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Stephanie March talks about the possibility of an Alex/Olivia romance on "Law & Order: SVU"

A few weeks ago in an Ask AfterEllen.com column, I answered a reader's question about whether there was any possibility of a romance between Mariska Hargitay's character Olivia Benson and Stephanie March's character ADA Alexandra Cabot on Law & Order: SVU, now that March is reprising her role for six episodes on the hit NBC crime drama beginning March 10.

My answer at the time? No. (OK, I suppose nothing can ever be completely ruled out, but in my Professional Lesbian opinion, that has about as much chance of happening as Max getting a decent storyline on The L Word.)

Now Stephanie March is trying to make me look bad.

In a press call today attended by one of our freelance reporters, Jim Halterman (who relayed the info to me), Stephanie answered similar questions — and was much more encouraging about the possibility of an Alex/Olivia relationship than I was.

First, when asked whether Alex Cabot is returning in a relationship or not, she said, "She’s on the prowl. She’s not tied to too many people."

On whether she's going to be prowling strictly for men, March replied, "I think we haven’t determined all of it yet. I think some of it’s still a mystery."

Finally, when Melissa Lee of ILoveTelevision.com asked whether Alex and Olivia are in love and just not realizing it yet, March answered, "I’m not saying we’re not...I’m not saying we’re not in love."

What's that noise, you ask? It's the sound of a million Alex/Olivia shippers having a heart attack at the same time.

Executive Producer Neal Baer acknowledged on the call that he and the writers are very aware of the lesbian following for March and Hargitay, and March added that the Alex/Olivia shipping doesn't bother her in the least. "I would make the vote on Prop 8 that would make your readers happy," she said. 

Mariska Hargitay and Stephanie March at a fundraiser in May 2008

To be clear, I still don't think there's any real chance the writers are going to develop a romantic relationship between Olivia and Alex.

But even a few years ago, questions about a romantic development between two ostensibly straight characters on a popular mainstream TV show wouldn't have even been asked in a mainstream press conference, let alone answered in a way that seeks to encourage viewers to read between the lines.

So it feels like a little bit of progress off-screen, if not on-screen.

But just to be safe, Max better not suddenly get a good storyline in the last two episodes of The L Word, or I might have to eat my tall, Willy Wonka hat.

  • Sarah Warn's blog
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  • terry's picture

    I am still going to indulge

    I am still going to indulge myself with some hope, despite the fact that it is indeed a little unrealistic.

    And just for the record; BRING BACK BUTCH BENSON! 

     

    *insert attractive signature here when sober*

    Rayne's picture

    Yeo

    Yes. I dare to hope. I dare. LOL.

    Cristaliano's picture

    I'm just too happy reading

    I'm just too happy reading that line over and over again *Feels a little lightheaded, cant stop smiling! *

    I know its highly unlikely that TPTB will indulge us, but hey we can always hope right?

    And I second you on that one: BUTCH BENSON ROCKZ!!!

     

    Kristina K's picture

    *checks to see what date it it*

    You mean, it's not April 1st?

    Oh. Dear. God.

    *clutches at chest*

    *falls to the ground*

    *iz ded*

    Tmboy's picture

    Haaaaa I live the picture

    Haaaaa I live the picture

     

    "If you're hot... ya got a shot" .... LOL

    Arielle's picture

    :)

    LOVE YOUR PICTURE!!!!!!!!!!! Epic fail is right...
    eve_jig_it's picture

    Omg

    I so would have a heart attack if they wrote a 'getting jiggy with it' story line for these two. And while I agree it probably won't happen, I can still live in 'pointless' hope in the meantime can't I.

    GreenBean2's picture

    Humma..

    I use to see a lot of Alex/Olivia fanfiction about the interwebz. I was more of a Olivia/Casey shipper, because I had kinda watchedSVU backwards. Yes I'm odd like that (I did it with BostonLegal too).

    Anyway then I got to the Alex seasons and I thought she was pretty awesome and I could see where the shippyness was coming from. I hope this isn't just a stunt to increases viewers with potential OMG LESBIANS...like say House or ANY other tv show at the moment par the Mad Word...sorry L Word.

    Even more obvious 'I didn't imagine that' subtext would be appreciated during this tv lesbian friendly dry spell.

     

    p.s I still miss Diane Neal though. That woman is awesome.

    Orithia's picture

    agreed.

    I miss Diane Neal myself.  She is hands-down one of the coolest people in the world.  Even though Casey got disbarred or whatever, I would think they could (and should) work her in to a story somewhere.  maybe.  please?
    Eliza's picture

    *drops to floor in heart attack*

    This just proves to me even more that Stephanie March is awesome. I can't wait to see her back on SVU. 
    shelby's picture

    they don't need to tease

    I was going to watch without this tidbit of teasing

    :) 

    HotHandle's picture

    March 10th...

    *marking calendar right now*  Sometime in March, another lesbian fantasy just might come true...  *anticipates future heart attack, yet what a joyous way to go*

     

    ACertainJustice's picture

    can't...form...speach...

     deep breaths, must not die of heart attack....must stay alive for episodes of march/mariska madness...can't form sentences...too hot...mind...dying...

    That was simply mean Stephanie March! I hate to be a pessimist, but we all know its gonna happen, so why kill me slowly like that? Why give me false hope? because you enjoy watching me squirm? well i've got new for you Mrs March, you sure don't need to give me false hope of a Alex/Olivia relationship to make me squirm.

    Can I just say that Dick Wolf owes this to us after his last lesbian lawyer moment? no, sorry i meant dick wolf- PLEASSSEEEEEEE with a cherry on top? i'll be good forever and ever after this, I promise!

     I always knew something was up when Mariska called her Peaches on her blog.... :D

    oh great, now i'm not going to be able to think about anything else for the rest of the day.

    *Let no man bring you so low as to make you hate him* -Booker T. Washington

    *sucess is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm* -Churchilll

    bog's picture

    seriously?

    i mean really, who cares? no offence but with all the lesbian story lines that grab these little headlines only to fizzle on us (that's me being polite), why even get our hopes up? i'm sick of being used over and over again. i like stephanie march, but really she's selling her show. so no, her coy comments are not meaningful to me.

    but i don't own a television so what do i know? it means i'm much choosier about what i watch because i have to look for it online. if something worthwhile actually happens it'll get mentioned here or elsewhere then i'll find it on a tv website or YT. 

    so much energy here gets put into american shows (yeah i get this is an american site--this isn't a bash america or afterellen thing) considering how much the lesbian audience just keeps getting screwed over and over. and i get that you're commenting on it, but a lot of the times you're ultimately just promoting it, like here.

    i watch canadian shows and lesbians are just there, it's no big deal. i think about mentioning it, but most of you wouldn't have access to it, so...  and then's there's european stuff--so much better than most of the so-called lesbian stuff on any of the american networks. other than the otalia storyline there ain't nothing worth paying attention to (which is stunningly acted for those who haven't tuned in).

    frankly, american tv producers can kiss my as$ (which is really who this post is aimed at). do i sound bitter?    ....umm okay, but really, i'm more weary than anything.

    LezzyGeek's picture

    Dude, hook me up!

    Hi Bog, I'm Canadian too, but tend not to watch t.v. anymore as streaming sites(I know I'm a naughty girl) tend to have all I want and without commercials. So which Canadian TV shows should I be tuning into for Lezzy content? I agree with you on the comment about european TV kicking American butt most of the time-though I haven't heard of the otalia storyline (which tv show/country is that from) currently I'm obsessed with sylvia and pepa from Paco's Men, I know its a soap-esque but those two are just so...ugh-in the good way:) And while I agree with you that American tv producers/writers need to get off their butts and get some lesbian content going, I think this was just Stephanie March's way of saying that its not because of her that alex and olivia aren't in love and that shes accepting of that kind of thing, and would be happy to see that. Plus, it gave us shippers a briliiant SQUEEE moment:)
    bog's picture

    just call me goofy

    hey lezzygeek

    i wish i could remember more, but the only one i can think of now is "being erica". it's a cbc show and i watch it on their website. it's about a woman time travelling with the help of her therapist. she goes back and learns stuff to help her in the present. it's funny but definitely a bit goofy but it's intelligent and it has a woman as the main character (always a nice change). erica isn't gay but her best friend's friends are a lesbian couple. so far they've only been in the one episode (105--adultescence). here's the link as the cbc is a pain in the as$ to navigate sometimes... i had found the show and it took me 15 minutes to find it the second time i wanted to watch it. 

    http://www.cbc.ca/beingerica/videos.html#clipId=1019555876

    again, it's not some big lesbo story, they're just there and a non-issue. i've kinda got addicted to the show though. so nice to have cancon for a change of pace (it's set in toronto). 

    i don't know if you ever listened to jian ghomeshi on cbc 1 (radio) with his show Q (no, it doesn't stand for queer). he also has a youtube site where he puts up videos of some of his interviews and the live performances--he talks to a wide range of nifty people, most canadian but not just. don't know about specific queer content but he's got a few great songs from serena ryder (thought's are that she's family, perhaps you know more). just watched a good interview he did with neko case actually. here's the link if you need it.

    http://www.youtube.com/user/qtv?blend=1

    otalia? really? check youtube. the best site is otaliafan. it's from the soap Guiding Light. i never watched it other than this. Here's the link to her page or just search otaliafan.

    http://www.youtube.com/user/Otaliafan

    it's better if you go back to some of the earlier vids she has (other channels also have more of the older vids) from december and january to get a sense of what they're about. if you just start at where they are now you don't see the build and see just how good the writing really is. it's intense to say the least as their chemistry is unbelievable.

    if you want a really good assessment of otalia, here's a link for a column on it. very nicely written and explains the beauty and profundity of the story line. 

    http://www.welovesoaps.net/2009/02/guest-column-on-otalia.html#more

    let me know if you find some good stuff.

    addie25's picture

    Cabot forever!

    this is like, my greatest subtexty fanfiction fantasy come true :) These two are the greatest couple that never was (well, never was officially, but c'mon, we all know they  so were together... hell, they are a freakin' canon :)that last scene from Loss was the final proof )

    ok ok, I know 99% chances are nothing will come out of this but hell, it's still damn awesome that March aknowledges the chemistry between Alex and Olivia (and is apparently open for a posibility of a romance). That's more than I've ever dared to expect considering this couple (especially since  March left the show).

    So, Stephanie March, thank you from the bottom of my heart :)

     

    devoted CaBenson shipper :) 

    Printcess220's picture

    If, just if this happens....

    I could die and my life would be complete.
    Katie's picture

    Total amen to that

    Total amen to that one!

     

    "Sometimes when i get homesick i hum the mr softee song"

    "I’m not saying we’re not...I’m not saying we’re not in love."

    N3wY0rkGiirl's picture

    Okay.... All...

    I'm going to say is: PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE!!!!!!
    Rae's picture

    I'M TOO YOUNG FOR A HEART ATTACK!

    Oh, but look there, at age 18 you gave me one. *sighs* I will try to keep the squeeing and girly excitable giggling to a minimum.
    Claire's picture

    Blondes don't have more fun.

    I've always thought the brunette would make a great lesbian, but the blonde? I don't find her sexy.

     Hey, why isn't my picture up?

    Lunakiss's picture

    Hoping For A Alex/Olivia Romance

    www.myspace.com/lunakiss7.com

    I am so hoping for that. It crossed my mind that there might be a teensy possiblity. Maybe in my fantasy world. They're both so hot. How can one not find the other attractive.

    For the record,Sarah, you were only thinking realistically. You never know what's going to happen in those writer's minds.

    Like N3wY0rkGirl stated over and over Please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

    I'm adding my cherry on top please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Off to dream

    A line taken from my poem "She" It is SHE who awakens my soul..."

    thefemininedivine.blogspot.com

    McPatty's picture

    all i have to say is

    oh my god oh my god oh my god
    Shya11's picture

    Love Mariska!!!

    I am in love with her and the two of them 2gether would be simply wonderful. Iv'e always thought Olivia was gay anyway. I hope it happens. Fingers crossed.
    Katie's picture

    *is hyperventilating*

    I'm going to die. i'm going to PASS OUT AND DIE.

    HOLY SHIT I LOVE STEPHANIE MARCH 

     

    "Sometimes when i get homesick i hum the mr softee song"

    phoenixlaceyrain's picture

    sweet dreams

    Even if it doesn't happen, it is nice to just daydream about.

     

    http://pawsiblegaytails.blogspot.com/

    sapphistafricana's picture

    waiting for proof

    When it quacks and shows its feathers then I'll know it's a duck.

    nsnsproductions's picture

    they better not do this

    if they do i will be standing along outside with the baptist church saying just mean and hurtful things to the company.

     i understand they want to be gay friendly but lets not be realistic and fuck up the story line just so the lesbians and bisexuals will be happy.

    keep it the way it is. if they were really meant to be with one another then there would have been hints from the beginning.

    Katie's picture

    ..but that's the thiing..

    ..but that's the thiing.. there was MAJOR subtext from the beginning. every damn episode. and i would know, i own them all on DVD.

     

    "Sometimes when i get homesick i hum the mr softee song"

    "I’m not saying we’re not...I’m not saying we’re not in love."

    nsnsproductions's picture

    really

    and what was that because all the hints i saw were for olivia and stabler. and they're perfect for each other not olivia and that (good looking) lawyer.

    Katie's picture

    whew, i could give you a

    whew, i could give you a list of episodes to watch... lol

    loss, ghost, guilt, fallacy, angels...

    that's just to start ;)

     

    "Sometimes when i get homesick i hum the mr softee song"

    "I’m not saying we’re not...I’m not saying we’re not in love."

    nsnsproductions's picture

    i dont

    care what episodes you list...its stupid to put them together. 

    Katie's picture

    oh, so you ARE blind then?

    oh, so you ARE blind then? good to know.

     

    "Sometimes when i get homesick i hum the mr softee song"

    "I’m not saying we’re not...I’m not saying we’re not in love."

    Katie's picture

    oh, so you ARE blind then?

    oh, so you ARE blind then? good to know.

     

    "Sometimes when i get homesick i hum the mr softee song"

    "I’m not saying we’re not...I’m not saying we’re not in love."

    grumpybear1031's picture

    Heaven forbid the lesbians

    Heaven forbid the lesbians get what they want for once. You'd have an issue with a gay story line but yet in your next post state Liv should hook up with Stabler who is still technically married. So I guess in your world aduterly is fine. You know the church frowns on that too.
    nsnsproductions's picture

    first off

    i dont watch the series anymore but the last i did he was divorce. and yeah..heaven forbid the lesbians get what they want...because that would ruin the show for one.

    Katie's picture

    ooh, i totally forgot he

    ooh, i totally forgot he was married. LOL

    and him and kathy have another kid too. he's a good catholic man. he won't make a move.... Alex on the other hand.... ;) a girl can dream

     

    "Sometimes when i get homesick i hum the mr softee song"

    "I’m not saying we’re not...I’m not saying we’re not in love."

    Katherine's picture

    i would die if this happened.

    from ECSTACY!!!

    omg, inbd

    grumpybear1031's picture

    Just watch Loss

    The only episode you need to watch is Loss to see the Alex/Oliva love.I honestly lost intrest in the show after the initial departure of Stephanie, I mean I still watched but it hasn't been the same. Just her returning to the show even if only for a few episodes is an answered prayer for me.

    I hate how people want Liv to hook up with Stabler yet they seem to forget how he's still technically married. So I guess in some people's worlds cheating is okay.

    Canuckgrrl's picture

    Loss...

    You read my mind - loads of subtexty goodness in that episode.

    Stephanie March just scored mucho coolness points in my book!  (Like I wasn't already going to be glued to the set for her guesting stint...) 

     

    Ashley Maile's picture

    WOW WOW WOW

    I had a heart attack lol. And Sarah??! I am that reader who asked you that question... I DO hope you were wrong lol. But I agree, as much as I WANT this, I just dont think straight hollywood SVU writers are ready to take that final step OUT of the closet. Pun intended.

     

    Regardless, I just cant wait for her to return :)! And to see them onscreen together for 6 eps. lovelvoeloveee

    Carolyn's picture

    Be still my beating heart!!

    I am flipping out!! Oh, I seriously think I would die if the Alex/Olivia pairing was actually real. March 10th can't come soon enough. My inner fangirl is spazzing right now.
    ampersand713's picture

    this photo iz much better, yeah?

    svu
    Orithia's picture

    YES.

    much.  thanks.

    :)

    Keeva99's picture

    Goodness gracious...

    That is hot! :P

     

     

    "Neutral thought gives me pause"

    Arielle's picture

    EEE

    Just sqeualed at the computer, and am afraid that my parents heard me!!! THANK YOU!!!!! Where is that even from?
    maxime68's picture

    worth waiting for

    I won't get my hopes up too high, but simply bringing March back, seems to be worth the wait. We're currently in season 9, and on top of all those technical flaws (inconsistency in hairdos) and clothing it's also the missing "chemistry" among the characters that brought me to only watching recorded episodes.

    So, whatever comes out of this storyline can only be good, cause I can't and won't believe they'll butcher this thread.

    Guess I'll have to head over to some fanfic sites and see what they're making out of this ;)

     

    http://www.myspace.com/417200048
    http://twitter.com/maxime68

    Stephy-O 's picture

    BOOM

    *blink*

     

    ...AND the fandom just imploded with glee.

    happykt's picture

    Mariska Hargitay Moment

    In the summer of 2007, I went to see Lucy Lawless (yes Xena!) perform a rock concert in the Canal Room on Broadway. After the concert, a whole gaggle of lesbians were gabbing about Lucy in front of the Canal Room, waiting for the bus to pick us up.  As we waited, we tried to stay out of the way of the thousands of people streaming up and down the street. I was walking a bit down the sidewalk, to be with my friends, when I realized I coudn't get out of the way of a woman approaching me from the opposite direction on the sidewalk. As she came closer I thought, gee, she looks familiar.  Suddently we stopped about two feet in front of each other, looked each other in the eye and I said impulsively blurted out looking deeply at this woman's dark brown eyes, "Gee, you look a LOT like Mariska Hargitay!"  The woman looked a bit panicked and then shook her head up and down a bit and I realized yea gads, THIS WAS Mariska Hargitay! I immediately freaked out and said quite loudly, 'OH MY GAWD, ITS MARISKA HARGITAY!"  Well, about 100 lesbians immediately whipped their heads in my direction and we all stared at Mariska Hargitay for several seconds. Mariksa immediately hightailed it out of there.  As I was still going on and on about literally bumping into Mariska, when who should come back, but Mariska, clutching onto a woman's arm. Both were dressed to the nines in dresses and heels.  Mariska saw us and held on more tightly to the arm of the woman she was escorting and ran across Broadway. It wasn't until they were out of my site that someone said that the woman with her was Hillary Swank!  I thought that Mariska seemed very romantic and commanding leading Hillary around, and all I could think of in my head, "My, don't they look ... gay." LOL.  I fantasized about the two of them for months.

    I can honestly say I hit the lesbian icon jackpot that night seeing Lucy Lawless, Renee O'Connor, Mariska Hargitay, and Hillary Swank. TRUTH is stranger than fiction!