Ice T's Most Iconic Moments on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit

What would Law & Order: Special Victims Unit be without the endlessly beloved Ice T as Sergeant Odafin "Fin" Tutuola? 

Throughout the Ice T's 23 seasons of Law & Order: SVU, Fin has put away hundreds of bad guys while giving countless quippy one-liners, making him a bona fide fan favorite. Working alongside Captain Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay), Fin is never afraid to set the record straight and doesn't play around while seeing justice served. When Fin is on a case, the city is a safer place, which is why he's become such an integral member of the SVU. 

After filming over 400 SVU episodes as the dedicated detective, countless memorable scenes highlight Ice T's effortless ability to entertain. Relive some of Fin's finest SVU moments when he proved to be the best cop on the case. 

Fin Tutuola's awkward first day

We've got to look back at the moment that started it all: Fin's first day on the squad. In the Season 2 premiere of SVU, Fin Tutuola arrived just as Jeffries (Michelle Hurd) was leaving, making for an uncomfortable first moment for the newbie. But rest assured, Fin knows how to take it in stride! 

Every time Fin knows when to speak up

Whether he's putting perps behind bars or keeping the squad on its toes, Fin marches to the beat of his own drum. Nobody gets one over on Fin, and while that is proven countless times throughout SVU, sometimes Fin has to give fans a little reminder. Fin is perhaps the most no-nonsense SVU character ever, and he isn't afraid to speak up when something is going wrong in the neighborhood. Here are some of the most memorable times Fin spoke his mind. 

That time Fin just knew stuff

Fin took SVU fans on a journey when he was forced to explain the complexities of "the down-low" to Benson, Munch (Richard Belzer), Cragen (Dann Florek), and SVU-turned-OC Detective Elliot Stabler (Christopher Meloni). Iconic Fin line: "Don't look at me, I just know stuff."

When Fin asked Phoebe for a second chance

Fin keeps it pretty professional most of the time, but rarely, SVU fans get a sneak peek at his softer side when Fin interacts with his fiance, Sergeant Phoebe Baker (Jennifer Esposito). Fin and Phoebe's relationship has had its ups and downs, and in this touching scene from Season 20 (before the pair put a ring on it), you can tell just how much Fin cares for her as he apologizes for ever doubting her. While she turns down his initial date pitch, the pair end up falling for each other regardless, and it makes for one of SVU's sweeter love stories. 

When Benson comforted Fin during a tough time

While many of Fin's greatest moments include him verbally smacking down criminals or making his coworkers laugh with biting punchlines, sometimes things get real. In one of the darker moments of Season 21, Fin was forced to kill Leon (James Udom) in front of his own son, which leads to some understandable grief on Fin's part. Thankfully, Benson quickly shows up to provide support, lending a helpful ear to her longtime SVU colleague. 

The time Fin was the perfect confidante for Benson

One of the best parts of watching SVU is the effortless chemistry between Benson and Fin, especially when one needs the other's valued counsel. While wrestling with an upcoming testimony, Benson was compelled to ask Fin for some guidance, and he gives her the exact advice she was seeking. Never afraid to level with one another, Fin and Benson are one of the best friendships of all of SVU. 

When Fin and Stabler caught up after 10 years

While many SVU fans may focus on the relationship between Benson and Stabler, may the record show that Stabler and Fin boast a similar history of crime-fighting. Their loaded baggage became immediately apparent in Season 22, when Stabler and Fin reconnected for the first time in a decade, sharing drinks and swapping stories about their lives. The best part was when Fin brought Stabler up to speed on how Benson moved past Stabler's sudden departure but knew when to keep a tight lip on the little details.  

Any time Fin says "Shut up"

Fin typically allows his police work to do the talking, a man of few words, but there's no denying that two words are his favorite: "Shut up." When words fail him, Fin still knows how to shut criminals down, leading him to say "shut up" on Law & Order: SVU hundreds of times. SVU fans wouldn't have it any other way! 

Watch Law & Order: Special Victims Unit Thursdays at 9/8c on NBC and the next day on Peacock.