Introduction: Rollins Is Back – But With a New Role and New Dynamics
When Kelli Giddish returned to Law & Order: Special Victims Unit for season 26, episode 3, “Divide & Conquer,” fans were excited to see her character, Amanda Rollins, reunite with the iconic Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay). However, the reunion wasn’t quite what fans were expecting. Rollins, who had married Dominick Carisi (Peter Scanavino) and left the Special Victims Unit in 2022, is now working in the NYPD Intelligence Bureau. Her new position, her evolving relationship with Carisi, and her dynamic with Benson have all undergone major changes since we last saw her in SVU.
In this interview with Screen Rant, Kelli Giddish shared fascinating insights into Rollins’ growth, the risks she’s taking in her new career, her stable marriage with Carisi, and whether she’d be open to exploring more of the Law & Order and One Chicago universes. Let’s dive into the highlights of her conversation.
Rollins’ New Job in the NYPD Intelligence Bureau: What Does It Mean for Her Character?
Kelli Giddish on Rollins’ Career Shift
Rollins has always been a character who strived for justice in her own way. Whether it was tracking down rapists and abusers as part of the Special Victims Unit or offering comfort and understanding to survivors, Rollins’ role within the SVU team was defined by empathy and a focus on victims. But in her new position with the NYPD Intelligence Bureau, her priorities have shifted – and Kelli Giddish is here for it.
“She’s now a sergeant at the NYPD Intelligence Bureau,” Giddish explained. “Her job is to use all the skills she’s accumulated over the years to catch criminals who operate on a larger scale. She’s in a position where she’s exposed to a lot more high-level operations, which is exciting.”
In this new role, Rollins is tasked with looking at crime through a different lens. Unlike her time in SVU, where the focus was often on the victims and their healing process, Rollins is now chasing down the bad guys—no matter what it takes. “I think it opened up a whole new world for Rollins and for me as an actor,” Giddish added. “She’s thrown into these complex situations where she’s working with people from different sectors of the NYPD, and it’s a totally different rhythm.”
Rollins and Detective Corgan: A New On-Screen Partnership
One of the most exciting elements of Rollins’ career change is her new partner, Detective Corgan (played by John Clarence Stewart). Giddish shared that she didn’t know much about Stewart before working with him, but once she found out they shared a hometown, she immediately felt a connection.
“I went on Google and found out that we’re both from Stone Mountain, Georgia, so right off the bat, we had something to talk about,” Giddish said. “It felt like a spark of kismet.”
Their on-screen dynamic is electric, with a mix of professional respect and personal chemistry. Giddish emphasized how their characters don’t always need to speak to convey their thoughts and ideas – there’s a lot of unspoken communication that makes their partnership feel natural. “We already know how to read each other,” she said, adding that their interactions, even without words, felt instinctive and real.
Rollins and Carisi: A Stable Marriage and Family Life
Rollins’ Marriage to Carisi: Stability and Growth
When Rollins and Carisi finally got together, fans couldn’t help but root for their relationship. After years of professional tension, personal growth, and overcoming obstacles, their marriage felt like the natural culmination of their on-screen journey. And according to Giddish, their relationship is now in a really healthy and stable place.
“It’s a stable, healthy relationship now,” she confirmed. “Rollins is in a place where she can take risks with her career because she knows she has a solid foundation at home.”
In other words, Rollins is able to chase her dreams with the Intelligence Bureau because she feels confident in her relationship with Carisi. For fans who are hoping to see more of their home life in future episodes, Giddish is optimistic. “I would love to see more of their family life. I think everyone enjoys seeing Peter Scanavino be a dad—it’s such a fun dynamic.”
Giddish also revealed that Scanavino is known for being a “baby whisperer” on set, often stepping in to help when babies are upset during filming. “It’s hilarious,” Giddish added with a laugh. “Whenever there’s a baby on set, everyone hands it over to Peter.”
The stability Rollins now experiences in her marriage allows her to take bold career steps—whether that means joining a new department or making difficult decisions on the job. It’s clear that Carisi’s presence in her life has provided the emotional support she needs to navigate her new responsibilities.
The Dynamic Between Rollins and Benson: A Changed Relationship
Benson and Rollins: A New Challenge
Fans of SVU have long appreciated the deep bond between Olivia Benson and Amanda Rollins. These two women have supported each other through thick and thin, both professionally and personally. However, in Rollins’ new role at the Intelligence Bureau, the dynamic between the two is inevitably evolving.
In the “Divide & Conquer” episode, we see Rollins and Benson approach the case from different angles. Benson remains focused on the survivor, while Rollins’ primary objective is capturing the perpetrator. This new difference in their priorities creates some tension but also makes their relationship even more compelling.
“I think Rollins is still the same person at heart,” Giddish explained. “She’s always been about helping survivors. But in the Intelligence Bureau, her goal is a little different. She’s after the bad guys, no matter what.”
Despite these differences, Giddish highlighted that Rollins and Benson’s long history together makes it possible for them to have meaningful conversations about their shifting priorities. “We’ve been working together for so long,” she said. “Our interactions, even when the stakes are high, always feel organic. There’s an understanding between us, even when our goals don’t align perfectly.”
It’s this trust and history between the two characters that makes their evolving relationship so special. They don’t always agree, but they always have each other’s backs.
Future Possibilities: Would Giddish Return to More Dick Wolf Shows?
Expanding Within the Dick Wolf Universe
Kelli Giddish also expressed interest in exploring more of the Law & Order and One Chicago universes. With Rollins’ new position in the NYPD Intelligence Bureau, there are endless opportunities for crossovers, and Giddish is all in.
“What an opportunity that Dick Wolf has set up with us all inhabiting the same world,” Giddish said. “It’s so much fun to get to play with other shows. I’ve done Chicago P.D. before, and it was such a blast. I’d love to do it again.”
With her character’s new role, Giddish hinted that there’s a lot of potential for Rollins to interact with characters from other parts of the Dick Wolf universe. Whether that means collaborating with Chicago P.D. or making another appearance in Law & Order: Organized Crime, the possibilities are endless. And Giddish is certainly open to exploring them.
The Idea of a Spinoff
Fans have also rallied for Rollins to get her own Law & Order spinoff, and Giddish is flattered by the support. “I’m so touched that people are talking about it,” she said, laughing. “I’d love to see what a Rollins spinoff could look like, but I think that’s up to the powers that be!”
Given the new direction Rollins’ character is taking, a spinoff could be a perfect fit, especially if it involves more high-stakes investigations and crossovers with other shows.
Conclusion: Rollins’ Journey is Just Beginning
Kelli Giddish’s return to SVU has been nothing short of exciting, and Rollins’ new role in the NYPD Intelligence Bureau brings fresh challenges and dynamics to her character. Whether it’s navigating her partnership with Detective Corgan, her stable relationship with Carisi, or her evolving friendship with Benson, there’s so much to look forward to.
As Rollins steps further into her new role, Giddish is clearly excited about the possibilities that lie ahead—both within SVU and the broader Dick Wolf universe. Fans can expect more exciting twists and turns as Rollins continues her journey in the NYPD.
