Hot off the news that NBC ordered sixteen new episodes of the show, Law and Order: CI has added Jeff Goldblum to the cast. And that means Chris Noth is out.
Goldblum will share lead duties with Vincent D'Onofrio on the USA Network show (new episodes air Sunday nights), and I'm not sure which actor is going to out-act the other. Both Goldblum and D'Onofrio are both well known for their rather quirky and/or intense acting styles. D'Onofrio does intense and explosive well, while Goldblum does strange and quiet well. No word on why Noth left.
This is really good news (that Goldblum is joining the show, not that Noth is leaving). I thought it was too bad that Goldblum's last TV project, Raines, got cancelled by NBC only after a handful of episodes. It was actually an entertaining addition to the TV detective genre. No word yet on what character Goldblum will play, but wouldn't it be all kinds of awesome if he reprised as role as Raines for the show (without the seeing of dead people bit)?
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
6-26-2008 @ 5:02PM
KMF said...
Talk about a double-edged sword! I was thrilled to see Jeff Goldblum joining CI, but I'm losing Noth? NNNOOOOO!! Man. Oh well, having Goldblum does ease the pain. I loved Raines and was disappointed when it was cancelled.
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6-26-2008 @ 5:07PM
Nathaniel said...
So, Goldblum being Raines on L&O:CI is never going to happen, but DAMN that would be awesome! I totally agree. Both NBC shows, right? I would totally watch CI (and I never regularly watch any L&O at the moment) if they actually brought him in as Raines. Mention he cured himself or actually have him having his problem... that'd bring a new dimension to a L&O show!
Never gonna happen, of course, but would be awesome.
At least Goldblum's agreeing to be back on TV. Quite cool.
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6-26-2008 @ 7:23PM
Number6ix said...
Maybe it isn't so "improbable" as you might think its. After all, check out Richard Belzer as "Det. John Munch". First appearing in "Homicide: Life on the Street", when that show ended the character was transplanted from Baltimore ot New York and into "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit". Here is a charter that not only crossed over from other shows, but it has even crossed networks [FOX-TV, "The X- Files: "The Unusual Suspects"]. Heck, if you catch the "Took" episode of "The Wire", you can catch the detective, back visiting Baltimore, and having a drink at Kavanaugh's Bar.
In the fictional universe of television, if Munch can move from Baltimore to New York, Raines could move from San Francisco to New York.
We can only hope... and wait for the season's premire episode...
6-26-2008 @ 10:00PM
Nathaniel said...
Oh, of course! Munch is my hero, and the only appearance of his I've ever even seen was on Arrested Development. Nonetheless, I'm a nerd for crossovers, and therefore a fan of the guy.
Anyone want to write some letters to the CI folks (and also the creator of Raines) to forward the suggestion?
6-26-2008 @ 5:32PM
khamel said...
boo chris noth leaving.
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6-27-2008 @ 12:10AM
D-Bo said...
+1
6-26-2008 @ 5:47PM
Carissa said...
I've never seen one episode of L&O CI, but will watch for Jeff Goldblum. Will he begin airing next year? 2009? Must know when to tune in!
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6-26-2008 @ 6:28PM
Cynthia said...
Never liked CI either, but for Goldblum, I'll watch. I loved Raines and I can't wait to see him back on TV.
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6-26-2008 @ 7:30PM
Maggie said...
If Chris Noth is going, I will never watch again!!!!
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6-26-2008 @ 7:31PM
ggo said...
I always find that picture funny, like he's about to do a poo
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6-26-2008 @ 8:27PM
Xevious said...
Maybe he'll transform into the Fly to scare suspects.
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6-26-2008 @ 10:25PM
b. said...
I'd rather he replace D'Onofrio :( I like episodes with Chris Noth and Julianne Nicholson much more than the D'onofrio-Erbe's.
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6-26-2008 @ 10:48PM
Oreo said...
I said the same thing but the comment never showed up.
6-27-2008 @ 12:45AM
Jeff N. said...
I do too b. Noth and Nicholson are the best combo. I'm unhappy with the change.
6-27-2008 @ 12:30AM
Chaz El said...
I give this to the L&O: CI writers free of charge-- Raines moves to New York, taking a job at Major Case. His new partner asks him why he left Los Angeles.
Raines replies, "Too many ghosts."
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6-27-2008 @ 12:47AM
e said...
I like Mr. Goldblum as an actor and was sad to see him in a series that bombed because of shoddy writing/characterization/concept. I really like Chris Noth but replacing him with Jeff Goldblum is a great move.
I can't help but think that there may be an "unknown" actor out there that would have done a good job without the baggage/expectations that Jeff Goldblum will bring to the show.
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6-27-2008 @ 3:09AM
Brent McKee said...
I'm just wondering about the timing on this one - it seems pretty sudden to me. I like Noth, like D'Onofrio and like Goldblum, so this is more than a bit bittersweet to me.
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6-27-2008 @ 3:37AM
Jen L. said...
Aww, man! Same reaction as many had - yay when I saw Jeff Goldblum, and big bummer that he's replacing Noth. Noth as Logan is just so good, and created a great "reimagining" of what Logan would be like 15 years after the start of L & O and 7 yrs after we had last seen him in "Exiled."
Both Confession and Bad Faith have been on the early morning TNT reruns recently - such good episodes, and not just because of the writing, but also because they both focus on Logan's personal angst. That's of course unusual for L&O eps but were elevated because of it.
Please keep us posted if you find out why Noth is leaving!
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6-27-2008 @ 7:59AM
La-Di-Dah said...
D'Onofrio owns it for me. I don't care about Noth or Goldblum.
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6-27-2008 @ 11:00AM
Karen H in NC said...
Noth is leaving? Oh please, say it isn't so. I have enjoyed his character from the early days of L&O and was glad to see him return to L&O:CI. Really hate to see him go. I am not that big of a Goldblum fan, but I am flexible; I will adapt...I think.
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