Fans are eager to know why Octavio Pisano’s Joe Velasco is leaving Law & Order: SVU this season. The popular series has seen some major cast shakeups ahead of the Season 27 premiere, including Pisano’s exit. Viewers are now wondering what will happen to his character in Season 27.
What happens to Octavio Pisano’s Joe Velasco in Law & Order: SVU Season 27?
Octavio Pisano made his final appearance as Joe Velasco in Law & Order: SVU. The beloved character departed from the show, leaving the Special Victims Unit to join the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
Pisano’s exit from the show first made news in May, when it was reported that he would not return as a series regular, along with Juliana Aidén Martinez’s Kate Silva. The Season 26 finale saw Velasco promoted to Detective Second Grade. The grand squad celebration, along with a montage of Velasco, gave a fitting farewell to the popular character.
However, Pisano surprised fans when he later appeared in a pre-Season 27 social media video. Shortly after, TV Line confirmed that he would briefly return in Season 27. In the new season, viewers learn that he is working undercover with the DEA while continuing his work at the precinct.
Later, Velasco explained that he is currently after a ruthless drug lord, but he does not want to leave Liv alone with all the work, especially with Fin out of commission. Although Liv appreciated his concern, she urged Velasco not to hold on to the SVU just out of loyalty.
“I’m here because I think it’s the place that I can do the most good. You need to be where you can do the most good,” Liv advised. Velasco finally took his exit for good when he left town after paying one last visit to Fin.
Why is Octavio Pisano’s Joe Velasco leaving Law & Order: SVU?
It remains unclear why Octavio Pisano is leaving Law & Order: SVU. Reports of his exit do not confirm whether it is an individual decision or part of a creative or financial move by the showrunners. Neither Pisano nor NBC has made any official statements confirming the reason for his departure.
