Kelli Giddish recently opened up about her much-anticipated return to *Law & Order: Special Victims Unit* and stepping back into the role of Amanda Rollins. The actress reflected on reuniting with Mariska Hargitay and the rest of the cast, sharing that the on-screen homecoming closely mirrored her real-life experience of returning to a familiar set and close-knit team.
In this week’s episode, Rollins reconnects with her former boss and reveals that Chief Tynan’s overhaul of the Intelligence Bureau pushed her to seek change. Benson reminds her that there’s always a place for her at SVU. By the episode’s conclusion, Rollins accepts the offer, warmly saying, “See you in the morning, boss.”
Giddish explained that the reunion echoed her real-life feelings about rejoining the cast. “I loved how easy the scene was, because that’s kind of how easy it was in real life,” she told *TVLine*.
Having welcomed her third child, Oldie, in 2023, Giddish added that she now has the time to “go back and have fun with my other family, too, on set.” She noted, “I have laughed so hard in the last couple of months, just reminded of the kinship that I feel for everyone there.”
The actress also emphasized the importance of Rollins’ bond with Benson and the other women in the squad. “The Benson-and-Rollins relationship is so important to me and Mariska, personally, but also to the fans,” Giddish said. She highlighted her scenes alongside Mariska Hargitay and Aimé Donna Kelly, describing them as “three strong women” working together under showrunner Michele Fazekas’ direction.
As the season progresses, Rollins will once again serve as Benson’s trusted ally. “She’s taken it on as her job, to be Benson’s eyes on that, and she takes that very seriously,” Giddish explained, referencing her character’s watchful stance toward new detective Jake Griffin.
Describing Rollins’ approach to work, Giddish said simply, “She probably thinks of it like I do: ‘Well, it’s working right now. Let’s do it.’ She’s kind of a day-at-a-time.”
https://www.comingsoon.net/tv/news/2044487-law-and-order-svu-kelli-giddish-rollins-return-olivia
