Stabler Learns a Tough Lesson After Sad Exit in Law & Order: Organized Crime

by

Warning: Here’s a sneak peek into the third episode of Law & Order: Organized Crime Season 5 titled “Paranza Dei Bambini”. You can watch it right now if you have a Peacock subscription.

When “Law & Order: Organized Crime” officially premiered as a streaming original rather than returning to NBC’s 2025 TV schedule primetime lineup alongside “Law & Order: SVU”, some changes were inevitable, and not all of them are as enjoyable as the addition of cheeky pick-up lines or the newfound freedom for Reyes to use explicit language. The departure of a team member in Episode 3 marked a somber beginning to Season 5, but Stabler’s response at least suggests that he has learned a valuable lesson from the aftermath of his departure from the Special Victims Unit.

Jet Decides To Leave

Jet decided to take some time off from the OCCB following her near-miss undercover operation in the Season 5 premiere two-parter. This move aligns with a star’s description of Organized Crime as having a more realistic approach on Peacock. Also, it’s not uncommon for a detective to take a break from active duty and then reappear within a few episodes, suggesting that the character’s departure may not mean we’ve seen the last of Ainsley Seiger’s character entirely.

In the upcoming episode, the opening credits could provide insights into whether Seiger remains a series regular or not. However, it appears that Jet is no longer with OCCB, as indicated by her breakup with Reyes off-screen and her utilization of Vargas’ AI software to uncover the identities of the women murdered in the first two episodes during her apparent hiatus.

Bell discovered the truth upon unexpectedly visiting the young detective, during which Jet admitted that a different version of the FBI had extended her a job offer. However, she wasn’t keen on leaving the task force. The sergeant kindly pointed out that Jet had served the team for four years more than required, and if she desired better opportunities, she should seize them.

Jet chose to depart, however, they shared a private moment together with Stabler before she went. She arrived at the office late, after everyone else, except for Christopher Meloni‘s character, had left for their farewell drinks. Desiring some solitude to gather her belongings, she found Stabler teasing her about leaving him with Vargas. But when she confessed her dislike of goodbyes, Stabler shrugged off his jest and instead gave her a warm embrace.

As a dedicated fan of “Law & Order: SVU” for years, it was a heartwarming instant, yet the old-school viewer in me couldn’t help but see that moment as Stabler receiving a belated life lesson.

Stabler Doesn’t Approve Of Irish Goodbyes (Anymore)

Reflecting on 2021 and Christopher Meloni’s highly anticipated comeback, the challenge for “Law & Order” in introducing his new series was how to handle Stabler’s departure. I had been pondering this question for weeks leading up to the premiere of “Prodigal Son,” but let me tell you, nothing could have prepared me for the emotional turmoil when Stabler was reunited with Mariska Hargitay’s Olivia Benson, and it all came crashing down during Kathy’s tragic death scene!

It’s clear that many franchise fans rejoiced at the return of Christopher Meloni, yet felt a bit reluctant to fully forgive his character. The way Stabler departed from Special Victims Unit – without even a voicemail – was quite abrupt in 2011. Fans had spent ten years watching Benson deal with and move past that departure, so it was hard to accept when he just left after spending so much time together. When Olivia had to extend him grace upon his return due to Kathy’s death, it was a difficult situation for her because of their history.

Discover all the episodes of Law & Order: Organized Crime and new releases every Thursday by subscribing to Peacock TV, starting from just $7.99 per month. Upgrade to Peacock Premium for a slightly higher fee to get rid of ads and the ability to download titles for offline viewing later. Check out the offer now!

Just as I can savor the tension in The Letter while still holding a grudge against Stabler for his past actions, I’ve managed to watch and enjoy Organized Crime without harboring intense dislike towards Stabler due to his departure long ago. (It’s also worth noting that things might have turned out differently if not for the real-life circumstances that led to Christopher Meloni leaving SVU.)

It’s not impossible for me to imagine Elliot Stabler acknowledging his dislike of Irish goodbyes – the practice of departing from an event without saying farewell – as a development stemming from how he parted ways with his NYPD job without a word. I prefer to speculate that the Elliot Stabler of 2025 would never have abandoned Olivia Benson in silence, like the Elliot Stabler of 2011 did.

Despite the departure of Ainsley Seiger from her role as Jet, there’s a glimmer of optimism since she’s still involved in the serial killer case and given the OCCB’s past collaborations with federal agencies. This gives me reason to anticipate – or at least hope – that we might see her reappear as a guest star to wrap up this case. I’ll definitely keep an eye on the opening credits of the next episode to check if Seiger is still credited!

At present, check out the composition of the task force in the absence of Jet, while fresh episodes of “Law & Order: Organized Crime” are available for streaming every Thursday on Peacock. If you’re interested, you can also catch up on the “SVU” episodes focusing on Stabler’s departure on the same platform. Meanwhile, new episodes of both “SVU” and “Law & Order” can still be watched every Thursday evening on NBC.

Read More

2025-04-28 17:39