Barba all the way. I started watching SVU with him, and when I got to see the old episodes I HATED Alex. I thought she was an on-and-off character who was there to annoy the protagonists. Once I got to watch more episodes with her, I disliked her a little less, but I don't think I'll ever like her. Since I got to know Rafael first, it's been always natural to me that he was "part of the team" and that's one of the reasons why I disliked Alex. I was like, "Which side are you in, bitch?" XD
I guess it's easier to like the characters you first knew, those who made you love the series. I still miss Amaro, and though I am OK with Elliot, I prefer the episodes in which Olivia is the only star. ;P
