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Law & Order: SVU Season 16 Finale Says Goodbye to Danny Pino’s Amaro — Go Behind the Scenes!

Mariska Hargitay and Danny Pino behind the scenes on SVU
Mariska Hargitay and Danny Pino film scenes from the season 16 finale of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.

Goodbye, Amaro! Olivia Benson is getting another new partner on Law & Order: SVU. In the season 16 finale, Danny Pino‘s Det. Nick Amaro tendered his resignation from the squad after being shot in the line of duty.

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That means Mariska Hargitay‘s Sgt. Benson is looking for another new partner, but not before sending Amaro off with some sweet parting words. “I grew more in the last four years with you than I did in the 12 years I was with [Stabler]. That relationship, whatever it was, didn’t allow for anything else. But with you, with your support, I have a family,” she told him. “You helped me grow.”

mariska hargitay and danny pino behind the scenes
Mariska Hargitay and Danny Pino relaxed during takes while filming Law & Order: SVU’s season 16 finale, “Surrendering Noah.”

Pino debuted in season 13 of SVU following the departure of Hargitay’s previous on-screen partner, Christopher Meloni (Elliot Stabler). Amaro was caught in the crossfire after shots were fired during the trial of sex trafficker Johnny D., who happens to also be the biological father of Benson’s adopted son.

Related: PHOTOS: Celebrity adoptions

After surviving the attack, Amaro stunned the squad when he announced his decision to formally retire during a party to celebrate Noah’s adoption. Passed over for a promotion after he shot an unarmed teenager last season, Amaro reasoned that he was moving back to the West Coast to be closer to his son and daughter.

Related: PHOTOS: Beloved TV duos

Us Weekly got a hold of some exclusive behind-the-scenes photos from the filming of the episodes, featuring extremely beautiful moments between Hargitay, 51, and both her on-screen partner and adorable on-screen baby.

mariska hargitay and baby on SVU behind the scenes
Mariska Hargitay goofed off with baby Noah and SVU’s crew during filming for season 16’s finale episode, “Surrendering Noah.” Benson’s on-screen son is played by twins Bradley and Skyler Dubow.

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