During her vacation, Mariska Hargitay surprised fans with an Instagram post featuring a reunion with Andy Karl, who played Sergeant Mike Dodds on Law & Order: SVU. Dodds' character tragically died in the Season 17 finale, making the impromptu meet-up all the more exciting for fans. Comments poured in expressing love and adoration for the reunion, with many reminiscing about the emotional impact of Dodds' death. The unexpected reunion delighted fans and sparked speculation about Benson's encounters with ghosts. Overall, Hargitay's gesture was appreciated by SVU viewers who were thrilled to see the beloved characters together again.
Sgt. Mike Dodds was tragically killed in the line of duty during the Season 17 finale titled "Heartfelt Passages." He was the second in command of the Manhattan SVU once Benson was promoted to Lieutenant.
Lieutenant Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay) and Sgt. Mike Dodds (Andy Karl) appear in a scene from Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Season 17 Episode 22. Photo: Michael Parmelee/NBC Dodds was first introduced in Season 17's "Maternal Instincts" after he was transferred to Benson's SVU by his father, Deputy Chief William Dodds. Dodds was empathetic and diligent, often using his personal experiences to coax confessions from suspects. Dodds quickly became a cherished squad member, helping in the arrest of several chill-inducing criminals throughout Season 17.
Karl is a Tony-nominated Broadway and West End actor that has starred in dozens of must-see theatrical productions since his time on Law & Order: SVU.
Sgt. Mike Dodds (Andy Karl) appears in a scene from Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Season 17 Episode 7. Photo: Michael Parmelee/NBC Karl currently stars in the hit West End musical Groundhog Day as Phil Connors. After exiting SVU in 2016, the actors continued to flaunt his theatrical talent, taking the stage in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Into the Woods, and Pretty Woman: The Musical to name just a few of his credits. Karl also appeared in the legal drama The Good Fight.
