'Law & Order' returns after 12 years with some familiar faces that have fans thrilled
Twelve years after Law & Order ended its 20-season run, the legal drama series made its highly anticipated return to television with a few familiar faces.
While viewers were thrilled to have Law & Order Thursdays back, they were most excited for the return of District Attorney Jack McCoy played by Sam Waterston, Det. Kevin Bernard played by Anthony Anderson and a surprise return by Carey Lowell, who reprised her role as prosecutor Jamie Ross. Unfortunately, one cast member was noticeably absent — Lennie Briscoe, who was played by Jerry Orbach.
Orbach died of cancer in 2004, six years before the original series finale. However, viewers still took to social media to say how much they missed the actor:
Jerry Orbach :( Where Are You When We Need You The Most ? We Miss You ?? #LawAndOrder @WolfEnt pic.twitter.com/JQBElCRRs3
— iOwe MyLife To DICK WOLF?? Call Me Elizabeth (@Keepingupwitly) February 25, 2022
I’m really glad #LawAndOrder is back. But I’m really sad this guy is unavailable. ???? pic.twitter.com/lDsid4XmMV
— Vic Vela (@VicVela1) February 25, 2022
Hardly believe it has been 17 yrs since you passed. I am dedicating me watching this series again to Jerry Orbach you were loved. #LawAndOrder pic.twitter.com/xBLflPHT2i
— Susan Hempstead (@hempstead_susan) February 25, 2022
As for the premiere episode, Season 21 will introduce some new stories but with the same structure as the original beloved show. The format is split between following the detectives as they investigate the crimes and the legal proceedings as the lawyers bring the case to trial. And just like the first 20 seasons, stories will be inspired by real life headlines.
For example, the case during Thursday's episode featured a Bill Cosby-like character who insisted he was wrongly charged and convicted of serial rape.
Fans loved the Season 21 premiere, with one person saying they were so happy to have "Real TV" back and others tweeting about how much they love the dynamic between Anthony Anderson and his new partner Frank Cosgrove (Jeffrey Donovan):
The classic #LawAndOrder intro gave me shivers!!?? #HughDancy #LawAndFannibals pic.twitter.com/Y2Rc2bvERT
— Evalie, HughDancyAdmirer (@Evalie3689) February 25, 2022
REAL TV IS BACK!!!!!! #LawAndOrder pic.twitter.com/rXU8csE2Yl
— ?????????????? | #??????????????????? (@InuYuSeji) February 25, 2022
Can we talk about how great @anthonyanderson and @WickedpissaJD are as partners?! I’m definitely loving Bernard and Cosgrove together! @lawandordertv @WolfEnt #LawAndOrder pic.twitter.com/Z82MaBscvv
— Laura Navins (@laura_navins) February 25, 2022
Law & Order airs Thursdays at 8 p.m. on NBC.
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