Tonight, USA Network aired the series finale of Law & Order: Criminal Intent. Many who work on the TV show hope that’s not necessarily true.

Last Summer, it was rumored that the cop drama might be cancelled following a season of lackluster ratings. USA instead opted to bring Criminal Intent back for a 10th and final season of eight episodes. To cap the show’s run, it was also announced that Kathryn Erbe and Vincent D’Onofrio, who left abruptly at the start of season nine, would return.

Though USA has been calling season 10 the end of Criminal Intent, we learned in May that executive producer Dick Wolf wasn’t throwing in the towel just yet. He told reporters that he hoped, “enough fans will come out so the powers that be reconsider their decision.” Later, executive producer Chris Brancato noted that, “Yeah, I think if viewers are enthused about Vincent and Katie coming back I don’t see why it has to be the final season.” The ratings have shown improvement.

Erbe is also hopeful that tonight won’t be the end and would be to season 11. She recently told TV Guide, “I know that I would be there in a heartbeat. I’m fairly positive that Vincent [D’Onofrio] feels the same way. Everyone was really hoping that, in the 11th hour, we’d get some word… Whether the fans are able to muscle us back or not, who knows. They have amazing power.”

Regardless of what happens, Erbe is grateful for the chance to return to the series. She said, “I just know that these eight episodes were like a gift. To be able to come back and have closure with the crew and the cast and everyone… If that happens again, fantastic. It would just be like icing on the cake.”

If the series doesn’t come back, the actress feels that viewers will like this farewell to Goren and Eames better than their departure in 2010. Erbe notes, “I know we set out to make it satisfying… The one thing I know you’re going to see is that Goren and Eames are on much better, more solid ground. Healthier, happier and in good shape.”

If she never gets to play the role again, Erbe imagines that her character would continue solving cases with Goren and just continue to live her life.

What do you think? Would you like to see Law & Order: Criminal Intent continue?

Image courtesy USA.