Olivia Benson quotes from Law & Order: Special Victims Unit

What just happened here? Was this justice?

Benson

This is one of those cases where you really don't know what to think.

I bet you've seen a lot of those.

Benson

I have. You will too. You know, this job... even when you do everything right, you don't always win. Get used to that.

Benson

You were reckless and you almost derailed the entire case.

Well, like I said, I wanted to impress you. 30 days is not a lot of time, Captain.

Benson

Now you have to spend that time trying to win my trust back.

How do I do that?

Benson

I need to know that you're here for the right reasons, because you care about survivors and trauma and healing, not because you want a promotion. You know, my detectives...

They're good investigators.

Benson

Yes, and they're all dysfunctional. They're not perfect. But that allows them to lead with empathy and with compassion.

Well, both of my parents are therapists. They put a lot of pressure on me to be perfect.

Benson

I know. I can see that. Perfectionism is a dangerous way to approach imperfect victims, let alone perps. From now on, I expect teamwork from you, not perfection.

Just make sure that Martin doesn't get on a private jet, fly to Moscow, and move in with Edward Snowden.

Fin

Was Carisi this cranky when he was a detective?

Benson

Yes.

Benson

So your son is a rapist, and no matter how much you're willing to spend, that will never change.

I'll do what I have to, just like you did. Do you honestly think you're the only mother who would do everything in her power to keep her child safe?

Benson

I didn't break the law.

You call this police work?

Benson

You just don't get it, do you? Your son's a rapist.

OK, I don't want to keep hearing that. I raised a good boy.

Benson

No, you raised a son who is still a little boy who is afraid of displeasing you, so he does everything that you tell him to do. You've crippled him, and that is not parenting.

He needed me.

Benson

Maybe when he was little, but you never let him grow up.

He wasn't ready.

Benson

Is that what you tell yourself? No, Connie, you see, you needed him, and you used him.

He loves me, and I love him.

Benson

That's not love. That's not mothering. That's narcissism.

I got no court appearances.

Benson

Great, you can drive me to Staten Island. [Carisi rolls his eyes] Come on, it's better than sitting in your office, ducking calls from the eighth floor.

All right, just don't tell my mother....unless you wanna sit through a two-hour Italian lunch.