Monday, March 05, 2007
Vincent D'Onofrio Definitely Leaving 'Law & Order: CI'
Vincent D'Onofrio (Photo courtesy NBC)
For those L&O fans who may not already know:
In a February 28 interview with Australia's Herald Sun, actor Vincent D'Onofrio reveals (or rather confirms, since there's been widespread speculation about this possibility since last year) that he definitely plans to leave the cast of Law & Order: Criminal Intent in order to pursue more “multi-dimensional” roles, as well as directing opportunities. The tone of the revelation makes it appear that this departure will occur closer to sooner than later, especially given D'Onofrio's statement that he hasn't “sorted the actual departure date out yet, but [he] won't be there (Criminal Intent) much longer.”
Referring to the present dual format of the show in which two teams of detectives alternate solving cases each episode, D'Onofrio also comments that “the change in Criminal Intent structure was a blessing, despite the hefty pay cut,” and the writer further elaborates that “[h]e would have left the show if [creator Dick] Wolf had not come up with the novel plan to split the starring role.”
Both Wolf and D'Onofrio's longtime onscreen partner Kathryn Erbe are aware of this development, which leaves me wondering who in the world will ever replace one of the quirkiest and most recognizable characters on TV today? Sure, D'Onofrio's Detective Booby Goren can be highly irritating, but at least he's unique in a sea of cookie-cutter television cops and criminals.
There's no doubt whatsoever that Criminal Intent will no longer be the same without him. My only wish is that no matter who hops onboard next, Erbe's Detective Alexandra Eames gets elevated to lead detective status. I think she deserves a shot at breaking out of sidekick mode and becoming the next Mariska-level actress in the Law & Order franchise, especially if the writers make the effort to give her some juicier plotlines, such as when she foiled her demented kidnapper in this season's opener, “Blind Spot” (which, incidentally, you can catch in a repeat this Tuesday night at 9pm EST).Labels: criminal intent, Vincent D'onofrio
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Brandy blogged at 6:04 PM
