I think it's interesting that this little piece of trivia has never surfaced before now. In fact, I remember reading several times Dick Wolf saying that they needed a second team in order to keep VDO and KE on the show, and CN was available and fans were familiar with Logan and so it was a perfect fit. But now all of a sudden it, "Oh yeah...we wanted Goldblum all along but he was busy so we went with Noth"? Why am I suspicious?

And wait a minute! Raines aired in 2007...7 whole episodes. Noth joined LOCI in 2005. How long did it take to produce those 7 episodes?!

You darn skippy! What is WRONG with these people?! They think they can just slip this one by us? Uh - NO!

All the more reason to fight for S9 to be a FULL season for us to say goodbye to not only Goren and Eames, but to CI as we all know and love it. After that, I'm done with USA forever!

STUFF YOUR FLUFF, USA!! I DON'T WANT IT!

I know, right!!!

<sarcasm on>

'Cause "Revolution" was just so damn FUNNY. What with bombs blowing up buildings and people dying and stuff. Yeah. Hilarious.

<sarcasm off>

I still think this is a cover for the real reason, which no one likely wants to admit:

NBC-Universal knows the economy is likely going to cause advertising revenue to tank (which is why NBC now has Leno at 10:00 PM on weeknights), and it is no secret that not only are most of NBC's prime time shows hurting, from what I have read the 11:00 PM (Eastern/Pacific Time) newscasts on NBC's Owned and Operated stations are suffering massive losses as well (11:00 PM newscasts are considered the "money" newscasts in the industry), most notably in New York on flagship WNBC-TV (Channel 4). That likely has caused a ripple effect that likely means a smaller budget for ALL of USA Network's shows (not just "CI"), since NBC-Universal likely has to get back some of the money it lost from all the problems at the main network. Add to that NBC's desperation in keeping Chris Meloni and Mariska on "SVU" (which appears from the declining ratings for not just it, but all of NBC's shows seems to have backfired on them), and I suspect that is why VDO and KE are leaving independent of any desire by USA Network to have a more "fluffy" version of "CI," no matter what spin they put on it.

I respectfully disagree. It is true that NBC is suffering financially as the 4th place broadcast network and its decision to put on Leno appears to have been a mistake given how much the viewership has dropped off. I have read that this decision has affected the other NBC shows which have been very popular in the past -- Heroes, SVU, L&O, etc. The numbers are down for every NBC show (the new shows are not doing at all well either) -- no one wants to be part of a sinking ship and NBC has shown that it has no confidence in its regular programming. This just proves to me that scripted TV is more what people are interested in and taking the 10:00 hour away has tanked all NBC shows. The SVU salaries aren't affecting any other USA or NBC shows as far as we know, so the fact that CI salaries are the only ones affected makes no sense. I do believe that the increase in SVU episodes on USA and the decrease in CI episodes on USA has more to do with the Hargitay/Meloni salaries than anything else -- more shows in syndication means more money into SVU coffers to pay those bigger salaries. I don't believe this show will survive another season with its current numbers and salaries unless we see a dramatic increase in viewership over the course of the season. The time slot for L&O has killed L&O as well. CI may be the only franchise still on next year. (Another interesting fact to consider is the possible sale of NBCU which has been all over the news lately. If GE will really sell enough of a stake (with the Vivendi share) so that the new owner will have 51% and control, it becomes more interesting as to what will happen.)

That being said, NBC only accounts for 5% of the NBCU revenues (I think I read this on the Jeff Zucker piece in Forbes--or one of the other articles someone posted). The acquisition of other cable networks, especially USA, the internet development, and other actions by Zucker have been business savvy and VERY profitable for NBCU, even if NBC programming has not been successful. If VDO doesn't get a raise and he gets paid $350K an episode and KE doesn't get a raise and she gets paid $200K an episode and JG doesn't get a raise and gets paid $250,000 and episode, the difference between a split season with VDO/KE & JG and one with only JG is only $2.4M per season -- In the scheme of things this is not a lot of money for this show -- it is the most popular L&O in syndication worldwide. You can also bet that JG will negotiate a salary increase this year as the new star, so the salary difference will actually be lower. And you can bet if there are more seasons, he will be close to VDO's salary in no time.


To me the argument that the basis for the decision is financial is all smoke and mirrors. The real basis is the LIGHTER direction for the show. CI does not fit Bonnie Hammer's "sunny winning formula" and with Monk disappearing, she sees another Monk in JG. JG is a character (practically the same character) in everything he is in. I have always liked JG, but find myself questioning his integrity now. I do believe that JG had to know what the plan was going into the season -- or at least have had a good suspicion. The reasons have been stated on many blogs and chat rooms -- TPTB did everything they could do to tank VDO/KE episodes in Season 8. The delay in the season start was because of the JG episodes if you remember -- they had to re-do them and bring in a new showrunner. This probably was a strong signal to those out there who are more astute than I. The new post quoting the CanWest reporter further supports this idea. The emphasis on the FLUFF is the reason as far as I can see and I join the others who have questioned Dick Wolf and his commitment to CI. When I rewatched the French interview, VDO stated that Dick Wolf was the only one who really got BG and why he was so popular and that is why VDO has been with the show this long. It seems that Dick Wolf no longer gets it, or sees the writing on the wall for the cancellation of his other 2 shows and wants to keep at least one show on the air. Money could also be a motivating factor. VDO would not have tried to negotiate a new contract if he wanted out and the info we received about the salary slashing (VDO would have been making less than JG!) was really TPTB's way to "fire" him -- they did not make any credible offer, so what choice did he have. VDO is savvy enough not to burn any bridges or TO his fans or those in a position to emply him in the future. I have said it before and I will say it again. The SILENCE is deafening from USA, Dick Wolf, VDO, KE, EB, & JG and we still have no news as to the contracts being finalized or worked for anyone, including JG. This tells me that something is amiss. I will be very interested to see if filming begins on time on 10/16.

I agree with those who say there will be no "guest" appearances by VDO this season -- again just a smoke & mirrors to the fans to keep them on the hook watching. Whatever your opinion of VDO, he is true to his vision of his craft and demands quality from those around him. I can't imagine that he will appear in lighter fare or take a back seat to JG in any future episodes -- it does not make any sense and would not be true to the character of BG. VDO is better off with a clean break if that is the case.

I do think that if TPTB see what effect this will really have on the viewership, they may change their minds, so I am glad for the campaign and the continued fervor to keep up the pressure. The daily list of what to target is very good. Also, the more fluff that can go out, the better. I also like the idea of picketing the set and hope that everyone in the NYC area who can go, will. Also, it will be interesting to see how everyone acts toward each other on the set. Were I closer, I would definitley go.

I did exercise my right not to watch and have stopped watching USA unless it is a Season 7 or prior episode or a Season 8 with G/E. It was hard, but I did not watch Revolution on Friday night. It is interesting to note how viewership has fallen off for many of the USA shows after the first season -- IPS did not do as well, even BN numbers were down for at least the first half of their season (but were much better down the finish -- but still behind RP). The Starter Wife started off well, but tanked in the 2nd season. I suspect that Royal Pains will not do as well in Season 2 -- I have a hard time seeing how they will be able to have many more stories that are not repetitive of what they have already done and the personal dramas on that show are just not that interesting. It will be interesting to see how White Collar does -- of course I won't be watching (even if I weren't boycotting, this show just seems lame to me from the promos).

OK, I've gone on long enough and will get off my soapbox now.

Wow! EXCELLENT post, wilmingtonfan!

I said it before (somewhere), but I can't really see the Monk fans, especially the die-hard fans, being any more anxious for JG and LOCI to be the "new Monk" than we are. So I hope, if they really do go through with this farce, that it backfires BIG TIME.

Thanks. I lurk too much, but sometimes the feeling to write something is overwhelming! I am an avid follower though!

I don't know why either Kayne but I will say this about Dick Wolf. For someone who works in television, he certianly dosen't watch a lot of it - at least none of his work.




I agree with what you said there, it's happening up here in Canada too. As of now, SVU is currently airing in syndication on:
CityTV
Showcase
Peachtree (formerly TBS Superstation)
MysteryTV (not part of basic cable)

While CI is only airing in syndication on OMNI2 and MysteryTV. I remember once OMNI2 removed CI from it's 6PM timeslot in favour of Cold Case (another show I can't stand), but it caused a real stink amongst the fans so they brought it back.

I kind of like Cold Case, although I don't follow it too closely. But with USA off my viewing radar (except LOCI, of course), I'm watching more Cold Case, Without a Trace, Bones, The Closer, Saving Grace, etc.

Also Criminal Minds -- which I really like -- it just started in syndication over the summer on A&E

Criminal Minds is pretty good, I like it cause it follows along the same concept of CI.

In addition, says Balcer, "we found that the investigation and the psychological play by Goren was really what the show was about."

I find this quote extremely interesting in light of his recent comments about L&O being all about story, not characters!

I always knew there was a reason Zucker was made Chairman of NBC-Universal, and it's clearly obvious its his non-NBC dealings that is why.

Anyway, I have to disagree. While yes, they may want "fluffy characters" on USA Network, I suspect that again is a cover on another grounds in addition to what I said earlier: Ad buyers probably told NBC-Universal that they would no longer pay sufficient ad rates (whether for USA airings of "repurposed" airings on NBC) for Goren/Eames episodes to warrant paying VDO and KE their current salaries. Ad buyers can often dictate things like that, and that's also often why some highly rated series are "surprisingsly" cancelled when it turns out that ad buyers would not pay enough to warrant keeping a show going. That, coupled with what I said earlier is I think what happened here since shows do have to stand on their own somewhat, especially in this economy, and why I still think this "fluffy characters" bit is a cover for not wanting to admit that either the economy, ad buyers refusal to pay higher rates for G/E episodes or both caused this.

TV Networks Cut Prices For Ads But Still Sell Less
All four broadcasters failed to raise rates for 'upfront' sales for the first time in years

http://www.agentassociation.com/frontdoor/...tail.cfm?id=847

This article explains what has been happening as far as lower advertising prices. It's from August and mentions NBC and cable networks. It's interesting but I have to admit that I don't understand it all very well.

WOW!!! what an awesome post!!! i had some of the same thoughts myself. i cant believe that JG didnt know something was up. i'm sure that part of the pitch was that he would have the show and be the "replacement". i have no facts to back this up - just my personal feelings. i mean - why else would he have taken the job?? and why else hasnt he said something one way or the other about how they have treated VDO and KE? if i was JG i would be thinking really hard about how my coworkers were being treated...
i watched the interview with VDO and how he said that if it hadnt been for Dick Wolf he would have been fired a long time ago. so i wonder what happened?? its obvious that they dont like VDO for some reason.... they crapped up season 8 by running the shows in the wrong order - they advertised JG as the "golden boy" and tried to push him onto the fans as a "better version" of goren - then they crapped up pay negotiations. im thinking maybe VDO doesnt fit into their "image". (whatever that is) they seem to want these cheesy shows that are not too serious. like disposable shows. if you watch it once youve seen just about all there is to it. the LOCI we know and love is all about the layers. if you watch it now it might mean something to you - watch it again a couple of months later - you catch things that you missed the first time.
I also agree with you about JG. hes like john wayne. john wayne played john wayne. wasnt a good thing wasnt a bad thing -its just what he did. JG plays JG. not a good thing not a bad thing - just his thing. VDO is a character actor. if you see him acting in something else sometimes you wont even recognize him as VDO. he gets so wrapped up in the character that he becomes that character. VDO made bobby goren into an interesting character. VDO is why we all get on this forum and chat. VDO is why we care about this show. i cant remember who posted it but someone quoted dick wolf as saying lots of actors can play hamlet. well NOBODY else can play bobby goren!!!!

and yeah i wished i lived in NY - id be picketing!!!

This article clearly explains to me why USA Network tried to cut the salaries of VDO and KE and when that failed let them go. As said, I suspect if this continues, we may see many more bloodbaths come 2010-'11, with "CI" only being the first show to suffer it.

Ad buyers very likely (in my opinion) told USA Network (and NBC-Universal) they would not pay enough ad dollars to justify paying VDO and KE what they were making.

touche!

Been following the posts on this horrible situation. I do disagree about folks laying blame on JG--he is an actor--and a stong actor--I have followed his work for years. Thought, initially an interesting addtion to LOCI, tho I was concerned about the similarities between the 2 male leads.
I thought there was all kinds of love and kisses during his roll out among all the actors, including VDO.

I would think that along with attmepting to influence the network, maybe people need to contact the advertisers directly? Nothing make underwriters with hard financial decisions more nervous than the possible loss of an audience they are paying good money to reach.

NBC seems to be lost in America. Saw Leno talking about his show--said it was purely a commercial decision by NBC--his show costs nearly nothing compared to 'Trauma' or the like.

Re-directing the story arc at LOCI is do-able with the acting ensemble they already have. It is not daytime TV where you can drop in every decade and the story inches along. If Wolf and all were interested in LOCI as a stronger commercial product, make the investment in the story lines, and let the actors act. They are pros.

What I find concerning is the silence. As everyone is scrambling around contracts, no one wishes to comment. But I would think that after so many years with a loyal fan base, when all is done, the leads will at least release a statement! I live in fly over country, so those NY focused indi flicks VDO is partial, will never come this way. Will miss G/E if the unhappy situation concludes, not to our liking.

I am glad someone is responding to our comments on the SILENCE -- The Terra (sp?) King article at the Examiner yesterday was great -- she picked up on what we have been saying for a while. We may be having an impact. Let's keep it going and let's keep these threads at the top of the list so anyone checking out the forum can see them and see how motivated we the fans are. We are still inspiring new people to join the fight!

I've been thinking this past week about when this whole thing began, and I think it was in season seven, please try to follow me on this. In season seven we had the completed end of the Goren story line, Mom dead, Brother dead, Nichol Wallace dead at the hands of his Father figure Declan Gage, Bobby's real Father revealed to be a serial killer who's actions with his Mother drove her into a psychotic break. At the end of the final episode as Bobby confronts Gage, he is told by Gage: " You're free now Bobby, you're free" that was the total ending of all that had come before. Then Chris Noth decides to leave the show, who do they choose as his replacement, someone like Logan, no they choose another Goren, they had made their decision then about the future of the show and it doesn't take a crystal ball to see the direction it was headed. In season eight we had a totally mixed up 8 episodes of Goren and Eames thrown at us, they didn't care that Vince was in a transition phase, coming back to the job after losing so much and surviving all of it, no they didn't care enough to even air them in there proper order, that would have shown the emergence of Goren from season seven to season eight. They were totally oblivious to Goren and had already replaced him ( in their minds) with Goldbloom, here I must say ( you may disagree) that Goldbloom would have had to know, he has a career and a home in California, he had to be prepared to not sign any contracts that might conflict with a 16 episode stretch ( even if they are using a split season) he had to agree to being the sole star of a show with an established cast. Obviously they knew the fans would not like the idea of such drastic changes, so they lied, they said after all the trauma of season seven we are returning the show back to the way it was in the early years. Is that what they have done, no they have put their true plan into action, as they intended all along. Why the silence from the cast, what can they say yet, Vince gave a small statement ( never once mentioning that he had decided to not renew his contract) Kate and Eric have kept their opinions to themselves, smart of them why anger the one's you may need. If negotiations are ongoing it will be without Vince, that door is firmly shut, by hiring Goldbloom they have no need for him. My idea for Vincent's future projects include his cinsiderable ability to play the bad guy ( think The Cell, and Salton Sea ) have him come back as Nichols nemesis, as the Nichol Wallace was to Goren, have perfect would that be?

Good post. I agree with most of what you said. I would also add that the delay was caused by having to hire a new showrunner for the JG episodes -- they had to be sure they were done well so that they could establish him going forward in this show. I would only hope though that they would bring BG to a better conclusion than they have -- I think this is why everyone is so upset. VDO has shown a lot of respect & loyalty to his character and to his fans. Neither his fans nor BG are well treated in the abrupt way this has been handled. By VDO announcing that he wants to move on to other projects AND that this will be his last season is the only way to give closure to his fans and character, VDO could also push JG's character and push his fan loyalty to JG. But from USA's perspective, this would mean that they risk losing a fan base if fans know this is VDO's last season. I think they discounted the impact the decision made in the way it has been done would play out with the show and the fans. I don't think they cared and tried to treat this like any other L&O show. This one is not and it is most assuredly a show about BG & AE. I don't see anyway this show will survive after the next season given the way it has been handled by TPTB.

Went over to the Criminal Intent US board, a member has a link to an article with an interview with Rene Balcer, link is http://allthingslawandorder.blogspot.com2....-Law-Order.html tried the link it says link broken, but I clicked on where it says Allthingslawandorder and I got the aricle. I will write out the part about C.I. you can read the rest: posted today by wilmingtonfan : " When I briefly touched on the recent news and resulting turmoil about the mass exits at C.I., and I mentioned that the " whole gang" was leaving he commented " well we're not sure if the whole gang is going to leave so who knows? One thing I have learned in this business is, until the check is cashed and you put it in the bank and until the show airs, nothing is written in stone." I am going to resist reading anything into that comment, only that it is an indication of how fluid things in the television industry can be. wilmingtonfan added : This seems to support the opinions on this board that it's not over yet. Frankly the only small ray of hope I get from the aricle is that USa may want to appease the fans by giving them a full season of 8 episodes of Goren and Eames instead of a quick two-parter. Or it could mean that the fans of Kate and or Eric may get them back, of course without Vince as he and Goldbloom can't both be the lead. There is only room for one and they have already said Jeff is the new lead on the show. Read the article and make up your own minds, it would be nice to have a proper goodbye for Goren and Eames, but if she stays or leaves, I leave with Vince, I could never watch the show without him.

Personally, I do not believe Kathryn will stay without Vincent. In my mind, that's that.

Here is what I think. I think they are negotiating right now for a full season of G/E, knowing that it will be the last for them. They will have to build Nichols up this season if they even think he can carry through on his own with a new partner (SB - which no one in the L&O universe is very familiar with). The season could be a grand one, with G/E getting the stories they deserve to go out in style and Nichols having a chance to establish himself more firmly.

However - and this is a doozy - IF USA continues with plans to "lighten" the show with Nichols' episodes, I do not believe the show itself will last beyond one more season. And by that I mean when S9 concludes, I could see them renewing it with only Nichols and trying it, but if it's "lightened up", it will not go beyond S10. Criminal Intent has always been dark and gritty and if they change that formula, it ceases to be Criminal Intent anymore.

I think the best thing to do would be to end Criminal Intent after S9 and give Nichols a spin-off. That keeps the integrity of CI intact, gives the proper respect to G/E and the fans, and sends Nichols into a new phase with a new show and a new challenge. Fans of CI may or may not follow Nichols to a new show, but all those other USA watchers who don't go for the darker side of CI may go for a new "lighter" show.

Obviously, I will not be one of them. But hey...to each his/her own. Just as long as they don't screw with my Criminal Intent!

I totally agree w/ your views! Even if Bobby and Alex return for their full slate of eps, this season, which would be the 8 eps, I'm still gone from CI after they leave. I want them to have a proper ending and really blow away their eps for their final season. After that, even if Goldblum is more established, I believe the show would fail b/c Bobby is gone. The right thing to do to preserve the integrity of the show is to give Jeff a spin-off.

I have been hoping that they are negotiating for a full Season 9 as the swansong for G/E. If they want JG to continue he does need a spinoff as I have also said before -- CI is NOT the right vehicle for a lighter show.

That being said, the The Reel Blog posted a casting call for some parts in Part 2 of the season opener and it sure looks like they are writing BG out. If that is the case, I guess they can move that episode to later in the season if they negotiate a better send off for G/E. It does make me consider the opinion of some who really think that VDO will be gone after the season opener. I hope that is not the case.

I can't believe that KE will go on without VDO (but you never know) -- the silence from her camp is what gives me hope that VDO may be in more episodes next season.

I am also one who will no longer watch the show without VDO and hope that there really is a new deal in the works.

Didn't KE at one time say that when VDO left she was gone too?

I must be thick because I don't see how JG's character is lighter and fluffier. The ending of "Revolution" was as sad and gruesome as any episode. I've had plenty of laughs w/ G/E over the years. I don't know if they were all intentional. Poking a dead man's eyeballs and tasting boat caulking come to mind. Not to mention Alex's great snarks. It was obvious to me last season that Wheeler was getting all the snarks and Nichols was a Goren rip off.

(Regarding "Fluff"- Kathryn Erbe and "Fluff" have one thing in common. They were both born in Massachusetts.)

USA has released press saying, viewers of USA enjoy lighter-fare and Goldblum can offer that. Additionally, USA network had an article printed about its "blue sky formula" not to long ago. Funny,when I read that article, I thought maybe the show was getting canceled, little did I know Criminal Intent's fate would be worse. I just don't see how USA thinks CI can continue (no VDO, KE, EB, no show)

Do we know if Leslie Hendricks will be back?

I think it is a big big mistake letting Vincent and Katherine leave the show and if they think Jeff Goldblum will carry the show they are sadly mistaken and in for a rude awakening. I think Jeff is such a bad actor on the show and he should be the one leaving. Vincent is responsible for the success of the show as well as Katherine. I will not watch it if those two leave. I think their attempt at making Jeff Goldblum's character similar to Vincent's character has been done very poorly. The show will be cancelled if or when Vincent leaves. I hope he and Katherine decide to stay on. They are Law and Order CI.

I agree Jeff Goldblum stinks!!!! Just the fact that they have tried to make Goldblum's character like Vincent's character speaks for itself. If they want a Monk show then just don't cancel Monk. Leave that dumb show on and don't mess with Law and Order CI. It doesn't make any sense really. I hope the USA people or whoever is in control will be reading these posts. I have been through many changes with the original Law and Order and SVU and always continued to watch them but this one I will not continue to watch. I will just go to bravo and watch those reruns on Sunday night and if they aren't on I will watch a dvd of Vincent on Law and Order CI, but I will not watch that poor acting that Jeff Goldblums delivers.

If the problem is money then why did they agree to pay Chris Meloni and Mariska Hargitay so much money to get them to sign for 2 more seasons on SVU? I like Mariska but Chris like Jeff is not a very good actor. All Meloni does on the show is get mad throw tatrums scream and yell. It doesn't take much talent to do those things every week. Vincent is an actor who can do different things with his character and I think he is worth the money that they are giving to Meloni. But in any case it Vincent leaves then the viewership will sink to an all time low for the show.

Thanks, Cat lady! That does give me hope.

I am heartbroken. I would NEVER watch the show without D'Onofrio. What are they thinking!! VDO and KE didn't take raises last time so they could continue the show. now they're being insulted. I thought USA took over so they could save the show not throw it down the toilet. They've been trying to shove JG down our throats the whole time, all the commercials showing him, throwing his picture up front, advertising him even on G/E weeks, screwing up G/E episodes. Shoving him down my throat isn't going to make me like him. Bobby goes so do I.

I agree with you that they are trying to MAKE us like JG and it isn't working. Do they really think that he could be the star of LOCI???? I will never watch the show if Vincent and Katherine leave. I don't watch it now when JG is on. Why are they shoving him down our throats? 90% or more of the viewers do not like JG, why can't they accept that? Well, it's their failure, and I do believe the show will be cancelled if Vincent and Katherine leave. I have no respect for anyone responsible for this decision to dump Vincent and Katherine. What a cut throat business!!

Chris and Mariska are the reason a ton of "tweens" watch "SVU," mainly in the hope that Elliot and Olivia will eventually become a couple. "SVU" was NBC's highest-rated returning drama going into this season, and NBC probably was fearful losing one or both would cost them far more viewers than losing VDO and KE on "CI."

Well, if the cases of Fluff, emails, postcards, and letters aren't enough to show them the folly of their decision, then the painful death of LOCI, gasping it's last breaths during it's final season will convince them. It's just too bad that a fine actor like Jeff Goldblum has to have another failed show on his resume. Of course, I liked Raines myself and didn't understand when it was canceled. Maybe Raines was too dark.

I have to disagree...Christopher Meloni is a good actor. Have you ever watched any movies he is in?
I think comparing him to Vincent is like apples to oranges = they are two different people with different styles...SVU may not be for everyone, but he has done a great job IMO.
As for LOCI...there is only one show and if/when they cut out the ONLY actors making the show, they will be sorry in the long run.

Come on, people. This is not about actors or writers. This is business, pure and simple. JG is a fine actor. The number of people who watch the show is in the millions. He is familiar and a very strong actor. That being said, this is about a badly executed business move. In light of NBC world of enterainment situation overall, looks to be par for the course. I also hope the VDO and KE and EB can at least complete the final season. Advertisers pay for access to the audience. This will not help those paying for access feel confident when the audience defects.

HAVE NOT SEEN ANY NEW CRIMINAL INTENT WITH VINCENT D"ONOFRIO I HAVE SEEN HIS PARTNER WITH THE OTHER PART OF CRIMINAL INTENT WHAT IS GOING ON ???????????? DONOT LIKE JEFF GOLDBLUM

I AGREE WITH THE LAST PERSON ABOUT JEFF GOLDBLUM FILLING VINCENT;S SHOES BAD CHOICE, I DO NOT WATCH THAT SHOW WITH HIM IN IT, PLEASE BRING BACK VINCENT AND KATHERINE, WOW WAKE UP PEOPLE STUPID CHOICES.

I sincerely hope that SVU fans are keeping an eye on the happenings at the LOCI deparment, because IMHO, that's what's very likely gonna happen to their show, too.

Love your sigs KimT.

Sorry but you are in the monority. Most people do not like JG's acting. I think it is all about wanting JG to be the star of the show and it isn't going to work. I along with many others will not watch it if VD and KE leave the show. I know people who watch LOCI and none of them like JG. I think he is a lousy actor in that show. He needs to go back to Jurassic Park lol.

Wallyhorse, did you read how much money they are paying MH and CM on SVU? It's in the millions. That is ridiculous. They held out on signing their contract until they got what they wanted. I think VD is a much better actor than those two. I like MH and CM but if anyone should get a pay increase it should be VD. That business is so ridiculous. Why they would let a talented actor like VD go is beyond my understanding.

Okay, in all fairness to Jeff, I did think some of his eps were really good: In Treatment, Major Case, and Revolution were very good to me. I've never really watched Jeff in anything else, but I was wary when he came aboard. I didn't know how he would fit in and I love Bobby. I was pleasantly surprised at SOME of Jeff's eps. In the same vein, I thought some Bobby eps were clearly better than others.

The point here is not that Jeff is a horrible actor but that he does not embody Criminal Intent. Vincent has stated that he was given almost totally free reign in developing the Bobby character. This show is very personal and really focuses not just on the minds of the criminals but also on the psyches of the main stars. This show has a major focus on Bobby's personal life, and now Alex's life, in recent seasons.

Most of us only watched Jeff eps out of curiosity and to support the whole show so we could continue to see Bobby and Alex.

I don't particularly like Goldblum, but he isn't horrible, either. But the fact remains that he is not what this show is about and he doesn't possess the heart and soul of the Bobby storylines we have laughed and cried with. So, yeah, Jeff will drive the show down the toilet if he is the sole star, but his acting wasn't horrible, either. It just wasn't Criminal Intent's style. Give him his own show if you must.