Few assistant district attorneys have left as indelible a mark on Law & Order: Svu as Rafael Barba. Even fewer have left as indelible a mark on Svu‘s Capt. Olivia Benson.
Fans of the NBC procedural will remember that Raúl Esparza played the prickly public servant for several seasons. During that time, Barba and Benson grew close; when he left the show in Season 19, after helping the distraught mother of a terminally ill child end her son’s life, his departure was fraught.
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Fans of the NBC procedural will remember that Raúl Esparza played the prickly public servant for several seasons. During that time, Barba and Benson grew close; when he left the show in Season 19, after helping the distraught mother of a terminally ill child end her son’s life, his departure was fraught.
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- 1/22/2024
- by Kimberly Roots
- TVLine.com
We might be stuck with Captain Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay) and Rafael Barba (Raúl Esparza) where Law & Order: Svu left them at the end of Season 23 for a while. The two weren’t on speaking terms after he represented Richard Wheatley (Dylan McDermott) when he was on trial for the murder of Detective Elliot Stabler’s (Christopher Meloni) wife. Then, in Esparza’s last appearance on the NBC drama, the two met for last call at Forlini’s, with the bar closing. She saw what he did as a betrayal, while he just saw her denying and deflecting while defending Stabler. “It’s alright, I get it. It’s what you do when you love somebody unconditionally,” he said. “Please don’t tell me how I feel,” she told him. But “in this case I can because I do know what it means to love someone unconditionally. And when you...
- 1/19/2024
- TV Insider
“Law & Order,” “Law & Order: Svu,” and “Law & Order: Organized Crime” return for the 2022-2023 season Thursday, Sept. 22 in an epic three-series crossover that will involve all three squads trying to prevent a bombing and shut down an international sex trafficking ring.
If you can’t remember what went down last season (or skipped a few episodes), here’s what you need to know for each series, from the trial of the man who ordered the hit on Elliot Stabler (Christopher Meloni)’s wife, Kathy (Isabel Gillies), to Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay)’s revived romance with a former fiancé that took an unexpected turn.
Also Read:
‘Law & Order’ Showrunner Rick Eid Previews Season 22’s Crossover Event: ‘It Will Feel Like a 3-Hour Movie’ Law & Order Season 21 Recap
The original “mothership” returned for its 21st season 12 years after it was canceled, with series veteran Sam Waterston reprising his role as D.
If you can’t remember what went down last season (or skipped a few episodes), here’s what you need to know for each series, from the trial of the man who ordered the hit on Elliot Stabler (Christopher Meloni)’s wife, Kathy (Isabel Gillies), to Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay)’s revived romance with a former fiancé that took an unexpected turn.
Also Read:
‘Law & Order’ Showrunner Rick Eid Previews Season 22’s Crossover Event: ‘It Will Feel Like a 3-Hour Movie’ Law & Order Season 21 Recap
The original “mothership” returned for its 21st season 12 years after it was canceled, with series veteran Sam Waterston reprising his role as D.
- 9/22/2022
- by Sharon Knolle
- The Wrap
Mariska Hargitay as Olivia Benson on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. Pic credit: NBC
The Law & Order: Special Victims Unit showrunners are promising some intriguing developments for the series this year.
In an interview, David Graziano and head writer Julie Martin discuss some of the plans for Season 24, which includes the long-simmering relationship between Benson (Mariska Hargitay) and Stabler (Christopher Meloni).
While the pair are coy about a full romance between the detectives, they did indicate their relationship will take some unique steps.
They also discussed another key relationship on the show and how the planned three-part crossover with the other Law & Order shows will fall out.
The two also talked of some past characters they’d love to see back and plans for storylines on Benson’s son.
With a few weeks to go before the Season 24 premiere, their words hint at what will be coming on the drama this year.
The Law & Order: Special Victims Unit showrunners are promising some intriguing developments for the series this year.
In an interview, David Graziano and head writer Julie Martin discuss some of the plans for Season 24, which includes the long-simmering relationship between Benson (Mariska Hargitay) and Stabler (Christopher Meloni).
While the pair are coy about a full romance between the detectives, they did indicate their relationship will take some unique steps.
They also discussed another key relationship on the show and how the planned three-part crossover with the other Law & Order shows will fall out.
The two also talked of some past characters they’d love to see back and plans for storylines on Benson’s son.
With a few weeks to go before the Season 24 premiere, their words hint at what will be coming on the drama this year.
- 9/8/2022
- by Michael Weyer
- Monsters and Critics
Capt. Benson’s got a new superior officer.
Coyote co-creator/executive producer David Graziano will serve as showrunner for Law & Order: Svu‘s upcoming Season 24, our sister site Deadline reports.
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He will replace former Svu boss Warren Leight, who announced in May that he was ending his second stint as the procedural’s showrunner at the end of Season 23. “As some of you have already figured out,...
Coyote co-creator/executive producer David Graziano will serve as showrunner for Law & Order: Svu‘s upcoming Season 24, our sister site Deadline reports.
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He will replace former Svu boss Warren Leight, who announced in May that he was ending his second stint as the procedural’s showrunner at the end of Season 23. “As some of you have already figured out,...
- 6/1/2022
- by Kimberly Roots
- TVLine.com
[Warning: The below contains Major spoilers for the Law & Order: Svu Season 23 finale “A Final Call at Forlini’s Bar.”] Law & Order: Svu bookends its Season 23 finale with conversations that directly address Captain Olivia Benson’s (Mariska Hargitay) personal life, specifically her relationship with her former partner, Detective Elliot Stabler (Christopher Meloni) — and something that is very unresolved with Rafael Barba (Raúl Esparza). The episode began with Benson in a session with her therapist, Dr. Lindstrom (Bill Irwin), who brought up her coworkers’ stable relationships and her lack of one. “I think you and Elliot either need to see whether there’s more there or move on,” he told her. “This idealized relationship is hanging over you, prevents you from true intimacy, Olivia, either with him or with anyone else.” And while there have been hints that Benson and Stabler could cross that line over the years and especially since he reappeared in her life with the ...
- 5/20/2022
- TV Insider
Warning: This post contains spoilers from Law & Order: Svu’s Season 23 finale. Proceed accordingly.
Law & Order: Svu‘s Season 23 finale spent a lot of time hinting that Olivia Benson’s love life might be a more fecund field in the future, and it sowed two major seeds in the form of returned former assistant district attorney Rafael Barba and the absent — though no less a presence — Det. Elliot Stabler.
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Law & Order: Svu‘s Season 23 finale spent a lot of time hinting that Olivia Benson’s love life might be a more fecund field in the future, and it sowed two major seeds in the form of returned former assistant district attorney Rafael Barba and the absent — though no less a presence — Det. Elliot Stabler.
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- 5/20/2022
- by Kimberly Roots
- TVLine.com
[Warning: The below contains Major spoilers for the Law & Order: Svu Season 23 finale “A Final Call at Forlini’s Bar.”] There’s not much hope to be found in where Law & Order: Svu Season 23 leaves Captain Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay) and Counselor Rafael Barba (Raúl Esparza), who come into the episode not speaking to one another. In fact, it’s Detective Amanda Rollins (Kelli Giddish) who reaches out to him to defend a longtime domestic violence victim after she kills her husband. Benson does meet him at Forlini’s to think him for representing Delia (Jordana Spiro), but she won’t stay longer than that. “It’s possible to sit next to someone, have a drink, and not say a single word to each other,” he says. “I miss, you Liv.” She leaves. Then, in the final scene of the episode, Benson joins Barba at Forlini’s again, for its last call with the bar closing.
- 5/20/2022
- TV Insider
On the docket for the NBC franchise’s season finales: Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay) makes her first visit to the new Sam Waterston–fronted Law & Order (8/7c) when NYPD detectives Bernard (Anthony Anderson) and Cosgrove (Jeffrey Donovan) seek intel about a recent domestic violence case. Back at Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (9/8c), Detective Rollins (Kelli Giddish) startles Carisi (Peter Scanavino), her prosecutor boyfriend, by reaching out to his slick predecessor Rafael Barba (Raúl Esparza) to defend someone Svu had previously helped. And on Law & Order: Organized Crime (10/9c), Stabler and his team take on drug kingpin Preston Webb (Mykelti Williamson) and the corrupt cops known as the Brotherhood.
- 5/18/2022
- TV Insider
Rafael Barba (Raúl Esparza) returns with two goals in the Law & Order: Svu Season 23 finale. He wants to help the victim he’s defending and try to fix things with Captain Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay). In “A Final Call at Forlini’s Bar,” Detective Amanda Rollins (Kelli Giddish) turns to Barba when a longtime domestic violence victim winds up at the defendant’s table in court. It’s a surprise for her boyfriend, Ada Sonny Carisi (Peter Scanavino). As for why Rollins is the one to reach out instead of Benson, last time the captain saw Barba, she told him she felt betrayed because he represented Richard Wheatley (Dylan McDermott) when he was on trial for the murder of Detective Elliot Stabler’s (Christopher Meloni) wife. Esparza previews his return and offers a bit of hope when it comes to Barba and Benson. Preview the case that brings...
- 5/17/2022
- TV Insider
The good news when it comes to the Law & Order: Svu Season 23 finale: Raúl Esparza is back as Rafael Barba. The bad news: Things are still very tense between him and Captain Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay) after he defended Richard Wheatley (Dylan McDermott) during the murder trial for Detective Elliot Stabler’s (Christopher Meloni) wife (Isabel Gillies). As the promo for “A Final Call at Forlini’s Bar” shows, Barba is coming in after the squad provides help and protection for a longtime domestic violence victim, only she ends up at the defendant’s table in court. So, Detective Amanda Rollins (Kelli Giddish) turns to Barba, which is going to be a surprise for her boyfriend, Ada Sonny Carisi (Peter Scanavino). In fact, in the preview, Carisi looks a bit confused since he thought Benson and Barba “weren’t even speaking.” Is that when he’ll find out who called his opponent?...
- 5/13/2022
- TV Insider
The Wheel of Time has added a Wise One to its ranks: Ayoola Smart, whose previous TV credits include Killing Eve (as Kenny Stowton’s onetime flame Audrey), has joined Season 2 of the epic Prime Video adaptation in the recurring role of Aviendha.
An Aiel Maiden of the Spear, Aviendha in Wheel of Time lore is a Wise One of the Nine Valleys sept, and one of the three lovers that Rand al’Thor takes (though we of course will see if the TV series offers a new spin on the heroine).
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An Aiel Maiden of the Spear, Aviendha in Wheel of Time lore is a Wise One of the Nine Valleys sept, and one of the three lovers that Rand al’Thor takes (though we of course will see if the TV series offers a new spin on the heroine).
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- 4/22/2022
- by Vlada Gelman
- TVLine.com
It sounds like Raúl Esparza’s upcoming return to Law & Order: Svu will thankfully end with Rafael Barba on better terms with the squad. Esparza and Jordana Spiro are set to guest star in the Season 23 finale (May 19), Give Me My Remote reports. Barba, who left the Da’s office in Season 19, has since occasionally shown up in a professional capacity as a defense attorney, and he will be doing that once again. This time, Detective Amanda Rollins (Kelli Giddish) turns to him after bonding with a domestic violence victim (Spiro). Last season, Captain Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay) and Sergeant Odafin “Fin” Tutuola (Ice T) went to Barba for help (“Sightless in a Savage Land”). Then, earlier this season during an Organized Crime crossover (“People Vs Richard Wheatley”), Barba surprised the squad when he defended Richard Wheatley (Dylan McDermott), who was on trial for the murder of Detective Elliot Stabler’s (Christopher Meloni) wife.
- 4/22/2022
- TV Insider
Raúl Esparza will return to “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” as attorney Rafael Barba in the season 23 finale, NBC confirmed to TheWrap on Thursday.
In the May 19 episode, Amanda Rollins (Kelli Giddish) asks for his help when a victim of domestic violence — who’ll be played by Jordana Spiro of TBS comedy “My Boys” — is prosecuted.
The former Assistant District Attorney was last seen in the December episode “The People Vs. Richard Wheatley,” in which he defended Dylan McDermott’s mobster for the murder of Kathy Stabler. He successfully deadlocked the jury, resulting in a mistrial, and also succeeded in alienating Svu captain Olivia (Mariska Hargitay), who had begged him not to take the case.
Esparza made his “Svu”debut in Season 14 and became a series regular the following season, before leaving in Season 19. He has since returned as an “Svu” guest star and also appeared on “Law & Order: Organized Crime.
In the May 19 episode, Amanda Rollins (Kelli Giddish) asks for his help when a victim of domestic violence — who’ll be played by Jordana Spiro of TBS comedy “My Boys” — is prosecuted.
The former Assistant District Attorney was last seen in the December episode “The People Vs. Richard Wheatley,” in which he defended Dylan McDermott’s mobster for the murder of Kathy Stabler. He successfully deadlocked the jury, resulting in a mistrial, and also succeeded in alienating Svu captain Olivia (Mariska Hargitay), who had begged him not to take the case.
Esparza made his “Svu”debut in Season 14 and became a series regular the following season, before leaving in Season 19. He has since returned as an “Svu” guest star and also appeared on “Law & Order: Organized Crime.
- 4/21/2022
- by Sharon Knolle
- The Wrap
[Warning: The below contains Major spoilers for the Law & Order: Svu and Organized Crime crossover “People vs. Richard Wheatley” and “The Christmas Episode.”] Can Richard Wheatley (Dylan McDermott) be stopped, or does he beat yet another charge, as he did at the beginning of Organized Crime Season 2? Well, the Svu crossover features a couple of major surprises as he stands trial for Kathy Stabler’s (Isabel Gillies) murder. Then after the trial, a case gets very personal for Detective Elliot Stabler (Christopher Meloni) when his son Eli (Nicky Torchia) is the prime suspect of a murder. Plus, across the two hours, Stabler and Captain Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay) begin to talk about their (very) complicated relationship. Barba Being Barba Wheatley’s lawyer, Rafael Barba (Raúl Esparza), gets his ex-wife Angela (Tamara Taylor) to admit in court that she was and still is in love with Detective Elliot Stabler (Christopher Meloni). Wheatley clearly gets to his son, since Richie (...
- 12/10/2021
- TV Insider
Warning: This post contains spoilers from this week’s Law & Order: Svu and Law & Order: Organized Crime crossover. Dun Dun!
Every time a bell rings, Law & Order‘s Richard Wheatley gets away with some truly terrible ish. So we wouldn’t be surprised if you heard a deafening clanging as Svu and Organized Crime‘s latest crossover came to an end Thursday… because the drug kingpin/murderer left his murder trial as a free man.
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Every time a bell rings, Law & Order‘s Richard Wheatley gets away with some truly terrible ish. So we wouldn’t be surprised if you heard a deafening clanging as Svu and Organized Crime‘s latest crossover came to an end Thursday… because the drug kingpin/murderer left his murder trial as a free man.
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- 12/10/2021
- by Kimberly Roots
- TVLine.com
It’s finally time for the man who ordered Kathy Stabler’s murder to go on trial, and this week’s Law & Order: Svu/Organized Crime crossover details both Richard Wheatley’s time in court and the ramifications from his verdict. But before we get there, we have a graveside date, some courtroom outbursts and the return of one Rafael Barba with which to contend. Read on for the highlights of “The People Vs. Richard Wheatley.” (And later, make sure to check out our recap of the Organized Crime half of the crossover, and hear what Svu‘s Peter Scanavino...
- 12/10/2021
- by Kimberly Roots
- TVLine.com
Law & Order fans are getting quite the early Christmas present this year: a meaty Svu/Organized Crime crossover focused on everyones favorite lump-of-coal-in-human-form, Richard Wheatley.
The Svu portion of the event, which airs on NBC Thursday at 9/8c, will find Peter Scanavino‘s assistant district attorney Sonny Carisi trying Wheatley for the murder of Det. Stabler’s wife, Kathy. Complicating matters: Wheatley’s lawyer, Rafael Barba — played by a returning Raúl Esparza —, is Carisi’s mentor and a Friend Of Svu… at least, he is before the trial starts. (The Organized Crime hour that follows at 10 is titled “The Christmas Episode.
The Svu portion of the event, which airs on NBC Thursday at 9/8c, will find Peter Scanavino‘s assistant district attorney Sonny Carisi trying Wheatley for the murder of Det. Stabler’s wife, Kathy. Complicating matters: Wheatley’s lawyer, Rafael Barba — played by a returning Raúl Esparza —, is Carisi’s mentor and a Friend Of Svu… at least, he is before the trial starts. (The Organized Crime hour that follows at 10 is titled “The Christmas Episode.
- 12/7/2021
- by Kimberly Roots
- TVLine.com
Get ready for Sonny Carisi (Peter Scanavino) vs. Rafael Barba (Raúl Esparza), Round 2. Svu‘s former Ada returns to defend Richard Wheatley (Dylan McDermott), on trial for the murder of Kathy Stabler (Isabel Gillies) in a crossover with Organized Crime on December 9, so as you can imagine, that’s going to be a tough trial for all involved, especially his former mentee. So how worried should he be when Kathy’s husband, Detective Elliot Stabler (Christopher Meloni), takes the stand, given his temper? And what about Richard’s ex-wife, Angela (Tamara Taylor), who was poisoned on his orders and is still recovering? Scanavino previews the trial and talks about all the risks of Carisi and Detective Amanda Rollins’ (Kelli Giddish) relationship. Heading into the trial, how’s Carisi feeling, given the other charges against Wheatley were dropped? Peter Scanavino: It’s interesting because I know he’s guilty. There’s...
- 12/7/2021
- TV Insider
Law & Order: Svu is welcoming back two more familiar faces, both of whom have ties to Det. Amanda Rollins.
Donal Logue will return as Lt. Declan Murphy, the role he played in Seasons 15 through 17, TVLine has learned exclusively. Murphy will have just wrapped up his most recent undercover assignment and will come to Capt. Benson and the Special Victims Unit for help on a high priority case involving a series of seemingly coordinated hate crimes around New York City.
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Donal Logue will return as Lt. Declan Murphy, the role he played in Seasons 15 through 17, TVLine has learned exclusively. Murphy will have just wrapped up his most recent undercover assignment and will come to Capt. Benson and the Special Victims Unit for help on a high priority case involving a series of seemingly coordinated hate crimes around New York City.
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- 11/29/2021
- by Kimberly Roots
- TVLine.com
[Warning: The below contains Major spoilers for Law & Order: Organized Crime Season 2 Episode 8 “Ashes to Ashes.”] With the end of the Kosta arc on Law & Order: Organized Crime — Season 2 is split into three parts — comes farewell to Detective Elliot Stabler’s (Christopher Meloni) undercover persona of Eddie Ashes… and his beard. But what’s not going away is Congressman Leon Kilbride (Ron Cephas Jones), who has his eye on Sergeant Ayanna Bell (Danielle Moné Truitt) and how she can be useful to him. But next up is Richard Wheatley’s (Dylan McDermott) trial for Kathy Stabler’s (Isabel Gillies) murder, and that will bring together Svu and Organized Crime in a crossover on December 9. Raúl Esparza returns as Rafael Barba to defend Wheatley. Read what Truitt had to say about that here, then keep reading as she says goodbye to the Kosta storyline and previews what’s ahead. How is Bell feeling about having Stabler back full ...
- 11/12/2021
- TV Insider
If you enjoyed Ada Sonny Carisi (Peter Scanavino) and Rafael Barba (Raúl Esparza) facing off in court in Svu Season 22, wait until you see their next head-to-head! Esparza is returning to the world of Law & Order in the December 9 Svu–Organized Crime crossover event, TV Insider has confirmed, and this time, he’s defending none other than Richard Wheatley (Dylan McDermott), on trial for Kathy Stabler’s (Isabel Gillies) murder. For him and his former mentee, this is one of the most important cases of both of their careers. We can just imagine how well that’s going to go over with Captain Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay)! “Like with any trial, the defense and the prosecution are definitely gonna play a certain narrative, and it’s whatever narrative sticks with the jury best,” Organized Crime star Danielle Moné Truitt (who plays Sergeant Ayanna Bell) tells TV Insider. “Carisi is a great lawyer,...
- 11/11/2021
- TV Insider
When the writers of ABC’s “Grey’s Anatomy” opted to have the show’s title character, Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo), battle against Covid-19 for much of the season, they juxtaposed it with an unexpected silver lining: a dream world that reunited the doctor with many of her fallen loved ones on a beach.
This beach arc, which lasted for more than 10 episodes, found Meredith getting closure with mainstays from her past, including her husband, Derek (Patrick Dempsey) and her half-sister, Lexie (Chyler Leigh). But the medical drama was far from alone in tapping into such nostalgia, as more than a half-dozen other shows this television season brought back former leads in guest spots, a move that could shake up the Emmy race in that category.
“With people coming back, there’s a familiarity with both them in the role and their character,” says awards strategist Michele Robertson. “So I think in that way,...
This beach arc, which lasted for more than 10 episodes, found Meredith getting closure with mainstays from her past, including her husband, Derek (Patrick Dempsey) and her half-sister, Lexie (Chyler Leigh). But the medical drama was far from alone in tapping into such nostalgia, as more than a half-dozen other shows this television season brought back former leads in guest spots, a move that could shake up the Emmy race in that category.
“With people coming back, there’s a familiarity with both them in the role and their character,” says awards strategist Michele Robertson. “So I think in that way,...
- 6/9/2021
- by Marisa Roffman
- Variety Film + TV
Rafael Barba returned to Law & Order: Svu Thursday… and he made sure everyone knew it.
Raul Esparza’s character, who was an Svu staple in Seasons 14 through 19, left the District Attorney’s office in controversy when he stepped in to assist a mother in ending her terminally ill baby’s life. Though a jury found him not guilty of murder in the second degree, the case left a mark on the Ada. “You’ve opened my heart, and I thank you for it,” he told Liv before kissing her on the forehead and walking out of her life (and leaving the show)… until last season,...
Raul Esparza’s character, who was an Svu staple in Seasons 14 through 19, left the District Attorney’s office in controversy when he stepped in to assist a mother in ending her terminally ill baby’s life. Though a jury found him not guilty of murder in the second degree, the case left a mark on the Ada. “You’ve opened my heart, and I thank you for it,” he told Liv before kissing her on the forehead and walking out of her life (and leaving the show)… until last season,...
- 1/8/2021
- by Kimberly Roots
- TVLine.com
We've known for a few weeks now that Law & Order Svu is bringing back former star Raúl Esparza, and now we have some intel on it.
NBC released a new synopsis for the next episode of the beloved procedural, which is currently set to air Thursday, January 7.
"The squad spends New Year’s Eve tracking down an Amber Alert, and Carisi faces off against Counselor Rafael Barba in an emotional courtroom battle," reads the short and sweet logline for the episode, which is titled "Sightless in a Savage Land."
That's all NBC teased, but it's hard not to wonder why Carisi and Barba will be locking horns in the courtroom.
Bhavesh Patel (The Good Wife), Brett Parks (The Punisher), and Vanessa Carrasco are also set to guest star in the episode.
Yes, Esparza is back in a guest-starring role, meaning that Barba's arc could come full circle by the end of the emotional installment.
NBC released a new synopsis for the next episode of the beloved procedural, which is currently set to air Thursday, January 7.
"The squad spends New Year’s Eve tracking down an Amber Alert, and Carisi faces off against Counselor Rafael Barba in an emotional courtroom battle," reads the short and sweet logline for the episode, which is titled "Sightless in a Savage Land."
That's all NBC teased, but it's hard not to wonder why Carisi and Barba will be locking horns in the courtroom.
Bhavesh Patel (The Good Wife), Brett Parks (The Punisher), and Vanessa Carrasco are also set to guest star in the episode.
Yes, Esparza is back in a guest-starring role, meaning that Barba's arc could come full circle by the end of the emotional installment.
- 12/29/2020
- by Paul Dailly
- TVfanatic
Law & Order: Svu is bringing back former Ada Rafael Barba for an “emotional courtroom battle,” NBC revealed on Monday.
Series vet Raúl Esparza’s return had been touted earlier this month by the network, which shared on Instagram, “We’ve already got something for you to look forward to. Barba returns to #Svu in 2021.”
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Now, the official synopsis for Esparza’s encore has been released.
Series vet Raúl Esparza’s return had been touted earlier this month by the network, which shared on Instagram, “We’ve already got something for you to look forward to. Barba returns to #Svu in 2021.”
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Now, the official synopsis for Esparza’s encore has been released.
- 12/29/2020
- by Matt Webb Mitovich
- TVLine.com
Olivia Benson has had a rough couple of episodes on Law & Order: Svu, and she turned to an old friend for support in "Redemption in Her Corner, the Thursday, Feb. 6 episode. Warning, spoilers follow! The episode opened up with Benson (Mariska Hargitay) on a video call with none other than Rafael Barba (Raúl Esparza), the special victims unit's one-time Ada last seen in season 19. While their interaction took place entirely via a video call, E! News has learned Esparza filmed his cameo on set with Hargitay doing her lines off-camera with him. Warren Leight, Svu's executive producer and showrunner, told E! News exclusively that they decided to have Barba check in from afar—he said he was in...
- 2/7/2020
- E! Online
Philip Winchester knows he's not exactly in good standing with every Law & Order: Svu fan. In "The Undiscovered Country," Svu introduced Winchester as his Chicago Justice character Peter Stone, son of Law & Order's Ben Stone, and the replacement to Raúl Esparza's Ada Rafael Barba. Winchester's character immediately clashed with the Special Victims Unit and its mama bear, Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay). "There are big shoes to fill, Raúl is an incredible actor…he had a great relationship with Mariska. Just personally, not even as Peter Stone, but as Philip Winchester coming in, there's a lot of, 'Gosh, this is someone else's playground. These are kids I...
- 3/14/2018
- E! Online
Assistant District Attorney Alexandra Cabot is slipping back into her legal briefs: Former cast member Stephanie March will return to Law & Order: Svu this season, NBC announced Monday.
The hour, which is titled “Sunk Cost Fallacy” and is slated to air in April, will be March’s 91st Svu as the trial attorney. Per the network’s official synopsis, the search for an abducted woman and her young daughter leads Mariska Hargitay’s Lt. Benson to cross paths with her friend, Cabot.
“It is a thrill to welcome Stephanie back to the Svu family, even for a short visit,” showrunner Michael Chernuchin said via statement.
The hour, which is titled “Sunk Cost Fallacy” and is slated to air in April, will be March’s 91st Svu as the trial attorney. Per the network’s official synopsis, the search for an abducted woman and her young daughter leads Mariska Hargitay’s Lt. Benson to cross paths with her friend, Cabot.
“It is a thrill to welcome Stephanie back to the Svu family, even for a short visit,” showrunner Michael Chernuchin said via statement.
- 3/5/2018
- TVLine.com
Law & Order: Svu has been on the scene for 19 seasons, and one thing has remained constant: Mariska Hargitay. The long-running show has featured a revolving door of ensemble cast members, from detectives to ADAs, all turning in memorable performances through the years. The latest exit happened in the Wednesday, Feb. 7 episode when Raúl Esparza left the show. Esparza played Ada Rafael Barba since season 14 of the series. Take a walk down Law & Order: Svu memory lane with us and take a look back at how the NBC police drama has handled character exits in the past. Warning, this may make you long for characters of yesterday. Should you feel the urge to revisit, there are always marathons on USA Network and...
- 2/8/2018
- E! Online
Law & Order: Svu just lost a major star.
Raúl Esparza took to Twitter to release a statement shortly after Law & Order: Svu Season 19 Episode 12 aired and confirmed his days with the NBC crime drama are over.
“Goodbye Barba. Thank you. You changed my life. My squad. And you, you always, my Liv, my friend Mariska. I will always treasure my time with all of you,” the actor said.
Esparaza joined the cast during Law & Order Season 14 and emerged as a hit with viewers. This paved the way for him to be upped to series regular.
“It has truly been an honor writing for Raul. The power, sensitivity, and morality he brought to the character of Rafael Barba never failed to elevate our scripts,” showrunner Michael Chernuchin said in a statement.
“Raul is family, and we look forward to seeing his talent shine in new projects. As for Barba, Svu...
Raúl Esparza took to Twitter to release a statement shortly after Law & Order: Svu Season 19 Episode 12 aired and confirmed his days with the NBC crime drama are over.
“Goodbye Barba. Thank you. You changed my life. My squad. And you, you always, my Liv, my friend Mariska. I will always treasure my time with all of you,” the actor said.
Esparaza joined the cast during Law & Order Season 14 and emerged as a hit with viewers. This paved the way for him to be upped to series regular.
“It has truly been an honor writing for Raul. The power, sensitivity, and morality he brought to the character of Rafael Barba never failed to elevate our scripts,” showrunner Michael Chernuchin said in a statement.
“Raul is family, and we look forward to seeing his talent shine in new projects. As for Barba, Svu...
- 2/8/2018
- by Paul Dailly
- TVfanatic
Law & Order: Svu said goodbye to another Ada. The long-running NBC drama and Raúl Esparza parted ways after six seasons with the Wednesday, Feb. 7 episode. "Goodbye Barba. Thank you. You changed my life. My squad. And you, you always, my Liv, my friend Mariska. I will always treasure my time with all of you," Esparza tweeted after the episode aired. The episode featured Esparza's Rafael Barba on trial for helping a mother end her infant's life in a right-to-die case. He was found not guilty, but decided to move on. Philip Winchester of Chicago Justice is bringing his character, Peter Stone, to Svu as the new prosecutor starting Wednesday, Feb. 28. Speaking with EW, Esparza said it was...
- 2/8/2018
- E! Online
For six seasons, Raul Esparza has portrayed Assistant District Attorney Rafael Barba on “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit”, and fans bade farewell to the character and the actor who plays him during Wednesday night’s episode. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Esparza, 47, confirmed he was leaving the long-running procedural crime drama. “I’ve done six...
- 2/8/2018
- by Brent Furdyk
- ET Canada
As of Wednesday, the New York County District Attorney’s office has yet another opening.
Raúl Esparza’s Rafael Barba exited the action at the end of this week’s Law & Order: Svu; EW.com reports that the actor is leaving the show.
Esparza tweeted about the goodbye soon after the episode ended.
Goodbye Barba. Thank you. You changed my life. My squad. And you, you always, my Liv, my friend Mariska. I will always treasure my time with all of you. #Svu #BarbaOnTrial
— Raúl E. Esparza (@RaulEEsparza) February 8, 2018
Esparza joined Svu in Season 14. “I felt like it was time to go,...
Raúl Esparza’s Rafael Barba exited the action at the end of this week’s Law & Order: Svu; EW.com reports that the actor is leaving the show.
Esparza tweeted about the goodbye soon after the episode ended.
Goodbye Barba. Thank you. You changed my life. My squad. And you, you always, my Liv, my friend Mariska. I will always treasure my time with all of you. #Svu #BarbaOnTrial
— Raúl E. Esparza (@RaulEEsparza) February 8, 2018
Esparza joined Svu in Season 14. “I felt like it was time to go,...
- 2/8/2018
- TVLine.com
Law & Order: Svu pulled out all the stops for a swan song. Warning, spoilers ahead! Raúl Esparza is leaving Law & Order: Svu. To usher Esparza off the long-running drama, Svu brought back Sam Waterston, killed off two characters and re-introduced viewers to Philip Winchester's Peter Stone from Chicago Justice. "It has truly been an honor writing for Raúl. The power, sensitivity and morality he brought to the character of Rafael Barba never failed to elevate our scripts," Svu showrunner Michael Chernuchin said in a statement. "Raúl is family and we look forward to seeing his talent shine in new projects. As for Barba, Svu fans may see him again soon." Svu has a...
- 2/8/2018
- E! Online
Jack McCoy is back in the Law & Order court room, but not everyone is happy to see him it seems. In the above sneak peek from Law & Order: Svu's "The Undiscovered Country," Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay) comes face-to-face with McCoy (Sam Waterston) for the first time in years, but it's safe to say this isn't a very happy reunion, nor is it a very pleasant meeting between Benson and Peter Stone (Philip Winchester). "Oh, here comes my dinner date. Lt. Benson, say hello to Peter Stone. He's the hot shot out of Chicago who's going to be special counsel in the People v. Rafael Barba," McCoy says to Benson. What does Benson say to that? Click play on the video above. Needless...
- 2/5/2018
- E! Online
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