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.
I agree, it is time for VDO to go and I LOVE Jeff Goldman’s character and would like to see him team up with Eames. Can hardly wait for new season. As a footnote, I miss seeing Nicole Wallace. It would be fun to watch Jeff Goldblum’s interact with her.
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.