'Law and Order: SVU' season 17 spoilers: Amanda Rollins deals with sister and mother

Kelli Giddish as Amanda Rollins NBC

"Law and Order: SVU" season 16 saw the departure of Detective Amaro (Danny Pino) which was a big blow for Amanda Rollins (Kelli Giddish). According to a report from TVGuide, there will be a turnaround, as two people from Rollins' past will come back this season 17. 

The report said that Rollins' sister, portrayed by Lindsay Pulsipher, will be returning and this time, she will be bringing along their mother. However, their visit isn't necessarily going to be a good thing for Rollins even when they believe it should be. 

"We'll see her sister and meet her mother," explained executive producer Warren Leight. "Even if their intent is to be supportive, and I'm not even sure it is, her family showing up is not a great thing for her - nothing good comes from seeing her sister or her mother."

Leight didn't explain the reason for the visit but the report speculates that it might be tied to the fact that Kelli Giddish is currently pregnant. It hasn't been confirmed that the actress' pregnancy will be written into Rollins' character in the show but if she does end up pregnant in season 17, then it is possible that her family is visiting to help and support her. 

The only hint to whether or not Amanda Rollins is going to be pregnant is a short tease from Leight: "By the end of the premiere you'll know part of the answer to that question." 

It is hinted that Detective Amaro may be a key figure in this situation as it is possible that Amaro might be the father. As mentioned in the report, he was both an emotional and physical pillar for Rollins to lean on. Leight explained that the show won't have people whining about his absence but it will "change the rhythm."

"Law and Order: SVU" season 17 premieres this Sept. 23. 

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