random-barba-hc

[random-barba-hc]

How did Barba get his taste in the suits he wears? 

With practical experience he gained at Harvard, as well as the impressive network he built-up, Barba was quickly hired as a first-year associate at the law firm he worked at before becoming an ADA. Though it was for the potential he showed in becoming a future partner, Barba’s looks are definitely what helped him win out over the other candidates. Straight out of college and from lower class, the plainest suits are the only ones Barba can (barely) afford since they’re the cheapest, but that simply won't do. There’s an unconscious connection between a lawyer’s competency to their apparel. A capable lawyer gains people’s trust, and no one seems more competent than a professional. Nothing gives off an air of professionalism more than a sophisticated outfit: suits and ties made of high class material, waistcoats, pocket squares, and suspenders. 

He’s taught how more attention is paid to someone with a notable appearance, so decorative and patterned designs are a must. Things don't even need to coordinate well with each other, an unusual look is just as effective. Barba is lent some old tailored clothing and accessories from one of the firm's partners, who advises him to get some designer suits as soon as possible. Leaving to become an ADA, his certainty in the new path he’s taking is strengthened when he’s praised on how well he wears his suits. From then on, even when it took a lot of budgeting, he invested a lot into his clothing.

[random-barba-hc]

I'm not sure which I like more: David Alvarez in his swim trunks in A Murder at the End of the World, or Frederick Chilton in bikini briefs in Hannibal season 2 bloopers

[random-barba-hc]

I seriously wished The Undiscovered Country would've been more like Barba recused himself from the case. Then Olivia would take him to the hospital and so he could explain to the Householders what might happen now there's a new ADA handling the case (i.e. SVU may no longer be able to communicate details to Maggie about the case, the ADA could cut Aaron a deal, depending on how severe the charge there may be a complete termination of Aaron's parental rights). Liv goes to check on Aaron while Barba and Maggie have a private conversation. Olivia comes back to get Barba, Aaron needing time to process, and they leave. Afterward, Maggie shuts off Drew ventilator. Both are charged together with conspiracy to commit second degree murder.

During pretrial motions, Rita (yes, I thought she'd be a much better choice for Barba's defense attorney) and requests to sever the case with the reasoning Maggie is merely avoiding accountability by blaming others for her actions, which the judge grants.

We would've gotten the freakin' trial we deserved. Rita's closing statement being while unwise to have talked with Maggie considering the circumstances, it was an emotional time for Barba as well (recusing himself because he knew he couldn't act impartially) and was simply trying to comfort a woman with a huge weight on her shoulders that he was familiar with. Despite how much he hated his father, it still took Barba six weeks to act on it (the choice to do so was given to him). Maggie ended her son's life, which she claimed to do out of love, but she assumed that responsibility solely by herself and had not even hesitated to do so once she felt the approval of someone who was essentially a total stranger.

There was so much wasted potential with the BX9 story and the quick mention of what happened to Heredio. Hell, I would've been fine if concern over his mother's safety is what caused her move to Florida instead (Sightless in a Savage Land s22e4), and Barba went with her (perhaps more of the Diaz side of the family was there too). Honestly, anything that could've avoided The Undiscovered Country, People vs Richard Wheatley, and The Christmas Episode.

[random-barba-hc]

The moment he said "Christ" in that episode was the moment any semblance of our Barba disappeared.

Barba: I know what it's like to have to face down your old man. Mine's dead fifteen years and my hand still curls into a fist when I think about him. (Padre Sandunguero)

vs

Barba: Almost seven years ago, Dad went into a diabetic coma, and he was on life support six weeks. [...] I hated the man. But still I didn't want the burden of being the reason that he took his last breath.

(The Undiscovered Country)

I'm aware it was simply a continuity error on the writers's part, but my brain reconciles the difference in that 15 years ago his dad became dead to him after the two got into a huge fight that got Barba disowned/kicked out from the family. However, seven years ago was when Barba pulled the plug.

[random-barba-hc]

Barba: I know what it's like to have to face down your old man. Mine's dead fifteen years and my hand still curls into a fist when I think about him. (Padre Sandunguero)

vs

Barba: Almost seven years ago, Dad went into a diabetic coma, and he was on life support six weeks. [...] I hated the man. But still I didn't want the burden of being the reason that he took his last breath.

(The Undiscovered Country)

I'm aware it was simply a continuity error on the writers's part, but my brain reconciles the difference in that 15 years ago his dad became dead to him after the two got into a huge fight that got Barba disowned/kicked out from the family. However, seven years ago was when Barba pulled the plug.

[random-barba-hc]

Olivia: I thought he was in Brooklyn.

Steven Harris: He was. Just requested a lateral to Manhattan. Guy's got big, brass--ego.

Timeline-wise we're never given any other details about Marianna Abreu's death aside from her daughter Ashtonja being 10-years-old. Barba joining Manhattan SVU from 2012-2018 and if 'Know It All' (s18,e15) took place in 2017, on the assumption that Ashtonja is 16 give or take (I am terrible at ages admittedly), the event didn't take too long before his introduction episode.

Despite being a well-regarded prosecutor, it's never mentioned why he'd suddenly want to transfer to Manhattan. The incident was likely weighing heavy on him and Barba wanted to get out of Brooklyn. After the whole deal with Delia Wilson, the opportunity opened and no one in the DA's office was gonna question or complain about the request.

[random-barba-hc]

After the Hamiliton shoutout deleted scene in 'Manhattan Transfer' (s17, e17), I'm convinced the detectives repeatedly interrupt Barba when he's out on dates. 'Criminal Hatred' (s14, e12) is texting to reschedule for another time, 'Decaying Morality' (s16, e13) rushing in from an opera, and of course 'Her Negotiation' (s14, e24).

[random-barba-hc]

Criminal Hatred (season 14, episode 12)

I want to believe the reason Barba sounded so amused that Olivia found him was because he was at a gay bar