Demore Barnes' Chief Christian Garland will be appearing more in the upcoming Law & Order: SVU season 22. The character first appeared in the early run of the previous installment after going undercover to catch a serial rapist targeting black men in gay bars.
Now, executive producer Julie Martin confirmed on Twitter that we're going to see more of Chief Christian Garland in Law & Order: SVU season 22. She made it clear that he will be occupying his office "full time." This is exciting news since Barnes' character has a lot more to offer.
Garland was first introduced in "Down Low In Hell's Kitchen." He immediately made an impression on the detectives after catching the series rapist. Then, he appeared in "The Burden Of Our Choices," where he witnessed the protests from both pro-choice and pro-life activists.
Furthermore, we learned more about the character after the series dedicated an episode to him, "Garland's Baptism By Fire." He was distraught when his reverend Delman Chase (Roger Cross) was arrested on statutory rape and embezzlement charges.
Garland visited Chase when the latter was imprisoned for his actions. But then, Chase acted psychotic and claimed that the Lord was testing him. Garland left him to serve his sentence and cried after leaving him. Viewers could learn more about his life now that he's full time in Law & Order: SVU season 22.
One of the unique things about the series is that it brings multiple seasons ahead. It allows the creative team to make more stories that can expand outward over time. There's no need to wrap up a particular story immediately. The series could bring Garland into new places while addressing what's already established.
Meanwhile, Law & Order: SVU season 22 officially kicked off filming in New York City just recently. However, a lot of proper health and safety protocols are being implemented to ensure the safety of everyone while working during the pandemic.
The new season won't immediately address the massive cliffhanger in season 21 finale, which questions Sir Tobias "Toby" Moore's (Ian McShane) future. Fans won't be getting an answer whether or not he survived his heart attack.
Instead, the upcoming installment premieres with a story seemingly about the current global health crisis. Showrunner Warren Leight teased on Twitter that the episode sees the team grappling with many of the losses and changes and the challenges that everyone is going through right now.
Law & Order: SVU season 22 will, reportedly, premiere on Thursday, Nov. 12, on NBC.
