Summary
This interview contains spoilers forSVUSeason 26 Episode 13, Extinguished.
Because of his guarded nature,Velasco has remained a more mysterious figure since he joined SVU.
Why do you think he’s so opposed to putting down roots and getting involved in the community?
OCTAVIO PISANO: I think it’s multifaceted.
One, hes a foreigner.
They want to leave the roots behind.
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Obviously, it’s an arc that happens with a lot of us, and then we reconnect.
But he also comes from the undercover world before he joined SVU.
Thats a very isolated lifestyle, so he kind of got used to that.
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That leads really well into my next question because you’re right, there is an arc.
Every scene had a layer to it.
I feel like everyone’s giving him a compliment.
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He says, Yeah, I guess this is my neighborhood.
I think it’s fairly clear how he’s embraced that part of himself and his own people.
What was it like getting to team up and work with Ice-T?
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It’s a lot more humorous in real life, but its great.
I love working with them.
It’s true camaraderie that we bring into the scenes.
It was so nice to watch you get to work with a new character, too, with Danny.
How did you approach that relationship with Danny with Velasco’s history in mind?
PISANO: I think it’s a mirror.
I think it’s a reflection of him embracing himself.
I was like you, and I understand you.
It’s almost like he’s talking to himself by talking to Danny.
Oh, I really love that.
That’s such a good point.
I feel like its so important to have that community and those relationships in every facet.
One thing I found really interesting about when Olivia compliments him is that she specifically says he showed leadership.
What do you sort of think his goals are in terms of being at SVU?
Im excited for whats coming.
PISANO: To be honest, I feel like every season changes a little bit.
We’ll see how it does.
We’ll see how people respond to it.
This question might lead to a very similar answer, but I love it when Velasco goes undercover.
He’s always so good at it, andyou’realways so good at it.
I’m curious if there are any more undercover storylines that you’re free to tease for us.
PISANO: I’ve talked to the writers a couple of times about it.
PISANO: That was really fun.
PISANO:Off the bat, Carisi.
Early on, we were having a few scenes when I first started in the first season.
So I would love to see a lot more scenes with him.
In the last few episodes, we’ve had moments of camaraderie.
I always enjoy court scenes.
Those are always fun to watch, and those two characters do play off each other really well.
I would also like to see more of those.
PISANO: Romantically is interesting.
Again, the fanbase really influences a lot of what’s written.
I have no idea.
Is there a Bruno line off the top of your head thats your favorite?
My gobs are smacked and my gasts are flabbered.
He said the same one!
PISANO: That line…he caught me off guard.
What does that even mean?
You have to be a master actor to be able to pull that line off.
Hats off to him.
It’s such a good one.
I need more Bruno and Velasco.
PISANO: My gobs are smacked and my gasts are flabbered.
I need to venture to integrate that into my own vocabulary.
PISANO: There should be a whole dictionary of Bruno lines.
Thats some merch we desperately need.
My last question for you is that this show is known for having these very high-profile guest stars.
PISANO: Oh, there’s so many.
There’s so many people we’ve had.
Nowadays, thats subjective, right?
I just feel like I respect actors in general.
There are so many actors.
Were a hub for launching careers almost.
New episodes of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit air every Thursday at 9/8c on NBC.
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