my view
*Note: naturally this will be an opinion-based article. While my views will differ from others', it doesn't mean I don't respect them.I guess I'll just cut to the chase and state right now whether or not I ship Elliot and Olivia. I do not. (gasp! shock!) I actually really like that Elliot is married and loves his wife. (Though he did have something of a romance with his temporary partner Dani Beck, that was while he and Kathy were separated.) I love the relationship between Elliot and Olivia just the way it is. How they are more than partners but less than lovers. They are friends, almost siblings. Is there anything so bad about that? I think it is wonderful that they can be so close without wanting to jump into bed. They care about each other a lot and will even bend or break the rules just to keep the other out of danger (or what is sometimes worse, trouble with the boss!). While Elliot may have a wife, Olivia knows and understands things about him that Kathy never could, and likely never will. And I think it's great that he has someone like that, someone who knows and sees the same terrible things and terrible people he deals with on a daily basis. Olivia is there for Elliot to calm him down and keep him in line when need be. And Elliot, well, he is the longest relationship Olivia has ever had with a man. And she knows it.
All in all, I'm happy with Elliot and Olivia the way they are. Even if they aren't having hot, passionate sex. What they have is a deep, meaningful relationship built on trust and understanding. And they care about each other as more than just partners, but close friends. I'll end with what is one of my favorite quotes between the two.
Olivia: You know, we've been partners all these years, and I don't even know your blood type.Now does that say it all, or does that say it all? :)
Elliot: A positive.
Olivia Benson: How 'bout that? Me too.
[the two get on an elevator]
Elliot: I'd give you a kidney.
Olivia: Not if I gave you mine first.
- Choreographed