Big changes come to ‘L&O: Criminal Intent’

Orange County Register | March 30th, 2010
posted by The Watcher

“Law & Order: Criminal Intent”launches its ninth season tonight at 10 on USA, with major changes afoot.

The two-part premiere will set up the departure of the show’s original detective pair, Robert Goren (Vincent D’Onofrio) and Alex Eames (Kathryn Erbe).

Zach Nichols (Jeff Goldblum) and his new partner, played by Saffron Burrows (late of “Boston Legal”and “My Own Worst Enemy”) will become the show’s sole detective pair. Eric Bogosian will depart the captain’s chair, to be replaced by Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio.

Too many changes? As with its parent series, “L&OCI” has weathered plenty of changes in the past without too much damage. Goren had a substitute partner (played by Samantha Buck) for seven episodes; Chris Noth came and went, as did his three partners; and Jamey Sheridan and Courtney B. Vance both left after five seasons.

Still, is it really “Criminal Intent” without Goren and Eames?

Thanks Linda!
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'Law & Order: Criminal Intent' shakes up cast
By Lisa Respers France, CNN
March 30, 2010

(CNN) -- The "Law & Order" television franchise is well-known for its turnover -- and its seemingly fearless willingness to replace characters beloved by fans.

But when "Law & Order: Criminal Intent" returns Tuesday night for its ninth season, it will be testing that formula -- and viewers' tolerance for change -- even further by replacing almost the entire cast of main characters.

The dearly departing include actors Vincent D'Onofrio, who portrayed Det. Bobby Goren; Kathryn Erbe, who played his partner Alexandra Eames; and Eric Bogosian, who is leaving his role as Capt. Danny Ross.

....Writer Norton said the risk to shake things up a bit might pay off for the series. He said he was able to view an advance screener of the new season's premiere episodes, and he predicted that hardcore fans will not be thrilled with the exit of D'Onofrio and Erbe's characters.

"I don't think it does justice to the characters and the work that D'Onofrio and Erbe have done," Norton said. "Certainly there is a high body count and a finality to it, but for the fans that have invested so heavily in the characters and this show, I don't think they are going to be satisfied."
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Thanks Judy and Linda!
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Shifts like Vincent D'Onofrio's departure from 'Law & Order: Criminal Intent' choppy
DailyNews | March 30th 2010
by David Hinckley

"Criminal Intent" kicks off its new season on USA Tuesday night with the long-awaited "salary dump" episode.

Actually, it's titled "Loyalty" and is the first of a two-part episode in which Vincent D'Onofrio, whose Detective Robert Goren was part of the show's original cast in 2001, will depart.

Unfortunately, that dramatization isn't the strongest element of "Loyalty." These are some pretty significant shifts for the show, and even spreading them out over two nights still leaves the transition a little rushed and choppy.

It feels as if the plot line was retrofitted to accommodate the results, and while scripts do evolve that way, the best ones leave us thinking the drama came first and the outcome flowed from there.
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