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.
Expert: Erik Smith Date: 12/13/2006 Subject: criminal intent cast
Question The current season has seemed to drop Vincent D'Onofrio, after the episode about a chief policeman's daughter was murdered at Thanksgiving time and he was upset over his mother's constant needs. Where is he? Will he be back? I do not like Chris Noth, prefer Robert Goren. I also liked Deacons and Carver characters MUCH more than the new one - why are they gone???
Thanks,
Elizabeth
Answer Hi Elizabeth,
Vincent D'Onofrio has not been dropped; he and Kathryn Erbe will return in the next new episode, "Albatross".
I like Chris Noth, as I am a fan of the original "Law & Order" series, but I prefer D'Onofrio also.
Jamey Sheridan (Capt. Deakins) left L&O:CI because he wanted to move back to Los Angeles to be with his family.
It's possible that Courtney B. Vance (ADA Carver) left for the same reason (he and his wife, actress Angela Bassett, have young twins), although he's also being sued by his former agents (not sure if that had anything to do with Vance's departure). It's also possible that Warren Leight (who took over as show runner when René Balcer left) planned to reduce the role of the ADA, so Dick Wolf chose not to renew Vance's contract. No definite reason has been given.
I hope that helps. If you have any other questions, please contact me.
Sincerely,
Erik Smith
P.S.
Personally, I do not like the direction the show has taken this season. Warren Leight changed the music and did away with the gavel sound ("Chung Chung") and the Location/Date black cards. Leight has also substituted melodrama (like the stuff about Goren's mom) for strong stories. He should watch the L&O:CI Season Two DVD. Perhaps it would remind him how great the show used to be.
