SVU’s Surprise Season 27 Return Revives A Key Benson Dynamic

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit star Octavio Pisano has supposedly taken final bow as Joe Velasco in the Law & Order: SVU season 26 finale, but that may not be the case. Given the recent news that Pisano will return for SVU’s season 27 premiere, this begs whether Velasco is back full-time, part-time, or if this will mark his conclusion.

Velasco’s questionable status is reminiscent of Olivia Benson’s other teammate and close friend, Amanda Rollins. After Rollins’ departure from SVU, fans were disappointed by her exit, and then she made recurring appearances on the show. Now with Amanda Rollins returning full-time for Law & Order: SVU season 27, it seems like Velasco is on a similar trajectory.

Whether it’s permanent or temporary, Velasco’s return is a welcome sign for SVU because his working relationship with Benson has evolved immensely since his first appearance. It took a while for Benson to have full confidence in Velasco because of his complicated past, but he’s a hard worker who passed her test and proved himself to be a worthy detective.

Joe Velasco Will Be In At Least One Episode Of Law & Order: SVU Season 27 (& Hopefully More)

Velasco’s Tenure On SVU May Not Be Over After All

Velasco will appear in the season 27 premiere of SVU, which is good for his character after he was promoted to Detective Second Grade during SVU’s season 26 finale. Velasco was genuinely surprised by the promotion thanks to Captain Benson and the team’s special party. This promotion also solidified Velasco as one of Benson’s best teammates.

From working undercover to tackling dangerous criminals, Velasco is a skillful investigator who has developed an involving repertoire with Benson, Tutuola, and the entire unit. Benson’s confidence in Velasco also gave him the opportunity to confront his past affiliations with a Mexican gang and show that he’s a trustworthy detective.

Rollins’ Return Is Great, But Velasco’s Evolving Relationship With Benson Is Just As Interesting

Velasco’s Bond With Benson Has Grown Since His First Appearance On SVU

While Amanda Rollins’ return is a major boost for SVU’s season 27 cast, Velasco’s surprising return after his confirmed exit is even more pivotal because his growing bond with Benson has just started. This upcoming season could give Velasco the opportunity to further prove himself after his promotion.

Given this major announcement for season 27 of SVU, the show could also look more into Velasco’s past, or have him tackle even more challenging cases since he’s now Detective Second Grade. Velasco can also do more undercover work given his extensive experience in that field.

Along with Velasco’s return, perhaps Juliana Aiden Martinez’s Detective Kate Silva could return, since fans were not pleased with her exit from Law & Order: SVU as well. Silva also developed chemistry with Velasco, so season 27 could strengthen their partnership. Velasco’s return is proof that his story is far from over, and he deserves his place in Benson’s team.

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Law & Order: Special Victims Unit

Release Date

September 20, 1999

Showrunner

Michael S. Chernuchin, David Graziano

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  Mariska Hargitay

  Olivia Benson

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  Ice-T

  Odafin ‘Fin’ Tutuola