Joyful Heart in the News

I've noticed Benson sporting a new necklace on Law & Order: SVU. Any significance? — Leslie, Saratoga, N.Y.

Plenty! The origin of the necklace — showcasing a Semper Fi Marine medallion (alongside two pendants representing Mariska Hargitay's Joyful Heart Foundation) — was explained in a scene cut from the October 12 episode. Olivia opens an envelope from ex-partner Elliot Stabler, which contains the medallion and a mini badge with Stabler's badge number on it (the badge is now clipped to her gun).

Why the edit? "We'd already seen Olivia break down and be off her game. How long can your protagonist moon over a coworker?" says exec producer Warren Leight. Later this season, Olivia will likely receive a visit from half brother Simon (Michael Weston), not seen on the series since 2007.