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The Dick Wolf universe is not in the business of making couples happy, and we can look at the longest-running series in the universe, Law & Order: SVU, to get an idea of that. After 26 seasons, Benson and Stabler are still not together, and just as it looks like they could make it work, they pull away from each other, or something gets in the way. And while it’s all frustrating, it’s a great thing for the series as a whole.

Why FBI’s Maggie & OA Are Being Partnered Up As A Romantic Couple

Maggie & OA Turn To Each Other In Crisis

Although Missy Peregrym and Zeeko Zaki have always described their relationship as more familial than romantic, many fans still hold out hope that things could change. The two share a deep bond, always looking out for each other and showing a level of honesty they don’t extend to anyone else. When secrets do come between them, the emotional fallout feels more like heartbreak than a simple platonic rift.

They also become deeply worried about each other when a situation gets dangerous or when they need support. After Maggie was trapped with the gas, OA tried desperately to get in and save her. When OA struggled with the feeling of personal debt to Clay in FBI season 7, Maggie stood by him and put her feelings about Clay to the side, knowing OA needed her more. They continue to show a deep connection, and it allows them to work so seamlessly together, teasing there’s something more between them.

Dick Wolf Continues To Keep Benson & Stabler Apart After 26 Years

Christopher Meloni Doesn’t Think The Relationship Works

Image made by Milica Djordjevic

From the beginning of Law & Order: SVU, there have been clear signs of something more than friendship between Benson and Stabler. The two think similarly, and they’re able to reel each other in when a case gets too personal or emotional. When they get stuck, they are there for each other to figure out another way to tackle a situation. It’s led to many viewers waiting to see the two of them realize their feelings for each other, especially now that they’re not working with SVU.

That relationship almost happened in Law & Order: SVU season 24 with that almost kiss, and we waited patiently for something to come of it in season 25, but there were crickets. Mariska Hargitay suggested that Dick Wolf was the one who didn’t like the direction, but Law & Order: Organized Crime‘s Christopher Meloni shared that what he and Hargitay tried to do didn’t work. It’s possible that it just wasn’t strong enough to convince Wolf that the kiss and relationship should happen, or what we thought was between them wasn’t actually there.

Maggie & OA’s Current Dynamic Is Good For FBI’s Success

The Will-They-Won’t-They Keeps Us Invested

If Wolf didn’t think that the Law & Order: SVU relationship would work, there’s a chance he also thinks the FBI relationship won’t work either. However, it’s also possible he is thinking in a grander way to help the series continue to succeed. Maggie and OA’s constant will-they-won’t-they storyline keeps us invested in their dynamic.

We want to see it happen, and we’re ready to tune into every single episode on the off-chance that the relationship may finally become official. It’s an excellent strategy when you look at it from that angle. It helps to set up success for the flagship FBI TV series, as a show needs a constant hook to draw people in without continually baiting us, which FBI hasn’t done yet. If Law & Order: SVU has managed to keep people invested for 26 years, the same could happen for FBI, allowing a deeper connection for the characters and for us to form.