortion, and they're serious.

So am I. I'm a deacon at my church. I believe in the sanctity of life, but a 13-year-old girl forced to carry her rapist's baby? They want a fight, they're gonna get it.