In "Blood Ties," the theme revolves around fatherhood, with Wen searching for his son and Stabler realizing his own feelings about fatherhood. The family dynamics are intense, and Stabler is seen advocating for a father who has been emotionally compromised and hindered the investigation. Although the episode may have its shortcomings, the portrayal of fatherhood is not one of them.
At the conclusion of the episode, there is a collective sense of joy as everyone rallies behind Wen's quest to reunite with his son. Despite only being introduced at the beginning of the episode, we feel as though we have come to know him well.
Wen's unwavering determination to find his missing son, coupled with his unshakable confidence in the face of opposition from the task force, is truly admirable. He prioritizes his emotional connection with his son over his own logical thinking, demonstrating a single-minded focus on his ultimate goal: to hold his child in his arms again.
The most significant revelation is Stabler's willingness to jeopardize his own reputation to assist a complete stranger, a decision that highlights his personal growth and mental fortitude.
As previously noted, the Stabler of old would have viewed Wen as an obstacle rather than an asset. Thus, his repeated collaboration with Wen is a testament to the confidence he places in the father's unwavering determination.
Stabler attempted to persuade Wen to remain composed by reminding him of his patience when dealing with his teenage students, but to no avail. Wen's emotions got the best of him, and he lashed out at anyone he felt was impeding his search for his son, disregarding the potential consequences.
Fortunately, the sting operation at the auction proceeded without issue, resulting in the capture and arrest of Quan and his associates and the return of Wen's son. However, there remained a sense of unease as Quan warned of powerful allies within 1PP who would not take kindly to his arrest, while Thurman was apprehensive about the potential repercussions of Bell's operation.
Stabler expressed skepticism that Quan's arrest marked the end of the matter, as he believed that a man with considerable influence and resources could not be neutralized so easily. It was uncertain whether Quan would face conviction or if he would evade justice altogether, raising concerns about his potential return to wreak havoc in the future.
I loved the scene between Bell and Chang near the end, and I hope we see more of them together in future. The show has neglected Ayanna's personal life this season so it would be nice to see that aspect return.
Stabler's interaction with his son Eli served as a poignant reminder of this void. Their relationship had been fraught with tension since the show's inception, and navigating a transition into a more adult dynamic with his college-aged son proved to be a difficult feat.
I hope to see more of Eli, Bernie and other Stabler family members in the last few episodes of the season - and dare I say, a conversation with his estranged "friend" Olivia Benson? Time will tell.
