Changes Afoot for 'Law and Order: SVU'
A new ADA isn't the only casting shakeup for 'Law & Order: SVU' this season. Get ready to say goodbye to a very familiar character ... the squad room.Yep, according to TV Guide at the end of the fourth episode, which also sees the return of Gloria Reuben as U.S. Attorney Christine Danielson, the squad room will be no more. The reason? Well, according to the report, "all hell breaks loose."
Last season on 'SVU,' Benson and Stabler investigated cases involving "anchor babies," a pedophilia organization, social networking, casual encounters and illegal adoption. Benson herself was even investigated for ties to a murder in Central Park. And they had to contend with fiery ADA Jo Marlowe (Sharon Stone).
In season 12, the 'SVU' detectives welcome a new ADA, played by Paula Patton, in the fifth episode, plus break in the new squad room. New sets had to be built after the series moved production from New Jersey to New York City due to losing tax breaks. The season kicks off with a special two-hour premiere "that will take Benson and Stabler through the twists and turns everyone loves," said executive producer Neil Baer in an official release.
So, what causes Reuben's character to return? Child slavery. "We're bringing back characters we love this season," 'SVU' executive producer Neal Baer told TV Guide. The character deputizes Benson and Stabler as marshals so they can leave Manhattan.
Among other familiar faces returning to 'SVU' is Marcia Gay Harden. The Oscar winner is reprising her role as Dana Lewis in the eighth episode of this season. Other guest stars early this season include 'Lost' star Henry Ian Cusick, Joan Cusack and Maria Bello.
Jennifer Love Hewitt will appear in episode 3 as a multiple-rape victim afraid to leave her home. "One of the reasons we wanted to do this episode is because it addresses Mariska Hargitay's passion for rape kits, which can help gather evidence to convict the rapists," Baer told TV Guide Magazine. "But for some reason these kits have been sitting around unopened in cities all over the country."According to Fancast, the Sept. 29 episode will also see Benson travel to Los Angeles for a case and there she'll meet Detective Rex Winters (Skeet Ulrich) of 'Law & Order: Los Angeles.'
'SVU' premieres Sept. 22 at 9PM ET.
Tell us: Are you looking forward to the returning guest stars?

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