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10 Forgotten Law & Order Characters That Need to Return

BBG News

Without a doubt, one of the most respected and honored television series belongs to Dick Wolf’s …. Originating as a single concept, it expanded into an astounding eight different shows spanning five decades, with production ongoing. The characters have remained enduring, guiding viewers through authentic cases that seem unbelievable until experienced. Each show boasts iconic characters who are famously known by their last names alone, such as Benson, Stabler, or Goren. Yet, for each beloved character, there’s another fan favorite who must eventually depart.

Dick Wolf’s … is a highly acclaimed TV franchise that has been running for over five decades and produced eight different series from one original concept. The characters are timeless and realistic, helping viewers navigate real-life cases that seem incredible until you experience them. Each show features iconic characters known by their last names only, such as Benson, Stabler, or Goren. However, every popular character has a favorite fan who eventually leaves the series.

Numerous factors can lead actors or characters off the set of “Law & Order,” but whatever the cause, these departures have significantly impacted the show’s trajectory throughout its history. Fortunately, the door remains somewhat ajar for these characters to potentially reappear in future episodes, and on occasion, their return could provide closure for plotlines left unresolved from their exit years ago.

Portrayed by: Benjamin Bratt

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but admire Rey Curtis, who steered the original “Law & Order” team through an impressive 90-plus episodes. His life was a delicate balance, held together by the resilience of twine and duct tape in his personal sphere. Often, he grappled with maintaining objectivity in his work due to his deeply ingrained Catholic faith.

Curtis proved effective because he didn’t let his perceived weaknesses hold him back. Instead, he channeled his personal struggles towards a righteous pursuit: identifying and bringing to justice those responsible for the deaths of innocent people. He was willing to momentarily overstep boundaries, ultimately leading to successful arrests that eventually prompted his resignation from law enforcement.

Portrayed by: Jesse L. Martin

Throughout their screen-time together, Detective Ed Green consistently maintained a harmonious dynamic with the cherished Lenny Briscoe. Green, who was known for his stability, would meticulously jot down notes on his reliable notepad. However, when it came time for action, the notepad would be set aside, replaced instead by the necessary strength required to uphold and protect.

Over time, Green transformed into the street-savvy counterpart to Briscoe’s sharp and sarcastic demeanor, forming an exceptional duo within the entire Law & Order series. In essence, Detective Ed Green became indispensable to the universe of Law & Order, making it only fitting for him to grace our screens once more.

Portrayed by: Jill Hennessy

ADA Claire Kincaid unhesitantly advocated for justice in her workplace, whether it was in an office, a courtroom, or any professional setting. She wasn’t shy about expressing bold views and always sought opportunities to uplift women, as long as Jack McCoy () approved.

During Seasons 4, 5, and 6, she ignited a necessary spirit in McCoy for specific cases. In challenging situations, she served as a soothing voice of rationality; at other times, Kincaid was the firm enforcer of the law. Even though actor Jill Hennessy has given no signs of wanting to rejoin the Law & Order series, unexpected events are common in TV. Today, she would be a delightful addition to the current Law & Order revival.

Portrayed by: J.K. Simmons

Prior to receiving awards at events such as the Oscars, SAGs, and Golden Globes for exceptional performances in “Whiplash” and “The Closer”, one portrayed the reserved NYC psychiatrist, Dr. Emil Skoda. Not particularly open about his private life, Skoda seldom divulged personal details to his colleagues in the police force.

In stressful situations like testifying or working with suspects, Dr. Skoda’s composed and collected personality proved beneficial, drawing out the best from them. This trait made him not only a memorable character on the O.G. series but also a recurring figure on Law & Order: SVU and Law & Order: Criminal Intent. Few characters in the long-running franchise have had as much crossover appeal as Dr. Skoda, which is why his return would be well-received today.

Portrayed by: Dann Florek

A significant crossover occurred with the respected character, “cop’s cop,” Lieutenant Donald Cragen. Initially, he portrayed a character with a hot-tempered demeanor, detesting paperwork and downtown red tape just as much as the average citizen. However, in Season 4, he was succeeded by S. Epatha Merkerson, who took on the role of Lieutenant Anita Van Buren, a character exuding confidence.

It’s unclear why Cragen departed from the “2-7” homicide unit, but a different role awaited him – leading the troubled and frequently misjudged Special Victims Unit (SVU). He was with this team until Season 15. When Cragen exited the SVU squad room, something significant left too, and it hasn’t been seen again since then.

Portrayed by: Angie Harmon

Intriguingly, Abbie Carmichael, played by ADA Abbie Carmichael, was an interesting selection during the formative years of “Law & Order”. However, she never failed to impress. Dick Wolf designed her character to help Harmon feel at ease with her conservative beliefs – a strong advocate for the 2nd Amendment and the death penalty, and often pushing for rehabilitation programs when working alongside DA Adam Schiff.

For three seasons, ADA Carmichael brought both strength and delicacy to the courtroom. Her signature line, “Gentlemen, if we could simply reduce the testosterone level,” became a memorable catchphrase of hers that could benefit from being used more frequently in today’s version of Law & Order.

Portrayed by: Chris Noth

Chris Noth portrayed “Mr. Big” as Detective Mike Logan well before he moved on to other projects outside the city. His exceptional performance and integral role within the cast during “Law & Order” made him a beloved character, prompting his return on two separate occasions. First, he appeared in “Exiled: A Law & Order Movie,” which was a unique opportunity that came up once.

Later, he left his exile on Staten Island to provide relief to the main case unit of Criminal Intent. He switched partners frequently across both shows, but his commanding presence, visible from the first episode in 1990 until his memorable punch in 1995, was unmatched. However, he was called back into service in 2005 and remained with the Major Case Squad until 2008. It would be a joyous occasion if Mike returned to the team again.

Portrayed by: Leslie Hendrix

1. Dr. Elizabeth Rodgers, the steadfast medical examiner, offered a reassuring sense of continuity amidst the chaos and variety of cases in the series. Leslie Hendrix’s constant presence was like a comforting cushion against the hard edge each show presented. Hendrix could be seen performing autopsies and collecting samples on shows such as “Law & Order”, “Law & Order: Criminal Intent”, “Law & Order: Trial by Jury” and the TV film “Exiled”.

2. Dr. Elizabeth Rodgers, a reliable medical examiner, provided a sense of stability amidst the turmoil and varying cases in the series. Leslie Hendrix’s recurring role was like a soothing pillow against the firm structure each show had. Hendrix appeared on shows such as “Law & Order”, “Law & Order: Criminal Intent”, “Law & Order: Trial by Jury” and the TV movie “Exiled” where she performed autopsies and collected samples.

Despite challenges from figures like Mike Logan or tasks that required Robert Goren’s expertise, she held ultimate decision-making power and served as the unquestioned authority on matters concerning human nature. Her compelling character left an indelible mark and was open to future appearances.

Portrayed by: Vincent D’Onofrio

An exceptionally versatile actor, often sought after, consistently brings life to characters shrouded in mystery. Detective Robert Goren from the elite Law & Order: Criminal Intent investigative team might be his most notable portrayal. He is a contemporary adaptation of Sherlock Holmes, albeit with significant imperfections, which makes him an intimidating adversary for even the cleverest criminal masterminds, such as Nicole Wallace.

Concealed by a radiant barrier, it appeared that Goren could only conquer his internal struggles this way. Regrettably, those demons ultimately triumphed over him (a topic still painful for followers of the series), but Goren’s emblem will forever remain aloft in Dick Wolf’s domain.

Portrayed by: Michael Moriarty

After a tragic event in one of his cases where a witness was killed, Benjamin Stone chose to depart from “Law & Order”. Regrettably, he never returned, as his unwavering passion for justice and dedication to upholding righteousness had been a significant driving force behind the original series for many years. However, when Manhattan’s Special Victims Unit faced challenges with multiple assistant district attorneys handling cases (a less satisfying approach for the classic series), Benjamin’s son, Peter Stone, stepped into the limelight.

In the series, Peter Stone had one of the briefest stays among the characters, leaving many fans disappointed due to his teasing introduction. His possible pairing with Olivia Benson held promise, but unfortunately, that was his downfall. This left a sour taste for the audience regarding Benjamin (though indirectly), making his eventual return even more intriguing and exciting in contrast.

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2025-04-20 06:08

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