Law and Order: Criminal Intent - the shake up

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[INDENT]Chris Noth out, Jeff Goldblum in on ‘Law & Order’

By RICHARD HUFF

Thursday, June 26th 2008, 6:09 PM

Mr. Big is out of the USA Network’s “Law & Order: Criminal Intent.”

“Chris has been a member of the ‘Law & Order’ family since the beginning, and Mike Logan is one of the most popular detectives in the history of television,” Wolf said in a statement. “We all wish him the best.”

Word is talks on a new contract between USA and Noth didn’t work out.

As for “CI,” it’s the second time Noth has left the “Law & Order” franchise.

He spent five years on the original “L&O,” leaving in 1995 over budget issues and a desire by Wolf to change the direction of the show.

Noth returned to the character of Mike Logan in 1998 in a “L&O” movie for NBC, and was added to the cast of “Criminal Intent” in 2005.

Noth was added to the “CI” cast as a way to lighten the workload of star Vincent D’Onofrio.

Goldblum is no stranger to the small screen, either.

He last appeared in the short-lived NBC drama “Raines,” where he played a detective haunted by the ghost of his former partner. That show lasted seven episodes.

He’s also appeared in a host of big-screen movies, including “Jurassic Park.”

“Jeff’s presence will add a new dimension to an already successful show,” Wolf said.

“Jeff is one of the most exciting actors around and is a perfect addition to the ['CI'] ensemble,” said USA honcho Jeff Wachtel. “We are very excited to see what new moves he will bring to the Major Case Squad.”

[/INDENT] Well apparently this was announced the end of June and I didn’t read about it. The insanity, I swear. With Laurence Fishborne and now Jeff Goldblum joining two of the biggest police/csi procedurals ever made, it should make for an interesting next couple seasons. Personally I’m thrilled to beans about Criminal Intent losing the annoying red head and having Wheeler return. I still miss the old Captain though =(