Recently I got a call from casting explaining that there was an opening in the squadroom of the long-running television show Law & Order: Criminal Intent. The casting director asked me if I would be interested in the gig.
“Yes!”
After a brief test, I got the gig. I later learned that the spot I took over was somewhat special because I was to be getting a desk, but not just any desk. It was the desk formerly belonging to the show’s lead, Vincent D’Onofrio. Vincent left at the end of the eighth season, and since then as I understand it, a couple of different detectives have occupied the desk. The most recent actor was leaving the show, and here I was, suddenly in a ceremonial seat.
I must say that it feels good to have this opportunity. Since I came in late in the ninth season, you won’t see me very much. For now you’ll see me in Episodes 09015 and 09016, along with some random appearances in earlier episodes that we’ve been reshooting. For you trivia buffs, my partner sitting across from me is the lovely and talented Julie Stone. We should have a Law & Order spinoff series ourselves!
The photo above is taken of me at my desk from Julie’s perspective. Have fun picking me out in Season Nine of Law & Order: Criminal Intent!
I wondered if the show would change the layout of the squad room after VDO and KE “left”.
When I realized that hadn’t happened, I hoped then that they would leave their desks empty and unused as a tribute to Goren and Eames’ characters, maybe as kind of a showing to the remaining fans that the show runners knew that nobody could or would replace G&E or be good enough to sit in their chairs and at their desks.
But, I guess they’ve opted to continue going the way they have for the past year or so, not caring or giving any thought to what the fans want(ed). The CI show runners have basically taken great joy in letting the show and it’s history double as a toilet and making the fans (remaining and past) their toilet paper.
Can you tell I’m bitter?
All unhappiness aside for the way things have gone with my one time favorite show, I’m happy and excited for you to have a job doing something that you obviously love that earns you a paycheck. I hope that you have continued success as an actor weather it be on CI or another show.
Hi Kelley, thanks for your comment!
I’m sitting in holding after getting your comment. It’s interesting. I can understand strong feelings for a show after following it and watching how things change. I haven’t caught an episode yet this season but from what it sounds, there are some awesome ones that have aired and are to come. I hope you’ve caught them so far this year, and I hope that the change you haven’t seen in your favor is trumped by the engagement of the episodes to come.
Cheers!
Ben
Do the characters you and Julie Stone are playing have names?
Also, I’ve always wanted to know. When you play in the background of a scene and you have to be talking on a phone or with someone else, just what is that you’re saying? is it scripted? or do they just tell you to talk quietly about anything you want to? kwim?
I looked you up on imdb and it has you listed as being in the episode “Family Values” as “Aide”. I’ll have to watch it tonight and see If I can’t pick you out.
Her badge says Detective Micky LeBrecht. It’s the set dresser’s mother’s name, Julie tells me. 🙂
As for conversation, I can’t so much speak for others, but I talk a mix of nonsense and real words. Usually it’s all mouthed, but sometimes some slight whispers make their way out. You aren’t told what to say, though on occasion you may be told the kind of conversation you’re having. And then on even rarer occasions, you’ll be upgraded to a principal role, when you’ll get a line or two and a significant pay bump.
I love seeing you in that desk. Those are really big shoes to fill. I hope they see the talented person they have sitting in this desk. And by the way you looked very handsome in the picture Julie took of you.
Mary