TOLD YOU SO LAW AND ORDER WOULD BE BACK

I am repeating an old post. The only thing that didn't happen was the mystery movie format. That came down to advertising. NBC felt they would have to spend too much money advertising. That is the only reason the "Mystery Movie" was scraped. Look for former cast mates to return to "Law and Order" for a few episodes.

Next year will be the last year for the long running "Law & Order".
The show has spawned 3 spin-offs and has given careers to many people.

Lots of actors, directors and writers owe Dick Wolf a huge thank you. Now the show has had more cast changes than a soap opera however the actors who have left the show have never said a bad word about the show or its producer "Dick Wolf". That is a miracle.

As everybody knows all shows do come to an end. "Law And Order" is no exception. So The 2007-2008 TV season will be the last year of the long running show. NBC is treating this long running show with respect for its final year by making it into a TV EVENT. So fans of the drama will be in for a treat. NBC/Universal is going to be doing one of the following:

*Have lots of 2 part episodes or

* The show will return in a 2hr movie format as part of the NBC Mystery Movie .

Now next year would not of even been possible had NBC had better ratings. In fact NBC has not introduced a NEW Hit Show in years, even its talked about hit "Heroes" doesn't even crack the top 10 and its ratings are now falling! Because NBC lacks in hit shows it was forced to renew "Law and Order" and the fans are going to love the final year.

Here is what is being said: "The final season will return but have lots of returning past cast members. These episodes will reunite past stars with the latest cast members. Old cases with the bad guys who ended up in prison are now out on probation & now will be making all sorts of trouble with the NEW cast members.

The show has been on since 1990 and has lots of old characters that they can revisit. MOST past cast members have expressed interest in reprising their roles. The only exception is the late Jerry Orbach who passed away a few short years ago. Sounds like this will be an exciting final year. I'll be watching.

Here is a rumor of the season opener for 2007-2008

The opening episode of the 2007-2008 starts of with a bang. Its a fundraiser for FORMER New York City Mayor Rudolph William Giuliani. All hell breaks loose. In fact at the event is 2 former DA'S of the fictional DA office. The season opener would feature the the return Steven Hill & Diane Wiest for this episode. Also 2 other characters return which are Mike Logan & Rey Curtis. These parts were played by Chris Noth & Benjamin Bratt.

Bratt's character is now a private investigator who is trying to figure out who the target was at the fundraiser. It is not known how long Bratt would stay on.

The only thing that is not set is what night the show will air. On Fridays the shows ratings are only so-so. Another school of thought is that "Law and Order" may return as late as January. If this happens Law and Order might air as 2 hr movies on Sundays. The reason for the January launch is because NBC airs football on Sunday Nights in the fall and they need something for Sundays when football is over. (ABC HAD THE SAME PROBLEM WITH MONDAY'S AFTER FOOTBALL SEASON) NBC this year did great with FOOTBALL on Sundays however since FOOTBALL SEASON ended they have very low ratings. NBC needs a hook for Sunday Night once Football season is over. This is the main reason for NBC to be returning the "Mystery Movie".
The Mystery Movie will also appeal to the male audience. That demographic is up for grabs after FOOTBALL season and NBC wants to hold on to them! NBC KNOWS They can cast the "Mystery Movies" with big stars. If the "Mystery Movie" becomes a hit, it will be an event to wait for. FOX does this when it premieres "24" and "American Idol" in January.
NBC also knows well written parts can get "HUGE STARS". The "Mystery Movie" was a huge hit in the 1970's. In case you don't know the "Mystery Movie"is a rotating Wheel of TV detective shows. The original three series featured were "Columbo", "McMillan and Wife" and "McCloud". Having the all new Mystery movie format return in January would be a good idea for NBC. January is a month in which CBS and ABC air repeats of their TV SHOWS. Having New Shows on Sundays will give NBC a competitive edge until the February Sweeps. I wish them luck.