The entire episode serves as a setup, as we weren't exactly expecting anyone to kiss and make up after Elliot left Olivia high and dry all those years ago. Yes, we're trying to figure out who put the bomb in Elliot and Kathy's rental car, but most of that is delved into in the second part of the crossover, episode 1 of Law and Order: Organized Crime.
The SVU portion of the series is all about Olivia and Elliot. In this episode, the two finally have a conversation about Elliot leaving his work without saying goodbye — in the hospital waiting room while Kathy was still alive, of all places. Olivia is much more hesitant than Elliot is to talk, but the latter is insistent. And according to Elliot, he knew if he spoke to Olivia before he put in his papers 10 years ago, he probably never would have gone through with it.
"I was afraid," he says. "If I heard your voice, I wouldn't have been able to leave." As Olivia takes in the emotional weight of the statement, she is saved by the bell with a phone call from Deputy Chief Christian Garland (Demore Barnes) and leaves. They still have so much to discuss, and they never really are able to.
This conversation proves Olivia is still not over what happened 10 years ago, despite what Finn (Ice-T) told Elliot while they caught up over drinks. This woman is still hurting, and whether or not Elliot can make it up to her remains to be seen. It's hard to ignore the look Elliot has in his eyes for all of his conversations with Olivia. Despite seeming very happy with Kathy and where they were in their life, there is still something that suggests a longing for Olivia, either through a platonic friendship or something more — as fans have always hoped.
"Return of the Prodigal Son" laid the groundwork for what's to come between the former partners as both Law and Order series move forward. If this episode is any indication, the repairing of this relationship is likely going to be a long and winding road.
