Can We Get a Re-do?

If Only...

(how the dialogue could've gone in that last scene)

Benson

I tried, Ed.

Tucker

Not completely. You've been holding me at arm's length because you're scared, because you talked yourself into believing it wouldn't last.

Benson

I have this little boy. And he needs all my love and all my attention.

Tucker

He has to be your priority right now. I get that. I do. And I agree. But you and Noah, you're my priority.

Benson

I can't ask you to wait for me.

Tucker

Listen. I'm sorry if it seemed like I was asking you to give up your job before you're ready. That's not what I was saying. I know how important your job is to you. Work forever if you want, Liv. I will wait. I want to wait. I don't want to lose you, abandon everything we've built, because I'm ready and you're not.

Benson

You wouldn't be happy like that.

Tucker

I'm not going to be happy if I walk away from this.

Noah (off camera)

Mommy! Mommy!

Benson (looking back toward the sound of Noah's voice)

Bedtime

Tucker

Yeah

                                 **Tucker turns to leave

Benson

Do you want to help with that tonight?

Tucker

Yeah I do

**fade to black

18.8: Losing #Tuckson

The Case In 188 Words

I don't need 188 words. The nanny took Theo. Obviously.

My Thoughts In Unlimited Words (#Tuckson Elegy)

The next episode is entitled "Decline and Fall," but that moniker applies to so much of Season 18, at least what we've seen so far. Last night's episode delivered a heart-stopping gut punch to the legions of fans who have witnessed #Tuckson's relationship evolve over fifteen seasons. My emotions are a mess this morning, and my heart, like the hearts of so many fans across the globe, is absolutely shattered. Tuckson's swift decline and fall lasted merely eight episodes (only three of which actually included Tucker) and left us scratching our heads in an attempt to dissect what relationship challenges were wrapped up in the word "complicated." While the formerly contemptible Captain Ed Tucker grew into a multi-layered and likable character, Olivia Benson's puzzling regression drifted far from the characterization that had been so carefully cultivated, with precise continuity, for almost two decades. The show is bigger than #Tuckson, but the relationship had come to symbolize a more robust, balanced Benson who discovered, as Munch put it, "more to life than SVU." Sadly, the writers and new showrunner have imposed a limit on Olivia's "more." The depth and breadth of her happiness is apparently finite, and, while discontent exists on several levels, that ceiling troubles me the most.

Theories about #Tuckson's origins abound. After "Internal Affairs" (S15), former showrunner Warren Leight asked in a tweet if anyone shipped Tucker and Benson. At the time, the idea was mostly met with snickers and derision. After all, Tucker had just spearheaded an undercover sting which nearly resulting in Brian Cassidy's death and had been a thorn in SVU's side for most of his appearances. The episode included a semi-private, semi-sassy #Tuckson exchange that highlighted both characters' gravitas and sense of duty. Even though they were still adversaries at this point, the conversation uncovered a latent mutual respect and understanding. Leight once described Tucker as a "real man," and as the Lieutenant stepped into the elevator and watched then-Detective Benson walk away, his unmistakable self-assured masculinity oozed from the screen.

The gradual #Tuckson detente began during Season Fifteen. Sergeant Benson followed protocol and called Tucker the night teenagers shot at Amaro's house. We got a glimpse at the human side of Tucker when he admitted he would've done the same thing (go after the kids with a baseball bat) or worse. During Post-Mortem Blues Tucker's face softens when he wishes Benson luck after she insists on telling the truth about the death of William Lewis. From there, austere Tucker returned for a few seconds in Producer's Backend, but, off camera, he gave Amaro his shield back (most likely due to some sly Benson maneuvering). At any rate, you could see the increasing levels of respect and trust forming between the two characters. Then..."I think you should try the bourbon." Smirk. Cocked eyebrow. Sail on, #Tuckson ship!

The point of this very brief history is to review how carefully the Leight years' writers laid the track for this pairing. It moved along at a slow but steady pace, with each episode peeling back another layer of Tucker's gruff, formidable exterior. 

As the show delved more into the interplay between the characters' personal and professional lives, part of the show increasingly focused on each individual's recognition of his or her flaws and how they sought atonement. The idea of redemption fascinates me, probably because it is a powerful personal reinvention which requires heightened self-awareness and a humbling willingness to be better. Tucker underwent one of the most redemptive transformations of any character, and it was this, coupled with Benson's implied willingness to let bygones be bygones, that brought the characters within striking distance of a relationship. One of the most heartening pieces of #Tuckson was the broader truth that this could occur--that someone so loathed, so despicable, could actually change for the better, even later in life, and be perceived in a softer, appealing light...and surprise even the most jaded and war-weary of people such as our beloved Olivia.  As much as #Tuckson was sexy and romantic, it was also an incredibly hopeful story--one that should have strengthened and survived until SVU's final take.

Enter Rick Eid.

I hated how the writers had Tucker use "I've never been happier" in that final scene. I liked Tucker's point and the nod to his career--that, as an IAB investigator, he watched people to see who they really are. I THOUGHT he was going to deliver a sincere compliment about Benson's resilience, her strength, and maybe point out their collective strength in a last ditch effort to salvage the relationship or at least leave the door open a little wider to a future reunion. But no. Instead, he came to the realization that her tears that day in Central Park were not tears of happiness. Rather, they indicated an innate sense that #Tuckson had an expiration date.

I think Olivia Benson would be a tricky character to write. Independent and compassionate. Strong-willed yet willing to listen. Confident and poised yet tending to second-guess and scrutinize everything, sometimes to a fault. However, the immutable Benson bugaboo has always been the lack of happiness derived from family. Noah changed that to a certain extent. Insert Tucker. The missing piece.

So why is it that this season, after eight months (we can agree to disagree on the math) of dating, this couple's bonds frayed and disintegrated? #Tuckson successfully weathered successive crises (hostage standoff, heartbreaking child porn case with an NYPD connection, Ed being framed, Mike Dodds' passing...reality television), but they emerged seemingly unscathed, and, not only that, STRONGER each time. Olivia finally met her match--a man with whom she shared many of the same experiences but also someone who was in it for the long haul, who understood how to love her, and who was unwavering in his rock-solidness.

And after all this, they are undone by "it's complicated," we tried, and, oh, Olivia cannot possibly be a mom, a spouse, and a commanding officer all at the same time.

Oh FFS. COME ON.

Why did Tucker seem so weird around Noah in that last scene? Tucker? After almost a year, why would he not call him Ed? This whole fucked up discombobulated season was a tacit lesson in how Olivia Benson was intent on not completely allowing Tucker into the OMB-NPB realm. No living together discussion? Ed isn't watching Noah every once in a while? Leaked proposal photos aside, WE HAD A GOOD THING GOING HERE THE THREE OF US and how did that sweet moment devolve and decelerate into "take care of yourself, Olivia Benson." (I cannot type those words without choking up, btw)

The writers insulted fans (and their OWN work during the Leight years) by implying #Tuckson was something new, that they were still feeling out the relationship. Sure, they've hit some bumps in the road, but after a year they're still trying to squeeze in a businesslike-sounding lunch date? That opening scene--why wasn't Tucker there? Why isn't he more involved in Noah's care? Why the cold-ish "night night Noah" instead of a hug or a tickle or mussed hair? I guess we're supposed to believe Tucker and Noah never bonded in a way that convinced Benson they could be a family? Again, completely ridiculous and out of sync with the storyline. Also, you mean to tell me Tucker had NO PERSONAL BELONGINGS at her place? He could simply take his coat and walk away?

I cannot believe this character would intentionally push aside this man who clearly loves her, is concerned about her and Noah, JUST WANTS TO LOVE HER, AND WANTS A FUTURE WITH HER simply because she doesn't want to retire and he does? Of course Noah needs his mother. But he could have a DADDY TOO! And this crap about we can't fit it in a 42-minute episode is so unbelievably rediculous and cheap and insulting and I might believe it, maybe just a little bit, if I hadn't heard "How is it going with you and Tucker...It's complicated" eight hundred million times in season 18 so far.

I don't like to be frustrated with OMB, but I am frustrated with OMB. And I'm not confident the current situation at SVU headquarters is conducive to me not being frustrated with OMB. Last spring, she was "balanced." She urged Fin to find balance. At that point, Warren told us #Tuckson was having sex ,so I'll extrapolate a little and say they were "dating" then. Where in the hell did that balance GO? And, I've said this before and I'll say it again, do not for one minute tell me Ed Tucker would have given OMB a retire-or-else ultimatum.

The S18 Writers intentionally and WITH MALICE to the fandom and continuity and sense and all human decency had OMB construct walls and make her unwilling to allow Tucker to completely love her and her son. #TucksonUndone.

What a missed opportunity! The fandom craves character growth and change. When those subplots are included, the show pulsates with excitement and energy, but the writers have seemingly obliterated that possibility (although it was hinted that some Rollisi is comin' at us which pisses me off enough for a separate blog post). We never got to see OMB achieve a different kind of balance. We never got to see her play those "new beats" M hinted at last year. I would never suggest she (or anyone else for that matter) needs a significant other; however, in this case, it would have been compelling to see Olivia gradually accept and trust the comfort that comes with unconditional, permanent love and that it was safe to completely share her life, the pain and the bliss, with another person. Mostly, though, we missed the chance to see her thrive, to realize she has a greater capacity to love than she ever imagined, and that she has the strength and ability to be #BadassBenson in all facets of her life. THAT would have sent a beautiful and powerful message.

But we can't do that in 42 minutes.

Damn, I hope this isn't the end of Ed Tucker. Feel free to let CIU and SVU cross paths in the near future and rekindle the #Tuckson flame. DM me on Twitter if you need help with a #42Minutes workaround. Funny how #Tuckson was created within those parameters, yet that same constraint sunk the ship. Also, I think I recall seeing whole hella lot of the Stabler family over the years.

Rick I hate you. Dick, why didn't you just let Ed propose and end the fucking series right there in front of Lady Liberty?

One of the most promising WL quotes I read toward the end of last season was in the article referenced above. He responded to a question about Benson and Tucker by saying, "On what planet does someone as appealing as Olivia Benson not have a spouse in her life?"

We got our answer.

Earth (in the hands of Eid)

18.7-Last Chapter (error intended)

The Case in 187 Words

Tucker tells Benson he wants to spend the rest of his life smelling flowers with her and, presumably, Noah. Benson keeps checking her phone (as if we didn’t know she’s a cop). Tucker presses her to think about their future, but the immediate future calls for Benson meeting Fin at Manhattan’s latest crime scene. Confident about who attacked her, Quinn IDs the rapist as a guy who’s stalked her since college, so naturally the detectives follow up on this tip which leads them to a dead end because the guy has a solid alibi. Meanwhile, Benson and Carisi head to the Garden State to interview retired-cop Cole who has maintained a relationship with the victim since stalker Ray was caught in her closet a few years ago. The detectives get a break from a cigarette butt found outside Quinn’s building; however, the squad knows Wilson didn’t do it, so, duh, it’s Tom Cole. Mrs. Cole rolls on her husband who has kidnapped Quinn and his headed to his brother’s house where he’s holding Quinn hostage. Benson negotiates. Carisi enters. Carisi almost dies. Benson kills Tom. Yawning yet?

My Thoughts in Unlimited Words

DISCLAIMER: I'm madly in love with #Tuckson and also I'm very upset.

I like to think I have created a fairly balanced Twitter timeline for myself, but how in the hell did anyone think this episode was anywhere near acceptable? I scrolled, wide-eyed, at numerous tweets thanking @JulieMartinSVU and @SVUWritersRoom for such an intense episode and WHAT THE SERIOUS FUCK? 

I don't even know where to start. 

With the specter of Tucker's retirement looming over Benson, she and the squad dive into this case. But who on Earth really thinks Benson, at episode 7 in this fucked up SVU18 season is going to commit one way or another to walking away? So, what we get is this introspective, contemplative Lieutenant asking Tom Cole about retirement, glancing wistfully at his pleasant suburban surroundings, calling out Carisi for his cynicism, and, closing the door on the immediate possibility of retirement after compassionately counseling Quinn.

So.

The case was solved after the cigarette butt's pristine DNA came back. Duh. Listen. If these writers are not capable of crafting an intricate plot in 42 or whatever minutes, then let me be the first to remind them that two-parters are acceptable (see Manhattan Transfer and Unholiest Alliance) and weaving in season-long threads is a fun way to bolster continuity and keep your audience engaged and excited (see William Lewis and Greg Yates). We knew Carisi wasn't going to die. We knew Benson wasn't going to die. Thanks to episode shuffles we knew a cliff was out of the question...WAIT...there is a cliff...the #Tuckson cliff. But I'll get to that later.

Attempts at continuity and echoes of past demons were so contrived (yes, I know it's fiction and everything is contrived) that they came off as forced and insincere. Carisi and Benson getting into the car outside of Tom Cole's house. Gosh, guys, that reminded me of Carisi, Benson, and Rollins outside of Munson's house. Benson telling Carisi being a cop makes you more of who you already are. I love the Benson wisdom and that sweet moment, but it didn't fit. It was shoved in there. Please recall Benson counseling Dodds after his first hard case when she tells him to go home and talk to somebody he loves. Now THAT'S how you do #OMBWISDOM, people. Finally, not only was I unaffected by the last few minutes, but excuuuuuuuuse me, I cannot believe OMB would let Carisi go, even to get a different exterior angle, especially when she seemed to have a handle, at that point, on talking Tom out of there. Was this, like, OMB's redemption...a re-do in memory of Sergeant Michael Dodds?

UGH.

Now for Tuckson. You know what, I could almost, maybe, with counseling, handle a Tuckson break up if the show was otherwise good but we seem to be headed for an epitaph reading RIP SVU 1999-2017.

Dear Former Showrunner Warren Leight, I wish you and your staff would have gone rogue and somehow aired the ep where Tucker proposed because this Rick Eid person has apparently been sent to sabotage this relationship in which I thought WE HAD NEVER BEEN HAPPIER? 

Let me back up. Once upon a time, Olivia Margaret Benson wanted a family. Not just a child. She seemed to be interested in balance, things in life other than SVU, and also growing old with somebody. Fast forward to 1/4/17. Tucker bares his soul, pours his heart out, essentially says he wants to be with her forever and ever. So, Benson has to choose between her job and love? I don't believe, after ALL TUCKSON HAS BEEN THROUGH, that Tucker would honestly give her a "retire with me or else" ultimatum. He loves her. I'm convinced he loves her. FFS, do these writers BOTHER WATCHING past episodes? But he also understands her. He knows how important she is to her job and how important her job is to her. At least give us a scene at the end where she goes home and articulates this to him. Here's how it could've gone:

Benson

If I realized anything today it's that I'm not ready. Not yet. 

Tucker

Okay

Benson

But that doesn't mean I don't want a future with you. Because I do.

Tucker (kisses Benson)

That's all I needed to hear

They walk to the bedroom as we fade to black.

This is not hard, people. But, not only is it obvious that someone with major pull despises Tuckson, I also think he hates OMB. Dear Benson, here are your options, CHOOSE ONE.

Style Guide

I didn't see anything new and remarkable or, for that matter, anything old and remarkable.

Shocking.

Fic Writers Could Fill in the Blanks With

Creating their own #Tuckson AUs because there's a gaping hole in this ship.

Ain't No Party Like An SVU Watch Party

I didn't even finish one glass of my Jam Jar Sweet Shiraz. And I'm OBSESSESSED with that stuff! So, at least the show sucking is saving me calories.

Quotable

Fin: Please tell me what time the damn meeting ended.

OMB: Let's catch him (Cole) in a lie. Seriously? That's the best ya got, writers? How old is this Lieutenant? Ten?

OMB: Quinn, this is not your fault, you hear me? Guys like Cole, they're predators. They look for light and they look for goodness and they try to steal it. Promise me you will not blame yourself for this. (okay, that was good...see, I can be a little bit objective).

Rollins: You're starting to worry me, Nate.

Rollins and Fin "interrogating" Tom Cole at the diner...not even the ominous background music could make that suspenseful.

Tucker: Hopefully with someone like you. SOMEONE? Fuck that. WITH YOU, OMB!

OMB: Sometimes the answer is as simple as it seems. Ah-hem, um, OMB, gonna needja to look in the mirror and repeat.

be careful be careful, be careful, be careful, be careful, be careful be careful, be careful

retire, retirement, retire, retirement,retire, retirement, retire, retirement, retire, retirement

be careful be careful, be careful, be careful, be careful, be careful be careful, be careful
retire, retirement, retire, retirement,retire, retirement, retire, retirement, retire, retirement

Dick Wolf to Rick Eid: We're riding out one last season. Just get something written and filmed.

Is It Next Wednesday Yet?

Well, at least we get to see Noah next week as he reassumes the role as the only male in OMB's life.

Is jaded Carisi thinking more seriously about moving to the DA's office?

Doesn't Fin have a grandson?

Has Jesse's existence erased all of Rollins' demons?

Where's Chief Dodds?

I feel like we're being set up for a series finale.

At one point Twitter was all agog over Benson in a ponytail. Well, at least that's something.

Stay tuned for an all new This Is Us airing Tuesday, January 10. 9/8 Central.

SVU 18.6: Sophie Knows Best

The Case in 186 Words

A woman is browsing at a market, takes a seat at the café, turns down halibut crostini, and is attacked by a pipe-wielding rapist while freshening up in the restroom. Benson and Rollins show up, attempt to extract info from a witness, but Mommy turns out to be the ultimate victim-blamer and also the worst person on Earth, but, for the time being, SVU picks up the crumbs of evidence and rolls with it. Suspect number one is Logan the boyfriend who lied, and then Hype the gangsta rapper who also lied, and then Cash the goon who lied, and then Vincent Love who lied and then as it turns out Hype was in love with Eva but being in love with a transgender woman conflicts with his rapperness and also with Love’s brand and Eva refused to be bribed so, as it turns out, the attack was a hit, Hype kills Cash, Hype doesn’t listen to OMB (dummy), and everyone loses because Eva was born a boy.

My Thoughts In Unlimited Words

Well SOMEBODY (writer Jeffrey Baker) did his homework and watched a few old episodes because for the first time this season we have an ep written by new dudes and the characters actually sounded like the characters, so maybe this season won't totally suck after all. 

Kudos to the actress who played Sophie because her subtle shade-throwing facial expressions and clear aggravation with her bigoted bitch ass mother were spot on and perfect as was OMB's threat to arrest the mother for obstruction if she didn't snap into 2016 and fucking cooperate and the ONLY other thing distracting me during that scene in Benson's office was a partial view of a Noah photo and I'm assuming we only got a partial view because Tucker was in the other half and seeing that would've obliterated our already-fragile hearts. 

Sorry, Cash, Sponge-Bob-looking tatts will getcha every time.

I complimented the writing earlier but I also hate the writers because, could you not have used a word other than COMPLICATED to describe Logan and Eva? That was probably Rick. There's a really cool site, www.thesaurus.com, please use it, because the next time that word is used on the now it better be in the context of #Tuckson working out child care for a hot date or else...well, I have no threats...or else I'll just whine and complain on Twitter like all good fans.

I wasn't all that impressed with the contrived rapper names...Hype? Cash? Lame-o. But "187 Records" had me doing my best Dr. Dre/Snoop Dogg imitations for the next couple days and also thinking about Carisi listening to vulgar rap music makes me smile. Good thing Jesse's not old enough to pick up on that language yet. Yes, Jesse. You didn't think Rollins' little comment about lunch in "Italy" was just tossed in there for no reason, didja? I predict some Rollisi drama before the season's over. One of them will want more and it'll come to a head during #Tuckson's wedding reception.

I went back and forth from muttering "fuck Hype" and "poor Hype" and I must say Mitchell Edwards did a fantastic job going from confused and easily-handled gangsta-rapper-boy to the indignant, stubborn, guy-I-wanted-to-slap by the end. I liked the dig at the hip-hop community and wonder how this would play out in real life if and when it comes up.

I would never suggest we need Tucker in our lives to be happy, but Olivia Margaret Benson is ON POINT in this ep and I'm just going to assume all is well in her personal life.

Style Guide

Purple Velvet Blazer, yes please.

Guys, need an inexpensive yet designer-looking suit? Head to Staten Island.

Fic Writers Could Fill In The Blanks With:

Olivia going home to Tucker and saying, "hey, babe, we're not so complicated after all."

Ain't No Party Like An SVU Watch Party:

Cheers!

Quotable:

Benson to Sophie's Mom: I will arrest you.

Benson and Barba's little exchange about the warrant:
So you'll get me those warrants?
Yes
Thank you.

Fin talking about gender fluidity:
It's confusing, and a lot of people can't make sense of it all.
**This was an extremely important and relevant point. I love that the line was given to Fin and I feel like it was said with genuine honesty, openness, and a willingness to try and understand without being offensive or insensitive. Definitely room for a deeper discussion here.

Is It Next Wednesday, Yet?

Word on the street is that Tucker is in the January 4 ep.

That is all.