> At a Glance
> – David Ajala debuted as Det. Theo Walker on Law & Order in fall 2025
> – The 2-hour crossover with SVU airs Jan. 8 at 8 p.m. ET on NBC
> – Episodes titled “Snowflakes” and “Purity” unite both squads
> – Why it matters: Fans get a first look at how the new detective meshes with beloved veterans
London-born David Ajala stepped into the Law & Order universe this season, and the upcoming crossover marks his biggest stage yet. He told News Of Los Angeles the experience has been “very wonderful, humbling” as he shapes Det. Theo Walker in real time.
The New Detective Finds His Footing
Ajala says Walker is “forging his own identity, but also understanding the lay of the land.” That balancing act unfolds on screen during the Jan. 8 event, when the mothership and Special Victims Unit crews tackle a case that spans both precincts.
The actor admits walking into the decades-old franchise felt “a little daunting.”
> “Because it’s such a big show, right? And it’s part of popular culture. It’s been around for so many years, and there’s a reason why a show like this continues to do so well and resonate with so many people,” Ajala explained.
Crossover Night: What to Expect
NBC bills the night as two separate episodes:
- Hour 1 – Law & Order: “Snowflakes” (8-9 p.m. ET)
- Hour 2 – SVU: “Purity” (9-10 p.m. ET)
Cast members appearing across both hours include:
- Mariska Hargitay as Capt. Olivia Benson
- Ice-T as Sgt. Fin Tutuola
- Maura Tierney as Lt. Jessica Brady
- Hugh Dancy as A.D.A. Nolan Price
- Reid Scott as Det. Vincent Riley
Ajala singled out Ice-T as an early ally, calling him “a cool cat” who spins stories between takes.
> “When we have little bits of downtime… he’ll just naturally go into a little story and his stories are just fascinating,” Ajala laughed.
Key Takeaways
- Det. Jalen Shaw exited last year, paving the way for Walker
- The Jan. 8 event promises “a lot of action and characters meeting each other for the first time”
- Ajala wants viewers to watch Walker evolve “as authentically as possible”
With the crossover poised to pull in millions of loyal viewers, Ajala hopes the ambitious two-hour stunt cements Walker as a detective worth watching for seasons to come.
