Rafael Barba Says Goodbye To 'Law And Order: SVU' For Good
NBC’s long-running hit series Law & Order: SVU has officially seen the end of an era. Its beloved star, Raul Esparza, who played the show’s lead prosecutor and Assistant District Attorney, Rafael Barba, has seen his last day on the show.
His last episode aired Wednesday night. It featured Barba who was up against serious charges after he pulled the plug on a child who had been declared braindead. He did beat the charges and was acquitted, but he decided it was still better to walk away from his job at the precinct. Chicago Justice’s Peter Stone, portrayed by Philip Winchester, will serve as the new Assistant District Attorney.
Barba had been on the show for six seasons since he first joined the show in season 14.
Esparza opened up on his role as Barba coming to an end.
“I’ve done six seasons, I felt like it was time to go,” said Esparza. “I had explored a lot of what I thought Barba was about. I just felt it was time to move on. I was also feeling like the role has changed over the years in a way that has been an interesting experience for me.”
Esparza went on to remind readers and fans that he has a heavy background in theater, so his role as Barba on the popular drama was certainly a major change for him. While he said he learned a lot during his time on the show, he knew he “had reached the end” of the journey.
Similar to other major actors leaving the show, showrunners didn’t end Barba’s life. This leaves the door open for him if he wants to come back to the show.
“I think Barba’s become a part of the ‘SVU’ family, and I think there’s a life for him” added Esparza. “I don’t know necessarily, but it’s possible that there’s a life for him as the series goes on. I’m glad they left that door open.”
Star of the show Mariska Hargitay, who portrays Lieutenant Olivia Benson and has been on the series since it first launched, showed extra love to Esparza on Twitter and asked him to “come home soon.”
One of the great honors of my life is to have shared the screen with the incredible scene partner, beautiful friend, giant heart, brilliant artist, kindest of men @RaulEEsparza. #SVU has been graced and great with you in it. Family always gets to come home... come home soon. pic.twitter.com/X5TUsdYzwI — Mariska Hargitay (@Mariska) February 8, 2018
Esparza had a message of his own to his character, Barba, on social media.
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
Law & Order: SVU airs Wednesdays on NBC at 9/8c.
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