The Surprising Truth Behind Pedro Pascal's Law & Order Role

Pedro Pascal has built a diverse and extensive body of work throughout his career. From unexpected roles in various shows, he consistently delivers exceptional performances. Notably, he portrayed the captivating Oberyn Martell in Season 4 of Game of Thrones, leaving a lasting impression. In addition, he has made surprise appearances in shows such as Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Nurse Jackie. However, Pascal is most recognized for his leading roles in The Mandalorian and The Last Of Us. As a dedicated actor, he also seized the opportunity to appear in several award-winning Law & Order shows, captivating viewers with his portrayal of characters on both sides of the law. Among these roles, one stands out as particularly gritty. Surprising audiences who only knew him for playing beloved father figures, Pascal immersed himself fully into this unsettling character, showcasing his versatile talents. Although it may not have received Oscar-worthy recognition, Pascal's commitment to his craft made the role work exceptionally well.

When was Pedro Pascal on Law and Order?

Pascal's involvement with the gritty crime dramas on NBC's various Law & Order shows is extensive, making it difficult to keep track of his history with the franchise. He portrayed Special Agent Greer on Special Victims Unit and had appearances on Criminal Intent as both Reggie Luckman and Kip Green. The franchise has a penchant for featuring actors, both promising and established, and often brings them back just for the enjoyment. Additionally, many actors have received Emmy nominations for their portrayals of criminals and victims on the show. However, in Law & Order, Pascal distinctly played the role of Tito Cabassa, a former criminal.

In season 18, episode 10, titled "Tango," Detectives Ed Green (played by Jesse L. Martin) and Cyrus Lupo (played by Jeremy Sisto) delve into the investigation of a missing high school student named Anne-Marie Liscomb (portrayed by Molly Ephraim). The detectives stumble upon footage of Anne-Marie entering a seedy motel with a sex worker named Sugar (played by Maria Dizzia), leading them to encounter her despicable pimp, Tito (played by Pascal). As the investigation unfolds, the detectives discover Anne-Marie's battered body in a dumpster, implicating Tito and Sugar in serious assault and murder charges.

In recent times, Pascal has frequently been cast in paternal roles. In Wonder Woman 1984, he embodied the character of Max Lord - a father who desperately yearns for a reunion with his son after a series of ill-fated wishes. Similarly, he portrays Joel Miller in The Last of Us, a reluctant guardian looking after a spirited teenage girl. And, of course, he takes on the lead role in The Mandalorian, entrusted with the care of an adorably cute little Jedi. However, Pascal's portrayal of Tito in Law & Order deviated from such wholesome characters. When accused of assaulting an inebriated teenage girl, he callously laughs it off and justifies his actions. Further, when Sugar corroborates Tito's actions, he resorts to misogynistic insults towards her as he is escorted to a prison cell.

Has Pedro Pascal Talked About His Law & Order Role?

Contrary to some criminals portrayed on television, Tito's behavior cannot be attributed to systemic circumstances that would push someone to steal food or lie to obtain money for medicine. Instead, he derives pleasure from harming vulnerable individuals and eluding the consequences. In contrast, Sugar eventually confesses that she was the one responsible for Anne-Marie's murder due to a fit of jealousy over Tito. The episode of Law & Order concludes with both of them being found guilty and sentenced to prison.

Pascal is no stranger to being part of a franchise, similar to Star Wars, as well as getting nostalgic about his previous roles. During a conversation with GQ in 2019, the actor indulged the interviewer with intriguing behind-the-scenes insights about his performances in shows like Narcos, The Good Wife, and The Mentalist. Surprisingly, he didn't mention any of the characters he portrayed on Law & Order, which is quite uncommon for him to discuss.

Pascal is not ashamed of his previous roles, as he jokingly mentioned them while hosting Saturday Night Live. However, he doesn't consider them to be the pinnacle of his career. This is understandable, as he has since taken on more significant acting opportunities.

During his earlier days, Pascal worked on shows like Law & Order to gain experience and exposure. Nowadays, he shares insights with award-winning actor Steven Yeun about working on a zombie-themed show. Pascal's career continues to progress, and he has now starred in movies alongside esteemed actors such as Nicolas Cage, Teyonah Parris, and Denzel Washington. He has truly moved onto a different level, so it's no surprise that he doesn't dwell on the past.

Pascal's lack of discussion about his past projects doesn't imply a dislike for them. Rather, he tends to share more about his current endeavors or future plans. Given his current level of demand, Pascal must prioritize what lies directly ahead. However, there are occasional moments when Sarah Michelle Gellar herself takes to Instagram and reminds everyone of their collaboration on Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

Meanwhile, Pascal is not the only one whose career is soaring after appearing in a Law & Order episode. Matthew Maher, who portrayed the unscrupulous motel manager Antonio, is now captivating audiences as the sassy and endearing Black Pete in Our Flag Means Death. Maria Dizzia brought tears to our eyes as Sugar, but we eagerly anticipate seeing her in higher spirits in Agatha: Coven of Chaos. Pascal is part of an impressive and diverse group of actors who have worked their way up through one-off roles on Law & Order. Who knows? He may even return for the sheer thrill of it.

Catch Law & Order episodes now on NBC and Peacock streaming platform.