'Law & Order: Criminal Intent' renewed, Vincent D’Onofrio returning
Work for the Major Case Squad isn’t over … yet.
USA Network announced Tuesday that "Law & Order: Criminal Intent" will come back for its 10th — and final — season.
The network has ordered eight episodes of the spinoff. Eight episodes more than most people were expecting. After the announcement that NBC gave its longstanding “Law & Order” the ax after 21 seasons, it seemed the practiced spinoff was destined for the same fate on USA.
“We have been the fortunate caretakers of this legendary series, and we plan to give it the world-class farewell it so richly deserves," said Jeff Wachtel, president original programming at USA, in a statement. "Dick and his team promise to create a major event for television with incredible surprises. The plan is for this to be the series finale, but with a Dick Wolf franchise, one really never knows until it’s over.”
And one never really knows whom to expect to helm the show. The crime procedural hasn’t been without its share of casting changes — especially in the male lead department. Vincent D’Onofrio reduced his workload and alternated episodes with Chris Noth, who was then replaced by Jeff Goldblum, who then took over the series full time when D'Onofrio left but who now will not be returning himself. Oh, but D’Onofrio is back to reprise his role as Detective Robert Goren. Confused yet?
"I want to thank Bonnie [Hammer, president of NBC Universal Cable] and Jeff [Watchel] for bringing 'Criminal Intent' back for a tenth season,” Wolf said in a statement. “Only time will tell if this is a fond farewell or a renaissance for Detective Robert Goren but everyone both here and in New York is ecstatic about going back to work on a show that’s a passion for all of us. Signed, Brett Favre."
No premiere date has been set. But the “Law & Order” franchise is never really on vacation. One of its many spinoffs, “Law & Order: Los Angeles,” is scheduled to premiere Wednesday on NBC.
— Yvonne Villarreal
twitter.com/villarrealy
Photo: Vincent D’Onofrio. Credit: Getty Images.
Any word on whether Kathryn Erbe is also returning?
Posted by: Melissa | September 21, 2010 at 03:09 PM
Great News!!! Vincent D'Onofrio MADE that show! His acting gave the show a 4th dimension! I felt the soul of each story and the enthusiasm of the CI Team to see us to the sometimes bitter end~ Yeah, Whoopie, and Thanks for bringing the CI soul back for the Wrap!
Posted by: Danica Alexander | September 21, 2010 at 03:41 PM
Kathryn Erbe should be there, must be there, and we have to see her there, also!!! Vincent and Kathryn have a special telepathy that no one else can achieve!!! Kathryn, I am waiting to hear the good news....
Posted by: Danica Alexander | September 21, 2010 at 03:52 PM
Fantastic news! I miss Vincent so much and look forward to seeing him on CI again. Hope Kathryn Erbe will be there too.
Posted by: Jackie Sanders | September 21, 2010 at 09:14 PM
I will not be watching,Dr.Livingston and his monkey.D Onofrio ,s character needed a straight jacket,and Goldblum was a walking cadaver.Chris North was the best in this role.
Posted by: erica stephens | September 22, 2010 at 06:11 AM
THANK YOU!!! for bringing back D'Onofrio, please do not let that man leave the show again! He is the STAR of the show, and makes the episodes so much more interesting! The man has a gift when it comes to acting, I will be front center when the 10th season begins and hopefully continue thereafter, I never want this show to end once D'Onofrio is back in action let us hope is for another couple of more seasons!!
Posted by: Bianca | September 22, 2010 at 03:55 PM
I was very disappointed when Vincent D'onofrio left L&O. but how come he gained so much weight before he left. Was he ill and on meds that made him blow up.
Posted by: Elly Klein | September 25, 2010 at 01:31 PM
Wondeful news,!!! love the show with Vincent D'onofrio, he made the show, great actor. I watch all the rerunsc to see hime and Kathryn Erbe, she is great also.Was sad to see Law & Order go off, great writing and acting.Watch reruns also.Holding my breath until the show returns.
Best Regards,
Sandra
Posted by: SANDRA ALTMARK | October 09, 2010 at 09:31 AM
I am so happy about the return of the original cast. There was something clean and clear about the stories offered on the old series. Please don't take them away again!
Posted by: Mary Jo Burnette | March 12, 2011 at 11:07 PM
I am so happy he's coming back. Great actor!
Posted by: Paula Payne | March 14, 2011 at 03:10 PM
Whohoo..............I just saw the ad.......I'm so happy, I love Goren and Eames.
Posted by: Carolyn | March 24, 2011 at 05:21 AM