A ‘Law & Order: SVU’ Fan Favorite Returns in Exclusive Clip From Season 19 Premiere

Law and Order: SVU is back, and so is an old flame from Benson’s past. The NBC show returns for its 19th (!) season on Wednesday night with a brand new showrunner and a surprise visit from an old member of the squad.

Ahead of the season premiere of “Gone Fishin’” tonight, we have an exclusive clip from the episode. It’s just an average night for Benson (Mariska Hargitay) and Noah, until someone knocks at her door. Is it Harry Connick Jr.’s David Hayden? Is it Robert John Burke’s Tucker? Even better! It’s Dean Winters’ Brian Cassidy.

Just in case you don’t remember sobbing over Cassidy’s last departure, let me refresh your memory. We haven’t seen him since the end of Season 15 when he and Benson (amicably) broke up in “Downloaded Child” – an episode I ranked as the 100th best in my epic SVU episode ranking, primarily because their heartbreaking goodbye scene. But Cassidy always comes back.

Last we knew, he was working undercover for I.A.B., and this season he returns for multiple episodes. We can assume he’s back to help out the squad again, but that’s probably not the only reason. As the new showrunner Michael Chernuchin recently teased to The Hollywood Reporter, there is a chance a rekindled romance between Cassidy and Benson. Here’s the full episode synopsis for the Season 19 premiere “Gone Fishin”:

When Fin (Ice T) crosses international borders to catch a fugitive rapist, a political tug-of-war derails Barba’s (Raúl Esparza) legal case.  Meanwhile, shocking allegations against Benson (Mariska Hargitay) lead to the return of an old friend.  Also starring Kelli Giddish (Det. Amanda Rollins) and Peter Scanavino (Det. Sonny Carisi).  Guest starring Dean Winters (Brian Cassidy), Peter Jacobson (Randy Dworkin), Will Chase (Byron Marks), Mariela Garriga (Elana Marks) and Amy Smart (Karla Wyatt).

The latest season of SVU will also feature the addition of Brooke Shields to the cast in a mysterious role, beginning with Episode 3. Chernuchin said Sheilds’ character “runs Benson through the wringer, both professionally and personally.” Sam Waterston will also reprise his Law & Order character, Jack McCoy, in an upcoming SVU appearance, and plenty of more surprises are bound to come throughout the season. SVU returns tonight on NBC at 9PM ET.