USA Network is finally confirming what I first hinted at last week: Vincent D’Onofrio is exiting Law & Order: CI. He’ll say good-bye in the show’s two-part season 9 premiere, at which time he’ll pass the baton to co-star Jeff Goldblum.
“I have always been, and have always viewed myself, as a character actor, and the great opportunity that Dick [Wolf] presented to me to develop the Goren character on Criminal Intent was successful beyond my wildest expectations,” D’Onofrio said in a statement. “After eight seasons, and with the addition of Jeff Goldblum, now is the perfect time for me to explore other acting opportunities and I leave the show knowing it is in great hands with Jeff. For all my loyal CI fans, I wouldn’t be surprised if Goren pops up from time to time.”
D’Onofrio’s longtime partner, Kathryn Erbe, is expected to return for the two-parter as well, although her deal is still being finalized. As previously reported, My Own Worst Enemy’s Saffron Burrows is expected to replace her.
Thoughts?
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Once Eames & Goren are gone, I am, too.
I second that, Lorie. Goren is the reason I started watching and he is ONLY reason I still watch it.
Yup. When D’Onofrio and Erbe go, I’m gone.
ditto i’m out
Me too.
I’m done too. I love Jeff Goldblum and seeing him every other week is fine, but no Goren and Eames? Forget it. At least try a new partner for Erbe!
Me three.
No Goren and Eames = no me.
I agree! As it is, I hardly watch on the “off” weeks. No Goren, no Eames, no Wheeler, even? No thank you.
Totally agree to this! They made the show..without them it’s over for me!
Agreed. They make the show.
Agreed…I’m gone when they leave! Goren and Eames make the show. I never watch during their off weeks. Their chemistry and the Goren character’s constant struggle is what make this show special. Well, it was a great run. Why doesnt NBC just call it quits on this one?
Same here, Jeff is OK but I will always like Goren and Eames.
I’m with you ! Goren goes I go. Who could sit through 16 episodes or Goldblum. I can’t even imagine NYPD having a cop like hin on the force. VDO is THE ONLY person that can keep LOCI going. What a shame but I can understand VDO wanting to move on. He is the most fabulous actor around. Glad I have all his DVD and VHS movies and all LOCI DVD to hold me over. The Narrows is due out the first week of November.
I will be finished too. While I understand their want or need to depart, there are no replacements.
Honestly, I strongly disagree with just about everyone. I’ll miss Katherine Erbe, but I felt the Goren character was getting played out, and that Goldblum was a huge breath of fresh air and exactly what the show needed.
I’m very excited for a whole season of Jeff Goldblum.
And I’m a huge L&O buff. I’ve seen nearly every episode of SVU, CI, and Prime (except for having not seen most from the Moriarty days).
I agree with you. Loved Goren, but the story was really being dragged down in the mud. Goldblum is very refreshing, with all those bits of humor, humility, drama and craziness that holds me.
Without D’Onofrio, I’m gone. He was the only reason to watch.
I’d leave too.
I still can’t believe he’s leaving…
Exactly. As important as D’Onofrio is to the show, so is Erbe. With both gone, what is it? I love Jeff Goldbum, but his character seems like a clone of Goren. Eames and Goren are the reasons I watch the show. Period.
I can’t stand this guy (D’Onofrio), I will start watching now.
It will be very hard to stay without Vincent and Kathryn. Then, CI is just one amongst many and not the best on TV.
I might try to watch the show since I’m a fan….but let’s face it, I’m not very interested in any episodes without Goren or Eames. To me, Goren is the show. Whatever happens, I hope they give Goren a GOOD ending after all the crap he’s been through.
I wish Vincent would stay longer but I can understand why he isn’t. He’s a character actor and the writing or the show this past year was pretty weak.
without vincent d’onofrio the show will not last. he is the show and i love the guy he plays. when he is gone i won’t be watching…
I love the show but will sadly stop watching the same as I did with the other Law and Orders but I respect Vincent as an artist and his drive to other projects. Goodbye Goren you will be missed.
I was always surprised D’Onofrio stayed with the show that long. He’s the kind of actor who constantly shifts to find new, different, interesting things to do. Especially after he negotiated for the ’split team’ concept, I figured he wouldn’t be long for the show. This sounds about right.
:cries:
I understand, and Jeff Goldblum is great, and the strength of the franchise has always been its ability to change leads and continue — but . . .
:cries:
You’re a genius, Mr. d’Onfrio. Thank you, very much.
Couldn’t put it better myself.
Ditto
I just see no reason to watch the show without Vincent on it. He is the reason I watched it for all these years.
Was great to see Law and Order: SVU kick some ass on wednesday….put life back into the series…..thanks guys!!!!
Noooooooooooooooooo!
Well now that he’s gone, there’s no need for me to watch anymore.
Thanks for a great 8 seasons.
I have actually enjoyed Jeff Goldblum’s character and he will be the only reason that I will continue to watch once Goren leaves.
OMG!! no!!! I don’t even watch Jeff Goldblum’s episodes
I guess goodbye Law & Order: CI after the season premiere.
the only reason i watch is because of D’O. i have never thought JG is good on this show. sorry to see this happen, but not surprised.
The quality of the show has gone way down since the old writers left and it was with a bit of effort that I still remained a faithful viewer for the Goren/Eames episodes. But when they’re gone, I won’t be watching.
It just won’t be the same without “Goren and Eames.” Vincent D’Onofrio was the main reason I stuck with the show. Not sure I will keep watching; they will certainly be missed.
I am heartbroken to learn that Goren and Eames will be leaving. They will not be the only one’s. Goodbye Law and Order CI and thanks for the many enjoyable years with K.Erbe&V.D’Onofrio.
I’m with Lori….no Goren and Eames, no me. Goldblum is alright but they made his character like an a**hole version of Goren. He doesn’t allow a connection to the viewer like Vincnet did. The partner dynamic isn’t there now and those episodes without Goren and Eames are boring and disappointing.
Sad for the loss but happy I can expect to see Vincent in other roles. Guess SVU is going to be the only L&O left worth watching. Hope they don’t get rid of Stabler b/c then I’ll just throw my tv out the window.
I’m really sad that Vincent D’Onofrio is leaving. I love Goren’s character and everything he’s made him. Still, I’m willing to stick around for Jeff Goldbloom. With that being said, I don’t want Kathryn Erbe to go. I could handle Vincent D’Onofrio leaving, but Kathryn Erbe? No way. I love her and Eames’ character! SHE is my favorite part of the show. How could you replace her?
D’accord. I enjoyed Eames, or at least Erbe, more than D’Onofrio. I was looking forward to more of the Erbe/Gelblum partnership. Much as I love Gelblum, I doubt I’ll stay on beyond the opening Season 9 episode.
Have to agree with you guys. I will miss Erbe the most. I knew D’onofrio wanted to leave but I was kind of hoping She would stick around. I don’t particularly like Goldbloom but I liked him better when Eams was his partner. She seems to bring out the best in the Odd, qwerky partners.
So sad to see Vincent D’Onofrio depart. He gave the show life and will be sorely missed. I understand he loves theater, but hope he finds another television project so those of us on the West Coast will be able to get our “Vinnie fix” again.
Jeff Goldblum’s character is great, but I’d really like to see him paired with either Kathryn Erbe or Alicia Witt rather than another newcomer. I think Vinnie is right about Jeff Goldblum being able to give us another quirky detective, so I will watch, at least for the time being.
Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!
I miss you already Det. Goren!
Grateful that Mr. D’Onofrio is such a gifted actor. I did not think his award worthy season with such emphasis upon his character could be matched, hence this departure is no great surprise. I look forward to seeing more of him on the big screen!
What is unfortunate most about this, and perhaps it’s only being spun this way so that they aren’t thought of as being fired, is that just because D’onofrio is leaving Erbe loses her job, too. And what about Nicholson, or did I miss the boat on her, too…? Why does either actress lose her job just because one of the men is leaving. Noth wasn’t fired when Sciorra left. Ridiculous!
Nicholson has left the show after having a baby – it was recently mentioned.
It’s entirely possible that Erbe is ready to go as well and with Donofrio leaving it seemed like the perfect time for her to go as well.
I’ve loved VDO ever since I saw him on the “Subway” episode of Homicide. I didn’t like the split between him and Noth but I watched anyway…then Goldblum came and while he’s never been a favorite of mine, I thought he did a good job…HOWEVER, VDO IS Criminal Intent and after he’s gone, I’m gone as well. Date of Death: 9/25/2009
Goren and Eames were the best. Ill stick with the show as long as Jeff hangs around…
So just to ve clear the last episode that we will see either Vincent or Kathryn in will be the openner? Also, do we know what either D’onofrio or Erbe’s next project will be after this, or how Ms. Erbe feels about leaving the show?
Vincent D’Onofrio is above all the most interesting, creative and wildly imaginative dramatic actor out today. I will miss him on TV
I WILL NOT SEE MORE THE SHOW BEFORE GOREN LEAVE THE SAME. DÓNOFRIO IS THE ONLY REASON THAT I WATCH IT
I don’t watch crime shows, they just do not interest me. However, I do watch Criminal Intent but only because of him. His character is so fascinating and well acted I just enjoy watching him work. And Eames is so enjoyable as well, the ying to his yang.
I love Jeff Goldblum as an actor, he’s just quirky in the right way I like. I’ll probably still watch it when I can, but it won’t be the same.
Vincent, you got me to watch a crime show. That is an accomplishment.
They said Erbe, D’Onofrio and Bogosian are all leaving.
Wait, did I miss something? Who said Bogosian was leaving?
It’s official, Bogosian is leaving as well… I hate the shakeup. I’m going to give Mr. Goldblum a chance – I don’t dislike the character – but the producers HAVE to know this bloodbath of the actors – and their characters – is not going to sit well with the fans and may be the death of the show.
I’m not as surprised as I should be, considering how LONG it took to get the last season out… I waited sort of patiently, looked like it was coming out – then it was hurry up and wait for months. Now, they’re tearing it down and deconstructing it. I hope it doesn’t end next.
Now where are we thinking women going to turn for a sex symbol? Seriously, good luck to VDO … I’ll follow him anywhere. Agreed that it’s pretty darned sexist if Erbe is written out because of his decision, though.
Vincent D’Onofrio IS the show. He will be greatly missed.
The only reason I watched CI was Vincent D’Onofrio. He made that show, not only compelling, but put himself on the list of one the greatest TV Detectives of all times. Bravo Mr. D … My Best wishes go out to you and your family for your continued success. Thank you for the past eight years of giving us Detective Robert Goren. He and you will be missed!