It's official. "Law & Order: Criminal Intent" is giving key stars from the hit cop show their walking papers next season.
Vincent D'Onofrio (Det. Robert Goren), partner Kathryn Erbe (Det. Alexandra Earnes) and Eric Bogosian (Capt. Danny Ross) are the latest casualties of yet another major cast overhaul in the Dick Wolf-helmed franchise.
According to the Hollywood Reporter, D'Onofrio, Erbe and Bogosian are expected to exit the series at various points during the "CI's" upcoming ninth season. The show's writers have not confirmed how, or when, each actor will be phased out.
Julianne Nicholson (Det. Megan Wheeler) has already turned in her badge because she is having a baby. The actress' real-life pregnancy was written into her character's storyline last season.
British actress Saffron Burrows will join the show as Nicholson's replacement for season nine, which premieres next spring in a special two-part episode.
Executive producer Dick Wolf is also turning to Jeff Goldblum (Det. Zach Nichols) to take over the team originally led by D'Onofrio's character.
Goldblum joined the series in 2008, replacing Chris Noth's character Mike Logan.
"Law & Order: Criminal Intent" has weathered many casting shifts since the show's launch in 2001.
These newly announced cast changes represent the biggest shift to date for the show.
According to insiders, cutting this foursome from the show could be a cost-cutting move.
As the Hollywood Reporter points out, "CI's" sweeping cast changes resemble the 2003 shakeup on "The Practice." Several key actors, including lead Dylan McDermott, Lara Flynn Boyle and Kelli Williams, were cut loose in order to minimize production costs.
"CI's" new shift in Goldblum's favour could also be linked to the creative philosophy of its U.S. home network, USA.
The cable network began airing "Criminal Intent" in 2007. Since then, USA has been leaning towards lighter-toned shows such as "Monk," "Royal Pains" and "Burn Notice."
Unlike the brooding, in-your-face D'Onofrio, Goldblum's quirky likeability is more in the tradition of "Monk's" star Tony Shalhoub. Goldblum's flair for comedy-drama clearly fits with USA's current creative direction.
D'Onofrio may not be gone for good. Although the 50-year-old actor is departing from "Law & Order: Criminal Intent" as a regular, D'Onofrio may reprise his role in the future in guest appearances.
"Law & Order: Criminal Intent" airs in Canada on CTV.
