'Law & Order: SVU': Chris Meloni to not appear in multiple-episode goodbye arc

As much as I might enjoy the L&O franchise, I'm actually applauding NBC and TPTB for not giving in during negotiations. I mean when you're already making a bucket load of cash for each episode, just how many zeros are you looking for on your per episode paycheck?

Truth be known, I liked Stabler and his family aspect - in particuarlly Alison Sicko whom I think has some real potential as an actress. And loosing Stabler might hurt the show because like Olivia L&OSVU is as much about them as an individual case. But sometimes you just have to say no to tantamount greed.

KB

Without Christopher Meloni, I won't watch it. I've been a fan from the very beginning of the series, but Elliott and Olivia are the heart and soul of L&O:SVU, so I'll be gone. Thanks, NBC, for ruining a good thing.

I was a HUGE fan of the original L&O, right up to the very end. Less so a fan of SVU, but I've still enjoyed it. But the Stabler/Olivia dynamic has really played out (how many times can Stabler cross the line and come back to fight another day, really?).

So I won't be too terribly sad to see Meloni go. I imagine he was ready to call it quits, anyway, which is why the negotiations failed.

It's not about greed. The main actors have publicly stated many times that they're tired of doing the show. It's a ridiculous amount of work, and the two leads had so much emotional stuff, which is exhausting. So every year it was, "Well, they have to give me a reason to come back." Considering the show was almost canceled, I wouldn't be surprised if paychecks have been reduced this year. If you were tired of doing it before, would you want to come back and do it for less? Nobody that sticks with a show for 12 seasons should be ridiculed for finally walking away.

I'm more than happy for people to move on; but I think not having him there to explain away why Stabler is gone is almost like a kick in the guts. ESPECIALLY for those fans who have waited and longed for pay off (read: sex) from the Benson/Stabler relationship.

Just.. yeah. Personally? I've waited a LONG time to see those two together or at least ADMIT they want to be together and I honestly honestly thought we'd see that once both/one of them left. And the fact that we won't really disappoints me.

Boo.

It takes a lot and a long time to get me to give up on a TV show. I hang on for dear life. But without a true and good exit for Stabler with Meloni involved? I just don't care that much about the show anymore. It's too much of a slap in the face by the network buffoons. I'm tired of taking what they shovel and expected to show gratitude for such. Obviously judging by the continuous ratings decline all networks are experiencing, a lot of people are. They need us way more than we need them. I'm not playing Oliver Twist to their gruel-shoveling profit-focused selves anymore. I'm done. Death to the networks.

The only good thing about Meloni leaving without having a goodbye episode is that there won't any EO nonsense. It was made increasingly clear in the last several seasons that Elliot is in love with his wife and has no interest in his partner other than as his partner. Thank God we wouldn't have to put up with that any longer.

Just cancel the show already.

Nobody is forcing you to watch it Ethan-change the channel

I've been a loyal viewer of SVU for all 12 years and still watch the reruns. Actors and viewers do get attached and committed to characters but in the end, it is still a business relationship between actors and producers. I wish things had turned out differently. I hope after all these years Chris' work and his character is honored with a respectable farewell.