New York City, NY – In an exclusive interview, “Law and Order: SVU” star Raúl Esparza shared his thoughts on whether Benson or Carisi misses Barba more. Esparza, known for his role as assistant district attorney Rafael Barba, sat down with TVLine to discuss the iconic character’s impact on the show.
Fans of the long-running NBC procedural will remember Esparza’s portrayal of Barba and his close relationship with Capt. Olivia Benson, played by Mariska Hargitay. When Barba left the show in Season 19, his departure after assisting a distraught mother in ending her terminally ill child’s life was emotionally charged.
Esparza revealed that Barba was deeply affected by his bond with Benson, stating, “You’ve opened my heart, and I thank you for it. I’ve got to move on.” Although Barba has made occasional returns to the show, their friendship continues to be a topic of complicated conversations.
The actor also discussed Barba’s relationship with Sonny Carisi, a former cop turned lawyer who Barba mentored during his time with the Special Victims Unit. Esparza shared that he believes Carisi thinks about Barba every day and even joked about the fan fiction that imagines a romantic connection between the two characters.
Esparza emphasized how the dynamic between Barba and Benson evolved organically over time, shaped by the chemistry between himself and Hargitay. He described their characters as completely symbiotic, with Barba fundamentally changing Benson and vice versa.
In the interview, Esparza offered his thoughts on whether Barba will return for another guest stint on the show, leaving fans eager for more. Viewers can watch the full interview on TVLine to hear Esparza’s insights firsthand.
As the beloved character of Rafael Barba continues to resonate with fans of “Law and Order: SVU,” Esparza’s interview provides a glimpse into his thoughts on the impact of Barba’s relationships with Benson and Carisi.