AboutErik Smith Expertise I am mostly knowledgeable about the "mothership" ("Law & Order") and "Law & Order: Criminal Intent." I can answer questions about "L&O: Special Victims Unit" as well, but "Criminal Intent" is probably the show where my knowledge is the strongest
Experience I've watched "Law & Order" since 1991. I've watched all the "L&O: SVU" and "L&O: Criminal Intent" re-runs on USA Network and Bravo. I own "Law & Order: Criminal Intent - The Complete Third Season (2003-2004)" on DVD.
Question QUESTION: So I've seen reruns that have referred to "Lu's" squabble with the Police Dept higher ups. I've asssumed that it was some discrimination litigation. What's the back story: how did start, what was it about, who was involved and what was the outcome? If the outcome was not in Van Buren's favor, what was her rationale for staying on the force?
ANSWER: Hi David,
Lt. Van Buren had sought a promotion, but she was passed over for a "white woman who received the same score on the captain's exam but had less seniority". Van Buren sued the department, unsuccessfully, and the brass has been uncooperative with her ever since. This may account for Det. Mike Logan not rejoining the 27th precinct despite Lt. Van Buren's repeated attempts to get him back. Van Buren probably stayed on the job because of a sense of duty and a determination not to let the brass "win".
I hope my answers are satisfactory. If you have any other questions, feel free to ask.
Sincerely,
Erik
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QUESTION: I was caught off guard by the reference to Logan. I hadn't seen that. (Or is this a sub-plot on Criminal Intent? I don't watch L&O CI; I like Noth's 'Logan' character but Onofrio's character doesn't have the same feel of realism that other L&O franchises do for me.)
So what is the backstory on Logan's not returning to the 2-7? Logan is against Van Buren? That seems out of character. Or do you mean he is anti 27th? Don't all the precincts genuflect to the same high pubahs?
Answer Hi David,
I meant that the brass was denying Van Buren's requests to bring Logan back to her squad. I'm sure Noth would have gladly returned, as he wasn't happy in Staten Island. Van Buren's efforts to bring Logan back were alluded to in the "Law & Order: Criminal Intent" season 4 episode "Stress Position", in which Noth guest-starred.
P.S. Goren is my favorite character, although I don't like the direction the stories have taken the past two seasons (since Rene Balcer left as show runner).
