Kelli Giddish Addresses the Elephant in the Room: Her Departure from SVU
Since its premiere in 1999, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit has achieved great things. Alongside its 91 award nominations and 33 awards, it has created some of the most intriguing plot lines and characters in its genre.
After 12 seasons, rookie Amanda Rollins (Kelli Giddish) first entered the series. By Season 24, she was a senior detective and a favorite amongst fans. With over 11 years playing the part of Rollins, it was a shock to viewers to learn that Kelli Giddish would leave the show during its 24th season.
Not her choice
Dick Wolf's franchise has always been known for trying to stay current. Many sources claim that SVU upheaval was a decision made from the top.
Such was the speculation that Kelli Giddish wrote a statement addressing the rumors and confirming that, unfortunately, season 24 would be the last for her on the show.
Apparently, Mariska Hargitay who plays Captain Olivia Benson as well as being an executive producer tried to keep Giddish's character but the matter had already been decided, and if there's any drama behind that decision, we're unlikely to hear about it anytime soon. Giddish herself has publicly admitted that she knew she was leaving before the start of the next season and felt it was the right time to conclude the storyline of her character.
"My side of things is just that it’s time in the Rollins storyline. I felt like where it was heading, and where it headed last night, just seemed the right place to leave it right now. I am so excited about things going on in my personal life and kind of the mirroring of what’s going on in my personal life and in Rollins’, there’s a lot of joy to be experienced," she told Variety.
The final episode
It was during S24 Ep 9 "And a Trauma in a Pear Tree," which aired December 8, 2022, that Giddish made her last appearance. In this 'end of an era' episode, Rollins has one final case to solve with Benson that cements their platonic bond. It's the perfect time for Rollins to leave: she's free from the traumatized and wounded gambling addict, married and ready for a new job and chapter to begin.
When Rollins joined the unit after Stabler's departure, fans were introduced to a compelling yet complex character who certainly had flaws. After being shot in S24 Ep 1, things could have continued on a negative trajectory. Yet, Rollins got her happy ending.
Though it might not have been Kelli Giddish's choice to leave Law & Order: Special Victims Unit , it certainly seems as though she's at peace with the decision. Her final appearance also means that things aren't permanently over for the character. Should David Wolf change his mind, there's every chance that Rollins could return in the future.