(Photo by: Virginia Sherwood/NBC)
Law & Order: SVU will once again see the return of ADA Rafael Barba, as played by Raúl Esparza. He will appear in the season 23 finale next month. Starring Mariska Hargitay, Ice-T, Kelli Giddish, and Peter Scanavino, the crime drama series follows the cases handled by the Special Victims Unit in New York City.
The Wrap revealed the following about the return of the Esparza’s character:
“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.”
Viewers last saw Barba on the NBC series in a December episode where he defended Richard Wheatley. Esparza joined the series in season 14, and he was a regular on the series through season 19. He has returned a few times since his departure.
What do you think? Are you excited to see the return of Esparza on Law & Order: SVU on NBC later this season?
I am such a huge Raul Esperanza fan, and as a fellow Cuban I am proud to share the same roots. I’ve watched his videos on YouTube but there is nothing like seeing him as RAFAEL BARBA…. My favorite episode is when his friend runs for office and Barba & Amaro had it out on the elevator and he spoke to Amaro in Spanish, TRUST ME THE PASSION WAS THERE AND HIS CUBAN ACCENT & OUR ATTITUDE CAME OUT in that scene <3
I ditto DeeDee
I’m happy to see Raul return. I wish it permanent!
Great actor!
Looking forward to seeing him back.
I look forward to seeing Raul Esparza as Rafael Barba again. I hope he can continue to guest star as often as his schedule allows. He’s a great actor.
Love his character!! Wish he never left!
He was such an integral part of the show, that it actually left a hole when he departed. I’m sure there were many, like myself, that missed him dearly and are thrilled he’s back!
Bring him back as often as he wants. Great actor.
Love him! Wish he hadn’t left!
I like him Agree his last appearance he was an a** as noted ny other fans I like him reappearing but I would like to see what’s behind the attitude with Olivia.
Yes, very glad to see his return. I hope the writers continue to allow Raul to make a guest appearance every so often. He is a fine actor, and I love his facial expressions, not to mention his beautiful eyes. He is my favorite ADA.
Am I excited to see Barbara again? Depends…last time on, he had a pretty snarky attitude about his legal case/work and towards Olivia. With that attitude, I don’t think Olivia would want to get back with him. He needs an attitude adjustment. 🙂
She was awful right back to him though. That episode sucked. Stabler just needs to go away again, he brings problems with him.
Yes looking forward to seeing him
I am very excited, he was my favorite ADA, a great actor, so much compassion, and conviction. i was so disappointed when he left the series as a regular.
Happy to see him back as long as he mends his fences with Benson!
Barba was pretty much a total dick in his last appearance. Let’s hope he got over whatever that was.
Yes i agree i was sad that he was such a jerk..i hope the writers do right by his fans i really liked him in this show