NBCU/USA Network Press Release
USA NETWORK LAUNCHES NEW SEASONS OF "LAW & ORDER: CRIMINAL INTENT" AND "IN PLAIN SIGHT" PREMIERING SUNDAY, MAY 1
Vincent D'Onofrio and Kathryn Erbe Reprise their Beloved Roles in LAW & ORDER: CRIMINAL INTENT for its Tenth and Final Season
New In Plain Sight Showrunners Ed Decter and John Strauss
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - February 3, 2011 - USA Network, the #1 network in 2010 for an unprecedented five consecutive years running, is kicking off its spring lineup with two of its popular original series, LAW & ORDER: CRIMINAL INTENT and IN PLAIN SIGHT. LAW & ORDER: CRIMINAL INTENT returns for its final season with eight all new episodes and IN PLAIN SIGHT will air its fourth season with 13 episodes. Both will premiere on Sunday, May 1, at 9/8c and 10/9c, respectively.
The final season of LAW & ORDER: CRIMINAL INTENT features the long-anticipated return of Detectives Goren (D'Onofrio) and Eames (Erbe) to the Major Case Squad. Terminated for insubordination a year ago, Detective Robert Goren has been reunited with his long-time partner Alex Eames at the behest of new Major Case Captain William Hannah, a friend of Goren's since Academy days. In addition to plunging into colorful, dangerous mysteries, Goren has mandatory sessions with brilliant police psychologist Robyn Widrow that will ultimately help him unravel his tortured past, and to chart a course in the right direction. Each week, viewers will be taken through sizzling, sexy episodes of murder and provocative themes, such as: a beautiful female banker whose sole client was the Catholic Church; an adventuresome rogue who may be the country's best cyber-warrior; a woman who was blackmailing a wealthy, tabloid-fodder "bad boy."
LAW & ORDER: CRIMINAL INTENT had a strong ninth season, delivering 3.60 million total viewers to the series on Tuesdays in 2010. LAW & ORDER: CRIMINAL INTENT is produced by Wolf Films and Universal Cable Productions. The series was created by Emmy Award-winning producer Dick Wolf, who also executive produces, and was developed by Rene Balcer. Shot entirely in and around New York City, the third installment of the "Law & Order" franchise takes viewers deep into the minds of its criminals while following the intense psychological approaches the Major Case Squad uses to solve its crimes.
IN PLAIN SIGHT stars Mary McCormack as Mary Shannon, a U.S. Marshal working in the highly secretive branch of the witness protection program (WITSEC), who relocates Federal Witnesses, most of whom fall into three categories: career criminals, whistle-blowers or innocents who had the misfortune of witnessing a crime. They all have one thing in common - someone wants them dead. Mary's job is to see that doesn't happen, while at the same time attempting to manage her own dysfunctional family. IN PLAIN SIGHT also stars Frederick Weller, Nichole Hiltz and Paul Ben-Victor. Guest stars for season four include Josh Malina, Bradley Whitford, Rachel Boston, John de Lancie and Ali Marsh, among others. In the upcoming season, Marshall (Weller) will have a new love interest (Boston); Brandi (Hiltz) gets engaged to Peter (Malina), and Mary reluctantly helps plan the wedding.
IN PLAIN SIGHT debuted as the #1 new series on cable in 2008 and was the #1 cable drama Wednesdays in 2010. IN PLAIN SIGHT is produced by Universal Cable Productions and is filmed in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Executive producers for season four are Ed Decter and John Strauss.
USA is the home to ten original scripted series: BURN NOTICE, ROYAL PAINS, WHITE COLLAR, PSYCH, IN PLAIN SIGHT, LAW & ORDER: CRIMINAL INTENT and COVERT AFFAIRS and the newest hit, FAIRLY LEGAL. A LEGAL MIND and NECESSARY ROUGHNESS will be the next originals to join the roster this summer, bringing USA's programming slate to a record number of scripted original series in 2011.
USA Network is the #1 network in all of basic cable and is seen in over 102 million U.S. homes. A division of NBC Universal, USA is the cable television leader in original series and home to the best in blockbuster theatrical films, acquired television series and entertainment events. The award-winning USA website is located at www.usanetwork.com. Characters Welcome.
USA Network is a program service of NBC Universal Cable a division of NBC Universal, one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience.
Update February 3, 2011 3:53 PM USA Network also issued a second press release on their spring lineup which includes a few more tidbits on LOCI:
USA'S EXCITING SPRING LINE-UP BRINGS REALITY, DRAMA AND A PREQUEL
TOUGH ENOUGH and BURN NOTICE: THE FALL OF SAM AXE Premiere in April, Followed by The Tenth and Final Season of LAW & ORDER: CRIMINAL INTENT and the Fourth Season of IN PLAIN SIGHT in May
Are you TOUGH ENOUGH to survive the winter? Spring ahead with the return of USA's fan-favorite dramas LAW & ORDER: CRIMINAL INTENT and IN PLAIN SIGHT and uncover the secrets of BURN NOTICE's Sam Axe before his mojito-filled Miami life. Don't miss USA's smoking hot spring line-up.
WWE TOUGH ENOUGH
Do you have what it takes to become the next WWE Superstar or Diva? A diverse group of men and women will live, train, eat and sleep under one roof in a house in Simi Valley, California. Each week the contestants will battle it out in a series of unique challenges designed to test for such characteristics as showmanship, creativity, athleticism and desire, just to name a few. Viewers will witness the trials and tribulations of what it takes to be one of the best in the world's greatest sports entertainment organization. The grand prize winner will be awarded a contract with WWE. Hosted by WWE Hall of Famer "Stone Cold" Steve Austin(R), each episode will feature a current WWE Superstar, who will introduce the contenders to a quality that they must possess to make it to the top of the sports entertainment world. Along the way, viewers will witness the trials and tribulations of what it takes to be one of the best in the world's greatest sports entertainment organization.
Premieres Monday, April 4 at 11/10c on USA Network immediately following WWE MONDAY NIGHT RAW(R), and then will move to its regularly scheduled slot in primetime, Mondays at 8/7c, starting on April 11.
BURN NOTICE: THE FALL OF SAM AXE
The prequel movie, set in late 2005, begins after a faction of Columbian rebels makes trouble for the locally stationed military platoon, with Lieutenant Commander Sam Axe (Bruce Campbell) being sent down to advise. As the mission unfolds, Sam begins to uncover the dark secrets of the area, learning the truth about sacrifice, deception, and ultimately what's worth fighting for. Directed by Jeffrey Donovan, the two-hour movie is written and executive produced by BURN NOTICE creator Matt Nix.
Coming in April on USA Network.
LAW & ORDER: CRIMINAL INTENT
Season ten features the long-anticipated return of Detectives Robert Goren (Vincent D'Onofrio) and Alex Eames (Kathryn Erbe) to the Major Case Squad. Terminated for insubordination a year ago, Detective Goren has been reunited with his long-time partner Alex Eames at the behest of the new Major Case Captain. In addition to plunging into colorful, dangerous mysteries, Goren has mandatory sessions with a brilliant police psychologist. In this final eight episode arc that will ultimately help Goren understand his tortured past and chart a course for a successful future. Storylines for this season include a beautiful female banker whose sole client was the Catholic Church; an adventuresome rogue who may be the country's best cyber-warrior; a woman who was blackmailing a wealthy, tabloid-fodder "bad boy." Rather than forensics or strict procedure, these murders will be solved in the style CI fans have come to know and love: Goren's Holmesian deduction of the deep psychology and byzantine motives for the crime. With the help of his friend and partner Eames, we'll be in for a season of twisty plots, uniquely New York worlds, clever deductions, and dazzling operatic interrogations that ultimately bring the guilty to justice.
Premieres Sunday, May 1 at 9/8c on USA Network.
IN PLAIN SIGHT
IN PLAIN SIGHT stars Mary McCormack as Mary Shannon, a U.S. Marshal working in the highly secretive branch of the witness protection program (WITSEC), who relocates Federal Witnesses, most of whom fall into three categories: career criminals, whistle-blowers or innocents who had the misfortune of witnessing a crime. They all have one thing in common - someone wants them dead. Mary's job is to see that doesn't happen, while at the same time attempting to manage her own dysfunctional family. IN PLAIN SIGHT also stars Frederick Weller, Nichole Hiltz and Paul Ben-Victor. Guest stars for season four include Josh Malina, Bradley Whitford, Rachel Boston, John de Lancie and Ali Marsh, among others. In the upcoming season, Marshall (Weller) will have a new love interest (Boston); Brandi (Hiltz) gets engaged to Peter (Malina), and Mary reluctantly helps plan the wedding.
Premieres Sunday, May 1 at 10/9c on USA Network.
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Sexy episodes? I'm sorry but sexy and Law and Order just don't go together. But I'm really intrigued by the description. I can't wait.
ReplyDeleteIts irony.
ReplyDeleteThis time round its the final 8 so they dont have to worry about the puritanical big stick of ratings...they can do what they like.It will be interesting to see what it is that they like then.
Plus,it makes up for the LOLA return to a long line of model type eye-candy ADA's who act as mouthpieces for whatever feminism/immigration issue Mothership likes to administer masquerading as a middle class Debating Society in dramatised form........instead of the rounded evolving character without a convenient plot-corresponding soapbox that is Eames.
And now ive got that off my chest i feel a whole lot better.
By the way, your SVU did alright in the ratings last night.....2.9 in key demo,first in slot.
ReplyDeleteGoren has mandatory sessions with brilliant police psychologist Robyn Widrow that will ultimately help him unravel his tortured past, and to chart a course in the right direction.
ReplyDeleteI've said this before, and I will say it again: this sounds like some Mary-Sue fanfiction. A new recurring character(unless it is a new ADA) is not really needed or wanted.
Do you think they released the second version because they got told off? I hope so. At least it shows they have a bit of spirit!
ReplyDeleteWords that stike terror into my heart: 'brilliant police psychologist' and 'sizzling, sexy episodes of murder'. Based on that, if not for Vincent and Kate, I wouldn't be watching - and I haven't since they left. Please heaven let this be a damn sight better than it sounds.
ReplyDeleteJust seeing Goren, Eames, and MCS in the same sentence puts me to even more euprohria.
ReplyDeleteYes! Can't wait! Maybe the network should do CI marathons to promote the new season instead of SVU marathons on the weekends.
Like Esaul, I think the description is really intriguing. Hopefully this'll be the proper send-off that fans are hoping for and that Chris Brancato does justice to the show... but it would've been nice to see Rene Balcer return for the final season.
ReplyDeleteAny rumours casting-wise for the parts of Captain William Hannah and Robyn Widrow? I really hope Leslie Hendrix returns as Dr. Rodgers! She brings a breath of (deadpan) fresh air to the proceedings whenever she's on a 'Law & Order' show!
Talking of things new Gahks,are you watching Mad Dogs next week, the show with the original Gene Hunt (Life on Mars) actor?
ReplyDeleteAlso new..... who is this Bob Greenblatt that is now managing NBC drama pilots?
ReplyDeleteHe is really making his mark. Not only is he bringing in a new complex/crime/law Los Angeles show (SILA)..long live the acronymed!... ,he is also greenlighting the pilot for Prime Suspect.I wonder if Anette Benning is available to play Jane Tennyson...she could pull it off. That was such an iconic role in the original and brought Helen Mirren to everyones notice.There seems to be a greater recognition of roles for older women, with Kathy Bates etc.
Bob Greenblatt has also greenlit an Inception style thriller to pilot.This man is going for new and original instead of tried and tested...so I cant see him wanting LOLA to return to its formulaic roots formed in the 90's by reviving characters to remind it of itself as it was instead of moving forwards into something that might be relevant to the present.
Something that is relevant to the present is the new period Western just greenlit by the venerable Bob.....and this really excites me! Its called The Crossing (which is a brilliant title) and it is exploring the present via the Western, allegory for Iraq etc. This Western myth is crucial to the American psyche and developed out of that original puritanism that shaped the country, and something that still shapes American foreign policy.Its hugely relevant and the makers of this western seem to be exploring all this. Ive been so waiting for a Western that would do this.John Wayne,American presidents,Hollywood Westerns....its always there in the back of the American psyche without being spoken about. Where does Obama fit into this? Is he in difficulty because he doesnt fit into it well?He doesnt look like a sherif? (And isnt it interesting that the word "Sherif/sheriff" applies to both cultures though spelt differently!)
They have to fit Obama into that myth,visually,if he is to be fully accepted.Otherwise it will always be problematic.....because imagery shapes us like an undercurrent,sometimes visible, sometimes not.
When the American Western myth meets the Arab myths ...thats when you get whats going on in the present.These myths surge in the background and influence us without even knowing it.Thats their strength and power. Its luminous how they endure, two men on horseback, the one with flowing robes coming out of the desert,the other with spurs and trenchcoat...this is going to get me thinking!
The recent changes in LOLA are nothing to do with ratings. LOLA was NBC's highest rated new drama...until Harrys Law came along.Maybe they told Wolf they wouldnt renew LOLA anyway since they have this other LA crime show for nest year.After all its strange that the reason they split the shifts between Howard and Molina was because they were both busy actors with film careers who couldnt commit more....then they increased the season to 22 episodes and put those actors into every episode...so I cant see them staying long at that pace anyway...unless they dont want a film career and other interests.Thats the kind of work load that crushed VDO in LOCI.
Too much tinkering around and revival of old characters.Its sad because LOLA had strengths and was building on them and it was a show in its own right, but Wolf decided to alienate viewers who were supporting it, to appease people who werent even bothering to watch.Its all very messy and sad...like seasons 8/9 of LOCI.
LOCI was USAs top rated flagship drama during season 6,reaching a high point with Frame.
By season 9 it was at the bottom of the USA dramas.
Maybe the descriptions are just trying to make people want to watch it, but 8 episodes for a final season is still too bloody short, I say! Make it a 24 episode long one, it's Criminal Intent after all!
ReplyDeleteWhy do some people think Goren should die?:
ReplyDeletehttp://popwatch.ew.com/2011/02/03/law-and-order-criminal-intent-det-goren-die/
Some thing he should get married (to Eames):
http://hollywoodentertainmentnews.wordpress.com/2011/02/04/law-order-ci-should-detective-robert-goren-die/
Why should ANY of that happen? Boo on Dick Wolf if Goren dies!
Well, the discussion of LOLA or any other NBC show isn't really relevant to what Allthings posted. But I would like to say one thing. Maybe Wolf has seen what people have said about Ulrich and Boone, and how they aren't really "fitting" in with the cast and the show. I mean, Allthings has expressed her opinion on those two in the past when she's recapped. So maybe he's taking critique from others, and that's why he decided to let them go. It could really be as simple as that.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous, it's too expensive to give CI a 24 episode run on a basic cable station, which was brought from a broadcast station. This isn't a USA original show. That alone is a problem. And with most basic cable shows, you don't see them getting more than a 12 episode run. I know at one point, USA wanted to try and do full season orders, but I have yet to hear anything else on that matter. So far, The Closer is breaking that mold, with a 21 episode run, because Kyra Sedgewick is leaving the show, and they want to give her a good send off, and set up for their spinoff they are making, which I believe is called Major Crimes. Honestly, eight episodes with VDO and Erbe returning is better than nothing. I am satisfied that, we the fans got what we wanted. Wolf would not have the chance to finish off CI if it weren't for USA. They told him that he had to get VDO back, that was the only way. And look, he did. I'm excited for May, but I'm also really sad. CI with VDO almost never disappointed me. I hope Goren doesn't die. He's one of my favorite characters on tv. Him, and Logan have the most flaws and I love it.
I do believe Rizzoli and Isles may get 16 this year.
ReplyDeleteAs to LOCI, would be great to see them do another crossover with In Plain Sight.
Or, better yet, have McCoy show up in the final season. Only twice -- once with Branch and once with Lewin -- did the DA show up before.
Rizzoli & Isles has been given a thirteen episode second season order. ;) I don't believe McCoy has ever made an appearance in CI. As much as I love him, his appearance would be just way too weird to see in that show. >.<
ReplyDeleteWill Eames be in the final episodes? I saw an announcement for Vincent D'Onofrio's return, but not for Kathryn Erbe.
ReplyDeleteAre LOCI and In Plain Sight being permanently moved to Sundays, or will they run on their regular days after premiering on Sunday?
radian, the press release above states that Goren and Eames are both returning.
ReplyDeleteAll episodes are scheduled to air on Sunday, not just the premiere episode.
Can we hope that the crime he's brought back to solve will be the female captain's murder? And was Eames supposed to have been present in the intervening year, only totally overshadowed by Zach and his new partner? Or maybe all three - Zach, What's-her-name-1 and What's-her-name-2 were all blown up together? I only watched the first episode without G&E - was Eames referred to at all during the season as being present, somewhere in the NYPD?
ReplyDeleteI don't know what you mean by "...to have been present in the intervening year" bit. But both Erbe and VDO were let go from the show, which upset fans. Goldblum didn't want to be part of the show because he knew the ratings were low and didn't want his name to be attached to it any further. His partner in the show, was Serena Stevens played by Saffron Burrows. I don't foresee the writers killing those three off. And I doubt they will kill the captain, i mean Ross was killed last season. A bit too much. To my knowledge, Eames was not referred to once in the show. At the end of Part II, she turned in her badge, resigning, so there would be no reason for her to be anywhere present in NYPD. As with the Mothership, you don't really hear past characters referenced that much, so it's no surprise that CI didn't mention Bobby or Eames.
ReplyDelete"I don't know what you mean by "...to have been present in the intervening year" bit. But both Erbe and VDO were let go from the show, which upset fans. Goldblum didn't want to be part of the show because he knew the ratings were low and didn't want his name to be attached to it any further."
ReplyDeleteI was referring to the story line, not the actors' presence. After firing Goren (why not just tell him to resign??), Eames put her badge and gun on the desk in the captain's office and called someone (the acting Captain?) to say she wouldn't be taking the test for lieutenant, but it felt ambiguous - was she planning to leave the force, or just remain a detective, either at MCS or maybe in some other unit? Maybe everything was left up in the air to make life easier for any future writers if The Powers That Be had to beat a retreat on letting VDO & KE go and account for their suddenly being back.
I agree that wiping out another captain (plus a couple of detectives) from the same unit that saw a captain killed a year ago would seem to be a bit much - I was just getting rid of a bit of residual animosity there.
I just think that Eames retired because Goren was fired. I think it's just really as simple as that. She's loyal to her partner, and doesn't think what happened to him was justified. And if they tried telling Goren to retire, I don't think he really would. He loves his job. I don't think the writers had any idea that Erbe, let alone VDO would be back on the show. It was just a way to give her an exit. Those two coming back is a huge huge blessing. And I'm glad USA made Wolf bring them back for a final season.
ReplyDelete@ Esaul - did Eames have enough time in to qualify for retirement? She had 8 years at MSU, 5 (was it?) in Vice, maybe a year or so for training (if it counts) - was there anything else that would get her to 20 years? So she'd simply be unemployed - in the midst of the Great Recession. And quitting does not qualify not for unemployment. Goren had that life-insurance policy on his brother (if the company would pay out on a policy taken out by the murderer on his intended victim, that is, and if the writers happened to remember it), but Eames would probably have to start living on her savings while looking for another job. A transfer out of MCS would seem to be the only realistic move for her. Quitting to show solidarity with her partner and to let the brass what she thinks of them seems a little extreme. Even for a TV show.
ReplyDeleteThey'll probably try to have her working in a different department in the beginning before reuniting her with Goren and MCS. Maybe she was talked out of quitting completely (her dad was a cop, and I can imagine Goren talking her out of it too). This is the only plausible explanation really.
ReplyDeleteI think in "Masquerade", it was established she either graduated from or possibly just joined he academy in '92, so I don't think she would be able to retire, seeing as according to the time stamps, Loyalty took place in 2009.
(I know too much about these characters. Scarring myself rn.)
I hope this will be a return to the classic feel of seasons 1-5 but we will have to see. Please, USA, bring back Courtney Vance as Carver! And maybe a Jack McCoy appearance too.
ReplyDeleteI had imagined that Eames had taken another job somewhere in the force. I'm sure they will come up with something.
I keep imagining Goren retiring to teach criminology at Hudson University after the last episode.
Glad to see Goran and Eames returning. Could never figure out why they would ditch the character that the show was written for/about in the first place. Now if someone just picks up new episodes of the show Cold Case I will be in TV heaven.
ReplyDeleteme encanta la vuelta de Goren, pero me gustaria que graven mas temporadas, y no que esta sea el fianl, se una serie buenisima, deberian darnosmas, estoy cansadas de esas series de personas que sse transfroman, que vuelan, nada real, todo efectos especiales, por favor dennos mas LOCI.
ReplyDeleteI am so thrilled to have D'Onofrio and Erbe back! Law and Order Criminal Intent will be perfect again. Can not wait for May to start watching this show again. Wow!
ReplyDeleteI JUST HEARD THE NEWS AND I AM SO EXCITED THEY ARE BACK!!!! THIS IS A GREAT DAY. I LOVE THESE GUYS, CAN'T WAIT UNTIL MAY!!!
ReplyDeleteOMG...I was just told on yesterday that Goren and Eames will be returning! Excited beyond belief! I stopped watching the show the moment they wrote Goren and Eames off the show...up to that point, I was a weekly fan! I can't tell you "what" has been going on with the show since D'onifrio left! Is Goldblum still on the show with with the dark haired female what's her name??? Gosh the show totally sucked when Goldblum came on! I will returnn to watch the show again ONLY b/c D'onifro is returning!! I still hate that they killed off the captain and got a new D.A to boot! Interesting comment from someone that they should bring Jack McCoy in as D.A since he was awesome on Law & Order!!
ReplyDeleteI am so excited, counting down my days right now. Goren is my favorite out of all the Law and Order cast. Although I was not happy to read that this is the last season, I guess I will have to make the best of it. BRING IT BACK!
ReplyDelete