10 Characters That Should Return for Law & Order: Special Victims Unit’s 600th Episode

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit will air its 600th episode in Season 28, a rare feat that few American primetime television series have accomplished.

Over its nearly 30-year run, the show has witnessed many beloved ADAs and detectives come and go. However, some of the characters who have left return sporadically, and the upcoming milestone is the perfect time for some of them to reappear. 

Of course, we already know Elliot Stabler will return (via NBC), but more detectives, ADAs, and other personnel should appear as well.

1. Alexandra Cabot

Variety has already confirmed that Stephanie March will return as Alexandra Cabot on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit Season 28 Episode 9, ten years after her last appearance.

However, it would be even more exciting if she appeared unexpectedly on the 600th episode, especially since she hasn’t practiced as an ADA in over a decade.

In fact, on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit Season 19 Episode 19, “Sunk Cost Fallacy,” she actively worked against the law to prioritize victims of abuse.

Alex’s whereabouts over the last 10 years remain a mystery, so finding out what she’s been up to will be thrilling.

Her return will certainly be a season highlight, and it could only get better if Alex reappears alongside other beloved characters and then comes back for the ninth episode as planned.

2. Casey Novak

Casey Novak is easily one of the show’s top three ADAs, and it is a shame that she never received a proper exit.

She returned for Law & Order: Special Victims Unit Seasons 12 and 13, but only for a handful of episodes as the occasional ADA on call.

The 600th episode would be the perfect chance to learn why she disappeared off the face of the Earth without an adequate goodbye.

Casey’s potential arrival wouldn’t even need an official farewell; she would just have to explain where she’s been for the last 15 years.

If she retired, what does she do with her time? If she is still a prosecutor, what office does she work for? Answering these questions provides the proper closure this character infinitely deserves during a monumental episode.

3. Chester Lake

Chester Lake was Fin Tutuola’s partner for a brief stint during Law & Order: Special Victims Unit Season 9, after initially appearing in Season 8 for two episodes.

Even though Lake was part of the main cast for only one season, he remains one of the show’s most fascinating characters. His unique background made him unlike any other detective. 

Lake is Native American, an important representation television often lacks. His rough childhood shaped him into the empathetic and passionate detective he became.

Unfortunately, Lake’s deep commitment to victims was also his downfall. After a jury failed to convict Thomas Crane of rape and murder, and ICE deported the key witness after Lake promised to protect her, Lake murdered Crane, and he never appeared again after his arrest.

While Lake is most likely still in prison, it is unjust that his character never received proper closure, something he most definitely deserves.

4. Christian Garland 

Christian Garland was one of the Special Victims Unit’s best deputy chiefs. He worked well with Olivia Benson while remaining a compassionate and firm leader.

His character was so strong that he was the only deputy chief in the main cast.

Understandably, Deputy Chief Garland transferred to another department after realizing most of the NYPD wouldn’t stand with him on crucial reforms. He retired from the force altogether after learning the disturbing truth about a case from over twenty years earlier.

It would be thrilling and fitting for Garland to return for Law & Order: Special Victims Unit‘s 600th episode and show what he has been up to since retiring.

This special guest appearance would also provide a much-needed epilogue for his character arc.

5. George Huang

Dr. George Huang is one of the show’s most beloved characters. He has always been a fan favorite, and his occasional guest appearances over the years are a true delight.

Each time Dr. Huang returned, he offered an update on his life, whether he was living in Oklahoma or working as a consultant.

Most recently, Dr. Huang appeared on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit Season 27 Episode 1, “In The Wind,” and Episode 11, “Career Psychopath.”  

Dr. Huang might not be in a hurry to come out of retirement after nearly dying at the hands of Henry Mesner’s fanatic, but it would be a wonderful surprise to see him again.

Hopefully, the show can somehow include him in the 600th episode.

6. Katriona Tamin

Kat Tamin wasn’t just on the show for three seasons; she was undeniably one of the most underrated detectives in recent years.

She walked in with a fiery personality, unafraid to speak up for what she believed in and refusing to back down no matter what. 

In fact, despite Kat’s compassionate conviction to help victims, it was unsurprising that she eventually left law enforcement — she had too much potential and was destined for greater things.

However, after her final appearance on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit Season 23 Episode 2, “Never Turn Your Back On Them,” the narrative never mentioned her character again.

While that happens to many characters who leave the show, it is impossible not to wonder what she has decided to do with her life. She desperately deserves this closure, and it would be fun to see her again.

7. Melinda Warner

Medical examiners come and go throughout the show, but Melinda Warner is the best known.

Even though she has not always been part of the main cast, she has been a consistent presence on the show for over twenty years.

However, she last appeared on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit Season 23 Episode 6, “The Five Hundredth Episode.” It is only fitting that Melinda returns 100 episodes later for the next milestone.

Furthermore, little is known about her current whereabouts. She has been chief medical examiner for quite some time, so she may still hold the position or may have since retired.

A guest appearance on the 600th episode would provide that much-needed update.

8. Nick Amaro

Nick Amaro has returned only once since his departure after Season 16, on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit Season 23 Episode 6, “The Five Hundredth Episode.”

He is long overdue for another appearance, but he must return for another reason.

Right before Nick left for California in the Season 16 finale, Benson told him that she grew more in four years as his partner than in more than a decade spent with Stabler.

Elliot Stabler is guaranteed to appear on the 600th episode, and it is high time that he meets Amaro. It would be an exciting moment because Amaro does not know much about Stabler beyond betraying Benson.

Now that Stabler and Benson have patched things up, Amaro has the perfect chance to see what their dynamic is truly like and why Stabler impacts Benson so much.

9. Rafael Barba

Even though Rafael Barba has returned several times since his departure, he is unlikely to appear on the 600th episode because Raúl Esparza is about to make his grand return to Broadway (via Broadway World).

Still, Barba has not appeared on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit since Season 23. The rift between him and Benson has slowly begun to heal, but it persists. 

Barba and Benson’s friendship has never quite been the same since Barba chose to represent the man who orchestrated Kathy Stabler’s death.

While Benson has acknowledged that she misses Barba, he tells her not to reach out unless she is ready to reconcile, which she has not yet.

Benson has long needed to forgive Barba and repair their friendship. They have one of the best relationships on the show, and it’s a shame the narrative hasn’t resolved their fractured dynamic.

10. William Dodds

William Dodds was only a recurring character,  but he appeared enough to make an impact on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.

His relationship with Benson and her squad had one of the show’s best developments, but unfortunately, the NYPD forced him to transfer to a department in Staten Island.

However, Dodds wouldn’t leave unless the NYPD promoted Benson to Captain. 

It would be a wonderful full-circle moment if Dodds returns to witness Captain Olivia Benson in action, especially after so long and so many changes to SVU.

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Law & Order: Special Victims Unit airs Thursdays at 9/8c on NBC.

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