'Law & Order: SVU' season 18 plot spoilers news: Will Elliot Stabler return in season finale?

The showrunner for the NBC drama "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," Warren Leight, has previously shared his interest in bringing Elliot Stabler (Christopher Meloni) back to the show.

Meloni was a series regular for the first twelve seasons until he abruptly left the show. His absence was explained by an off-screen resignation of his character, Stabler, but according to Game N Guide, Meloni could come back for the season finale.

When Stabler was still a part of the force, viewers were particularly taken with his dynamic with Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay). There were several hints that a possible romance could blossom between the two, but before anything could happen, Meloni left the show.

The actor has not confirmed any appearances in the upcoming "Law & Order: SVU" season 18. In an interview with Huffington Post back in March, he said that he had no idea where the rumors of his return were coming from. He went on to say that nobody from NBC had contacted him for an appearance in the hit police procedural drama. So does it mean that Stabler is gone for good?

The return of Stabler could mean a rivalry between him and Ed Tucker (Robert John Burke) who is currently dating Benson. Benson and Captain Tucker were going steady the last time audiences saw them, and Tucker has even found a soft spot in the heart of Benson's adopted son, Noah. Sure, Stabler and Benson could still remain friends if he returns, but judging by how close they were in previous seasons, Tucker may have to harbor some feelings of jealousy.

In an interview with E! News, Hargitay talked about the romance between her character and the captain.

"I feel like it's really lonely, and she's been lonely and alone," the actress said of Benson. "And then enter Tucker, which has been such a game-changer for me because not only is he as powerful — she's such a powerful character — to have somebody that energetically matches her has been incredible," she added.

"Law & Order: SVU" is set to return for its season 18 on Sept. 21, Wednesday at 9 p.m. on NBC.