Eames versus Olivia Benson....

[aanalore]

It seems to me there are now two great female characters in the L&O universe: Eames and Olivia Benson. Obviously, SVU features Benson as often as it can. Eames gets a lot less camera time.

Howvever....it's pretty clear that Eames is the perfect partner for Goren. She respects his abilities, but she is more than willing to tell him when she thinks he is full of crap.

The quintessential Eames moment, in my mind, came earlier this season, when Mike Logan was trying out his new desk at the Major Case unit. He'd already complained about its location and quality. Later, Eames walks by and, without stopping, says "nice desk."

She's smart...a bit sassy...not nearly as intense as Olivia. But a great foil to Goren's "Holmes," if you see him that way.

Anyway, here's a question I will throw out. Which of these two women would you want as your partner? I'd take Eames.

[trisha]

I'd take Eames, too. Benson is a little too emotional for me, but I'd take Benson over Stabler in a heart beat ;D

[NikkiGreen]

Eames.

Benson is just a little too intense for me.

[blucougar57]

Definitely Eames over Benson. As smart and compassionate as Benson is, Eames has it all. Biiiiiig attitude in a little package....

[Beaglebabes]

Benson just seems too emotional for me to be effective. Eames keeps her cool. Eames would have my vote!

[darmok]

I agree with everyone who says Eames. However, I do think Benson is better in the SVU world because she is more sensitive toward the victims. Eames can be sympathetic too, but she is'nt always.

[aboutnici]

Heck, I'm in love with Olivia Benson, not Alexandra Eames!

So I'm picking Benson over Eames anyday!

[Metella]

ha! Well if I need a cop I'd hope Eames was on my case; Benson could ruin the investigation at the trial level with her emotional work. If I needed a shoulder to lean on after an assault, then I'd want Benson around. If I got to body swap (double ha! ) I'd go for Benson, as I like taller & brunette ..... snicker

[janetcatbird]

I've seen random spatterings of SVU so my perception of Benson might be a bit skewed. As a partner, I'd want Eames, hands down. She's always professional, loyal, got a sense of humor to break the tension, and though reserved she's not callous or cruel.

If I were some sort of victim/witness, I'd take either one, though if I were a lawyer I'd certianly prefer Eames (not that Benson's awful, but her emotional days are just a bit risky). But maybe Eames' matter-of-fact approach would be more welcome to help stay on track and move on. Benson is very kind and sympathetic, and I wouldn't outright reject her, but I'd probably feel self-conscious and uncomfortable if I felt I was being mollycoddled or babied. If I want a shoulder to cry on, well, I'm lucky enough to have friends and family who'd be OK for that. (Truth be told, if I didn't talk to them during a rough spot they'd kick in the tough love.) A cop may be trained to handle various emotional responses, but they can only do so much on the job.

--Catbird

[Patcat]

They're both strong characters and extremely well played by both actresses. My only complaint would be that Mariska Hargarity seems to get a lot more press--and this is not a criticism of the actress--it's just that Ms. Erbe doesn't get the credit she deserves outside of the LOCI world. Within it, everyone seems to love her, including Mr. D'Onofrio.

Both detectives seem to have found where they belong. I don't think Benson would work well in Major Case, and I don't know how long Eames would last in SVU.

Patcat

[BegToDiffer]

I like everything about Eames. She would be my choice as a partner.