Image taken from insidetv.ew.com
Entertainment Weekly (EW.COM) released an article online stating that an insider has confirmed that Christopher Meloni will not be returning next fall for season 12 of Law & Order Special Victim’s Unit. Meloni played detective Elliott Stabler for over a decade and was part of the original cast from the series premiere in 1999.
Although his co-star Mariska Hargitay has reportedly signed a new deal to remain on the show for another season, Meloni could not be swayed. According to EW.Com “The actor was offered a “generous” salary to stay with the NBC show for another year, but he made the decision to bolt, instead”
If Meloni has decided to leave, the season finale does offer a way out for his character. The episode concluded with Stabler shooting and killing a young girl who enters the station firing at the men responsible for her mother’s death. It is likely that Stabler, a father of five, wont recover from fatally shooting a teenage girl and will take a leave of absence.
With Meloni out, I can’t help but think that the show’s ratings will drop. Diehard fans know that Stabler and Benson (Hargitay) are a solid unit. Over the seasons, several attempts at replacing one partner have been unsuccessful. I don’t think this time will be any different.
Since NBC has already axed their sister show Law & Order: Los Angeles, perhaps a cast member out of work will take over his role? Or maybe a new face? We will have to wait until September.
No comments:
Post a Comment