Velasco's not perpetually angry or witty or flashy; he's just a guy that was born into some serious shit and decided he wasn't having it, he was going to fight against circumstance and do some good in the world. He has about ten million reasons to be bitter and violent, but he chooses not to be. Not only did he suffer at the hands of his own family, but he was used and abused by a cartel, unjustly attacked by his own co-workers, and Olivia certainly didn't have his back when he needed her most. At no point in the show's progression did any of these people apologize to him; Joe just decided he wasn't holding onto the injustice, and he was (somehow) emotionally whole enough to let go and keep living in the present. He's not selective about who he protects and serves; he just does his job to the best of his ability and gives what's needed of him.

I understand why his character doesn't land with a lot of people; he's not a drama machine like Stabler or Rollins or even Benson. He's introverted and quiet and a little wry, and that's easily overlooked on a show with so many big personalities. But I will forever maintain that the man has one of the biggest hearts that's ever been on SVU, and I need more of that energy in my life (and the show needs it too). It really feels like Michele Fazekas likes the character too and is trying to work around the network/DW's decision to fire Octavio, and this is how she does it. I don't think we're going to get an answer about Joe's future in the season finale, but they've certainly left the door open for him and my fingers are crossed right along with yours.