Few assistant district attorneys have left such an indelible mark on Law & Order: SVU as Rafael Barba, and even fewer have made a lasting impact on Captain Olivia Benson. Raúl Esparza’s portrayal of Barba, a character marked by both his brilliance and his emotional depth, remains unforgettable. Their complex relationship came to a head in Season 19, when Barba, grappling with a heart-wrenching case involving a terminally ill child, left the show under intense circumstances. His departure was laden with emotion, as he told Benson, “You’ve opened my heart, and I thank you for it,” before announcing his decision to move on. Despite his exit, Barba has returned to the show, most notably in Season 23, where their interactions further explored the profound bond they shared. His poignant words to Benson—“I do know what it means to love someone unconditionally. When you’re ready to stop feeling betrayed by me, I’ll be here”—highlighted the depth of their connection.
In a recent interview at the Season 25 premiere celebration, Esparza shared his thoughts on Barba’s ongoing feelings for Benson. “I think he thinks about her all the time,” Esparza revealed. “She changed him fundamentally, just as he changed her.” The symbiosis between their characters was a development that unfolded naturally, mirroring the real-life chemistry between Esparza and Mariska Hargitay.
Esparza also touched on another crucial relationship from Barba’s time on the squad: his mentorship of Sonny Carisi, the cop-turned-lawyer portrayed by Peter Scanavino. Esparza chuckled as he speculated on Carisi’s ongoing thoughts about Barba, saying, “I think Carisi thinks about Barba every day!” He playfully hinted at the fan fiction that explores their dynamic, teasing, “Who knows what the fan fiction is going to do with that!”
For more insights into Esparza’s thoughts on Barba’s potential return and his reflections on the character’s legacy, check out the full interview. Fans can share their thoughts and hopes for Barba’s future appearances in the comments, eagerly awaiting any hints of his return.
