David Ajala Hints at Theo and Riley’s Future: Will This Law & Order Duo Last?

Law & Order shook up Season 25 by dropping Detective Theo Walker into Homicide, and the guy’s intense, no-fuss energy caught on fast. Now David Ajala is laying out where Theo’s head is at — especially when it comes to Riley’s ultimatum and whether these two can actually function as partners.

So, about that rocky start...

Theo’s debut in Homicide wasn’t smooth. He and Riley clashed after Theo chose to hold back old incident footage. Ajala doesn’t exactly excuse the move, but he does frame it: Theo’s loyalty is to the result — justice — even when the tactics live in a gray zone. That choice, unsurprisingly, lit a fuse. Riley drew a line and basically said he won’t pair up with a lone wolf.

Why trust is the sticking point

Ajala is clear: Theo’s trust issues aren’t personal to Riley. They’re structural. After years undercover, Theo learned to survive by trusting no one but himself. Now he’s in a new unit, with new rules and a new partner. That adjustment takes time. Ajala’s take is that if Theo can open up even a bit, both detectives stand to gain.

"You have to remember, he could walk away and be like, ah, homicide is not for me. I’m going back to narcotics. He has that choice, lest we forget."

Respect cuts both ways

In his chat with TV Insider, Ajala also points out that Theo actually appreciates Riley saying the quiet part out loud. Tell him to his face, not behind his back. And Theo’s not shy about returning the favor — earlier in the episode, he calls Riley out for charging a gangster without thinking through the risk. It’s blunt, it’s messy, and honestly, pretty refreshing for a partnership story on this show.

Where Theo’s head is at right now

• He values results and will bend his approach if he believes justice comes out on top — even if that creates friction.
• Trust is a muscle he hasn’t used in years; going from undercover mode to team play is a process.
• He’s not stuck in Homicide or with Riley; he could transfer back to Narcotics if the fit isn’t right.
• He respects Riley’s straight talk — and expects the same courtesy back.
• For now, he’s staying put because the job challenges him, which is exactly what he wants.

Can Theo and Riley actually work?

Short answer: maybe. Ajala frames it like a patience game. If Theo can dial up the trust and Riley can handle a partner who plays the long view, there’s a real shot. If not, Theo won’t force it — and he knows he doesn’t have to. For the moment, he’s sticking with Homicide because the challenge is worth it. Whether that leads to a tighter partnership with Riley or a turn in a new direction, we’re about to find out.