'Law and Order: SVU' season 18 spoilers: Awkward work environment and love triangle for Benson?

Olivia Benson (Marissa Hargitay) might feel like the death of Mike Dodds (Andy Karl) was her fault, but that won't stop her from working with Dodds Sr. in "Law and Order: Special Victims Unit" season 18.

Reports have it that SVU Deputy Chief William Dodds (Peter Gallagher) and Benson will be able to settle their differences despite the tragic death of the latter's son.

It might not be easy to get there, but "Law and Order: SVU" season 18 spoilers hint that Benson and Dodds will eventually be able to get past the heartbreak.

Despite the possible awkward and tense office encounters with Dodds, Benson has a lot more to deal with in "Law and Order: SVU" season 18. It is said that her relationship with Tucker (Robert John Burke) will be in jeopardy.

According to rumors, Benson's old flame Det. Elliot Stabler (Christopher Meloni) is returning to "Law and Order: SVU" season 18. However, there hasn't been any confirmation of his return.

Meloni hasn't been on the show in the last six seasons, and while his comeback will be really exciting for fans of "Law and Order: SVU," Meloni debunked the rumors in an interview with Huffington Post.

"I heard that rumor along with everybody else. I have no idea where that came from or what that was about," the actor said.

As it turns out, former showrunner Warren Leight, who steps down from his role in "Law and Order: SVU" season 18, planned to bring Stabler back in the last season should it be the final run of the long-running drama.

However, since the show has been renewed for a new season, Stabler's return was off the table once again. It remains to be seen if that plan still stands, considering that Leight is no longer the showrunner.

"Law and Order: SVU" season 18 premieres Wednesday, Sept. 21 on NBC.