Filming for "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" season 18 has already begun and is said to premiere in fall. The death of Sgt. Mike Dodds (Andy Karl) is expected to affect the characters moving forward and things are speculated to shake up even more with the rumored return of Elliot Stabler (Christopher Meloni).

Karl was only introduced in season 17, but he easily became a fan favorite just like how easily his character blended in with the others on the show. Fans were shocked and saddened to see him killed in the season finale and the circumstances of his death are expected to take heavy toll on Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay) and Deputy Chief William Dodds (Peter Gallagher).

It is speculated that the event would create a gap between William and Benson when the former blames the latter for the death of his son. Some also say that while William will understand that the risk of dying comes with their job, Benson will continue to blame herself and might lead her to contemplate about leaving the task force.

In an interview with E! Online, Karl said, "This character has really gained a whole bunch of knowledge and helped out so much with SVU. Then to have a tragedy ripped from the precinct will affect everyone's character. So really, my character will initially affect and move on."

Fans have witnessed the blossoming romance between Olivia and Ed Tucker (Robert John Burke), but there are rumors saying that Elliot, a guy from Olivia's past, will be back and will cause a rift between the two. The rumor about the character's return was fueled by showrunner Warren Leight who named Meloni as one of the former regulars he had been planning to get back.

Addressing the abrupt exit of the character on the show and how his absence was presented, Leight told The Hollywood Reporter they felt they owed the fans a little more. No confirmation about Meloni's return has been made.

"Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" season 18 will return on Sept. 21 on NBC.