The New York City detectives will continue to fight against heinous crimes in “Law & Order: SVU” Season 18 where Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay) will find herself in a dispute with a colleague as they disagree on a case. The lead detective may also experience trouble in paradise following an ex-partner’s return.

Olivia Benson Beefs with Barba

Benson and Rafael Barba (Raul Esparza) will get into a fight when they stumble upon a case where a little boy is found alone in a park. When the team looks for the boy’s mother, Benson and Barba clash during the verdict because they cannot agree on the case.

Benson Picks up Strays

While most fans would root for #TeamBenson, it is known that she loves to pick up strays. Could this be another incident where she did not put her all into searching for the child’s mother because she just wants to keep the child safe with her?

In previous episodes, Benson had a foster child after the mother left him at the station. When the boy’s mother was in town, Olivia tracked her down but never went to get her. The team thought it was because she was too attached to the boy even though his stay with her was supposed to be temporary.

If this is another baby-fever issue with Benson, then she may be in the wrong when she goes up against Barba.

Elliot Stabler Returns to the Unit

Meanwhile, Benson’s old partner Detective Elliot Stabler (Christopher Meloni) is expected to return for the next installment of NBC’s “Law & Order: SVU.” After taking a hiatus, Stabler will come back to rekindle his relationship with Benson.

The fan favorite has always been a little over protective of his longtime partner. Will he take her side on the fight against Barba? And how will Stabler act as an officer now? He was known for beating up suspects and losing his temper. Will he come back a changed man?

Benson’s Relationship

Benson is also in a long term relationship with Captain Ed Tucker (Robert John Burke) even though she thinks no one knows about it. They are expected to take their relationship to the next level in Season 18.

As for the new case, dating a captain can mean that Benson has favoritism from an authority. But if Tucker decides to side with Barba in this case, will that mean trouble in paradise for the couple?

“Law & Order: SVU” returns to NBC on Wednesday Sept. 21 at 9 p.m. EST. Stay tuned to find out.