I feel like the show has been trying to derail and bulldoze every single of one of Olivia's relationships lately. Especially with Barba now defending Wheatley. So, I wanted to explore how Olivia is going to handle this and reflect on all the changes that have been going on. Particularly since Elliot's return. Let me know your thoughts and I appreciate any reviews/feedback!
"You look good, Liv. How are things? How's Noah?"
"You know how it is. Work is the same old same old. Noah's doing great. Finally back at in person school so he's over the moon. And you? How's life on the other side?"
"Ah, well it's good. Um, that's actually what I came here to talk about."
"I figured you didn't drag me out to a bar in the middle of the afternoon midweek to make small talk."
"What a friend can't meet another friend just to catch up?"
"I know you too well, Barba. So what's the case? Who are you defending?"
Olivia watched Barba contemplate, biting his lip in hesitation.
"Oh, c'mon it can't be that bad. It's not like you're defending Richard Wheatley."
Barba's eyes guiltily met hers.
"You've got to be kidding me! He's a murderer. He ordered a hit, on a cop's wife!"
"Everyone's entitled to a defense. And in his case a good one."
"He's manipulating you to get to me. To get in Elliot's head. It's all a game to him."
"Well, your confidence in my talent is inspiring. Have you thought that maybe you're too close to the case to see it clearly, Liv? Have you considered that maybe your history with Stabler is clouding your judgement?"
"It's clear to me that Wheatley is a vindictive son of a bitch who doesn't hesitate to hurt others to get what he wants."
"Is he a good person? No. But that's doesn't mean he's legally responsible for the death of Kathy Stabler."
"Jesus Christ, he ran me off the road and almost killed me! Does that mean nothing to you?
"Olivia, this isn't personal. And it would be inappropriate for me to discuss this case with you further considering you're a witness for the defense. I'm giving you a heads up, as a professional courtesy."
"A professional courtesy? Is that how we're doing things now? Is that what we are to each other? As I remember, you used to be the one fighting alongside me, protecting people, victims. Getting real justice. Doing what's right. What happened to that guy, to my friend?"
"I can't say anything more, Liv."
Olivia reached her hand out, grasping his, hoping to find the man she used to know so well.
Her voice lowered.
"Rafa, if he has something on you. If he's threatening you somehow. We can work it out. We can protect you. You can tell me."
"It's not like that, Liv. I should go. I'm sorry."
Olivia was left there dumb founded as she watched him leave. Another blow to her heart. To her trust. It seemed the past couple years she was losing everyone around her, physically and metaphorically. Seeing them in harsher lighting as ugly truths revealed themselves. She was beginning to question her own judgment. Brian. Ed. Simon. Burton. Her mother. Now Barba. When did she stop knowing them so well? And Elliot. Did she still know him? Did she ever?
She had an unsettling feeling about this trial. Something had been stirring ever since Elliot came back and all hell broke loose. The water had been building and the dam was about the burst open and flood everything around her.