Movies News Talk
Set to resurfaced on NBC for its 24th season, Law & OrdEr is a long-running and well-liked crime drama series. Although the show is well-known for its gripping narratives and legendary ensemble, cast turnover has always been a regular problem during the comeback. The show welcomes a new cast member for the next season, but it also keeps dealing with the leaving of several original cast members, which might cause issues for committed viewers.
Known for her performance in the critically praised medical drama ER, Emmy-nominated actress Maura Tierney will join the Law & Order season 24 cast as a new lieutenant. Although specifics about TiErney's character are yet unknown, her inclusion will surely provide the show a great abundance of talent and experience.
After a ten-year run on ER where she portrayed Abby Lockhart and received an Emmy nomination for her performance, Tierney's role marks her return to Nbc. She is also known for her work on other well-known television shows including NewsRadio, The Good Wife, and The Affair for which she received another Emmy nomination.
Season 24 of Law & Order will have difficulty justifying the leaving of Camryn Manheim's Lieutenant Kate Dixon. Manheim left the post following season 23; her absence will have to be covered in the next season. The series has addressed cast turnover before; the revival has seen a notable number of departures over its brief run.
Cast Departures Affecting Law & Order's Story
Among the well-known departures from the show are Anthony Anderson, who only spent one season playing NYPD Detective Kevin Bernard. Creative differences led Jeffrey Donovan, who portrayed NYPD Detective Frank Cosgrove, also to leave after two seasons. Early in season 23 Sam Waterston, who portrayed District Attorney Jack McCoy for more than 400 episodes, left the show. The series suffers from a void left by the deaths of these characters; the writing staff has had to find means to fill it.
Original Series vs. Revival: Comparison
Originally airing in 1990, the first series was renowned for its consistent cast—many of which stayed on the program for years. The revival's struggle to keep a consistent cast begs questions about its longevity and continuity, though. Odelya Halevi and Hugh Dancy are the only two original cast members from the launch of the revival still.
How Law and Order Manages Cast Departsures
Although the show has tackled the departures of some characters via on-screen explanations, others have left without a clear explanation, casting doubt on future handling of this problem by the show. The way the show handles cast turnover has drawn criticism, especially given some leaving characters have no closure.
Law & Order season 24 promises to keep delivering gripping narratives and dramatic courtroom action, notwithstanding the difficulties of cast turnover. The show will keep delving into the convoluted realm of law enforcement and the justice system with Maura Tierney added and the core cast returning. The forthcoming season of the show will premiere on Thursday, October 3 at 8 PM EST on NBC; Law & Order: SVU season 26 will follow. Peacock will also host both shows for streaming.