Christopher Meloni & Mariska Hargitay (continued)

How would you describe the relationship between Stabler and Benson?
Chris: More solid than ever. (laughs) I think it's evolved as Mariska and Chris's relationship has evolved [through] working together, and hitting each other, and yelling at each other, making up with each other and finding common ground. [It's become] a very honest, strong relationship.

Mariska: I think we've grown into equals. It's a very interesting relationship. It's very husband/wife, brother/sister, mother/son, father/daughter. It's exciting to have such an intimate, trusting, yet challenging relationship. I feel like we've earned our trust and our bond in such a deep way. We know we have each other's back.

What do you think sets Special Victims Unit apart from the other shows in the Law & Order franchise?
Chris: I think they invest a little bit more in the regulars. Slightly, but I think just enough. I think we very often deal with issues. Very often, not all the time, but often we'll tell a story about an issue. Like, stem cell research. How does whatever, a rape case, delve into that issue. Giving both sides to kind of a hot button topic. I don't know if the other shows focus on that as much as we do.

Chris, does the content of your show ever get to you, like it often gets to Stabler?
Yeah, the stories involving children make me unhappy.

How do you deal with that? Go home and hug your kids?
I get happy again. (Laughs) Stinky diapers [at home] cheer me up.

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