Danny Pino had his work cut out for him back in 2011 when he joined the cast of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. Eternal fan favorite Christopher Meloni had just departed after 12 seasons with NBC's hit show, and any actor coming in was going to find it a challenge to try and create a character as beloved as (Un)Stabler was. Show veteran Ice-T was talking about the transition while at the Paley Center for Media this week, and he likened it to pulling off a bank robbery.

When asked about what advice he gave to Pino when he arrived on set, Ice-T claimed to have taken a unique approach to put the actor at ease:

"I said we don't have to like each other to rob this bank. All we have to do is know that you know how to drive ... you know how to watch out ... after we rob a few banks, we'll become great friends."

In the three years that have passed, Pino has found his groove with the fans and also has made fast friends with fellow cast members as NBC's hit show is still killing it in the ratings.

Pino has thought long and hard about the success of Law & Order: SVU and what the key to it actually is.

The actor explained in an early interview, "I think one of the best things the show does is it shines light on the darkest part of the human condition and, in doing so, I think it also is life-affirming. It's not just exploiting it or trivializing it."

Are you a fan of Pino's character on the show? What are your thoughts on Ice-T's likening the acting experience to a bank robbery? It kind of makes sense: Pino needed to jump in, prove his worth and then all the other stuff would fall into place for him, and that seems to be exactly what has happened. If you tune in to Law & Order: SVU, what is it that keeps you coming back each week? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!

Join the Discussion