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.
Bring back Criminal Intent Than ks
Would like to see it back for an 11th season. Goren and Eames make the best couple in detective land. Thanks
This just can’t be the end!!!. Goren & Eames are better than ever, and the idea of showing Goren in therapy sessions is brilliant. It really should be “same time next week”. I never missed a single episode in 10 seasons, and often still enjoy reruns (as long as they’re ones featuring D’Onofrio and Erbe). I loved Chris Noth in the original L&O, but Vincent D’Onfrio really made Criminal Intent his own. MORE PLEASE!!!
So, I forgot to say I vote “yes” for another season or more… in case my preference wasn’t obvious.
I liked the interaction between Eams and Goren at the end. .. she was waiting for him outside the therapist’s office… .. I hope this isn’t the end of the series, but if it is.. it ended well.
I love all the Law and Order shows and my favorite is Criminal Intent. I enjoy the quirky interactions, but mostly appreciate the writers “showing” Goren trusting his intuition and how he holds his ground in the face of opposition. He shows us “Good Boys and Girls” how to break down /face down the social agreements to get to the truth…. they are both roles of true truth seekers. The Gorens of the world need their Eames …heros need their sidekicks!
It’s ironic that this show ends as Peter Falk passed – the age of real characters (in a detective style show) will truly be over…
Maybe they could do movie style episodes?
OH PLEASE BRING D’NOFRIO AND ERBE BACK. I LOVE HOW THEY WORK TOGETHER TO SOLVE CRIMES. LAW AND ORDER CRIMINAL INTENT MUST COME BACK NEX SEASON,
One of the best series on television. I’ve been watching this for a decade, I could go a decade more! Please don’t cancel it now. I’m so glad to see Goren and Eames back and going strong now that all the garbage has been cleared out of their lives. And I like the fact that Goren is developing a relationship with his therapist and learning to trust and possibly show…love. 😀 Keep it on!
This has been one of the best seasons. It would suck if they ended it here. Friends and family all get together to watch every week. Bring it bacl.
I would hate for this to be the final season. I am so glad the opriginal characters are back. PLEASE do not end this show.
Vincent & Kathryn were the reason WHY I watched. Nothing against Jeff Goldblum, but couldn’t find as much interest in the show for season 10. I was so excited when I learned last Oct. That they were coming back and kept looking for the first episode. Please keep the show going with these two wonderful actors! I have watched all eight episodes and I want more!
The season that ended tonight was pathetic. Compared with previous seasons the story lines were flat and boring. Goren’s personal troubles are tiring. And the worst decision was casting the actor who plays the new major case squad captain — just a few seasons back he was a bad guy who Goren & Eames busted. He just isn’t believable as their boss.
Unless this show comes back with a big new blast of energy and creativity, just let it die.
This has been one of the best seasons. It would suck if they ended it here. Friends and family all get together to watch every week.
I’m hoping this is not the end. I love the show and Goren and Eames are the best.