Warning! SPOILERS ahead forLaw & Order: SVUseason 26, episode 9, “First Light.“Several incidents inLaw & Order: SVUseason 26, episode 9, “First Light,” suggest that Carisi (Peter Scanavino) might be leaving the procedural. Carisi was originally an SVU detective who came on board shortly after Stabler (Christopher Meloni) left at the beginning of season 13. However, he took night classes to become a lawyer and became one ofLaw & Order: SVU’s best assistant district attorneysdespite having only been in the position for a few years.
Carisi is also half of a popular couple now that he has married Rollins (Kelli Giddish). The pair is raising three children together, butRollins' frequent absences have taken an emotional toll on Carisi. He was already experiencing vicarious trauma from his time on both jobs when he was held hostage in one ofLaw & Order: SVU’s best episodes, leading him to experience PTSD flashbacks in the middle of an important case during “First Light.”
His PTSD Could Leave Him Unable To Do The Job
Carisi keeps insisting that he is fine despite his trauma, but it is obvious he is not. He is unable to remain in the deli where the robbery took place for more than a minute and continually has flashbacks of the hostage situation, some of which are intrusive enough to interfere with him doing his job correctly. In “First Light,“Carisi is reluctant to go to court and experiences a flashback while a witness is being cross-examinedthat causes him to momentarily freeze — and to get a call from Baxter (Tony Goldwyn) questioning his ability to continue trying this case.
For context, Barba (Raul Esparza) resigned after an upsetting case involving a brain-dead baby, and Stone’s (Philip Winchester) exit was arguably more about his inability to live up to his late father’s image than he admitted.
AlthoughCarisi is able to recover after a pep talk from Benson, who tells him not to let the manipulative defendant take away everything he’s worked for, it’s possible he may not be able to continue long-term. If so, he would not be the first ADA to leave because of trauma. For context, Barba (Raul Esparza) resigned after an upsetting case involving a brain-dead baby, and Stone’s (Philip Winchester) exit was arguably more about his inability to live up to his late father’s image than he admitted.
Rollins' Complicated Role In Law & Order: SVU Season 26 Could Contribute To Carisi’s Exit
Carisi’s Wife Is Only An Occasional Part Of The Series
Carisi’s marriage to Rollins is a significant part of his story, but she only appears now occasionally. The decision to rehire Kelli Giddish on only a part-time basis interferes with her and Carisi’s storyline, andit is difficult to explain Rollins' absence in ways that don’t stretch credibility.Law & Order: SVUhas gotten around this issue by giving Rollins a new job that requires frequent travel. This scenario often leaves Carisi home alone with the kids, which has led to a compelling storyline about him being overprotective of his pre-teen daughter, Jessie. However, this arc may not be viable long-term.
If Carisi leavesLaw & Order: SVU, there will be less reason for Rollins to visit the series, so both may be written out altogether.
Law & Order: SVUcould solve this problem by making Kelli Giddish a full-time member of theLaw & Order: SVUcast. Since this did not happen in season 26, there are severe limits on Carisi’s personal storylines. The second-best way to handle the issue of Carisi being on-screen while Rollins is off-screen would be to change that.If Carisi is written out, he and Rollins can be together off-screen, thus relieving the writers of the burden of having to constantly explain where Rollins is.
What Has Been Said About Peter Scanavino’s Future In Law & Order: SVU
There Has Been No News About A Potential Departure
BeforeLaw & Order: SVUseason 26, episode 8 aired, there was widespread concern that Carisi would be killed during the hostage situation. Obviously, that did not happen, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that Carisi is safe from being written out now.Carisi’s PTSD would be a valid reason for him to leave the series, especially if he continues to refuse to admit he needs help.
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There has been no news about Peter Scanavino leavingLaw & Order: SVU, which makes it less likely that he is, although his exit could be kept under wraps for now to protect a surprise twist. However, in aScreen Rantinterview with Kelli Giddish, the star spoke extensively about Rollins and Carisi’s relationship, suggesting thatCarisi was still a big part of the long-running procedural.
If he does decide to leave, Carisi will get one of the most powerful exit storylines inSVUhistory, considering how realistically his PTSD is being depicted.
Even if Carisi ultimately stays inLaw & Order: SVU, the character may consider quitting. If his PTSD continues to interfere with his ability to try cases, he may conclude that he can’t do this anymore, only to change his mind. If he does decide to leave, Carisi will get one of the most powerful exit storylines inLaw & Order: SVUhistory, considering how realistically his PTSD is being depicted.
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
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Law & Order: Special Victims Unit is a television series that premiered in 1999. Set in the criminal justice system of New York City, it follows an elite team of detectives who investigate sexually-based offenses, focusing on their efforts to solve complex cases and seek justice for victims.
