logo
After Another Major Law And Order Casting Shakeup, I'm Flashing Back To The Guest Star Who Said He'd 'Love' To Partner With Reid Scott Again

After Another Major Law And Order Casting Shakeup, I'm Flashing Back To The Guest Star Who Said He'd 'Love' To Partner With Reid Scott Again

Yahoo20-07-2025
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission.
Law & Order is still months away in the 2025 TV schedule from premiering the milestone 25th season, but not all of the Season 24 series regulars will be back. The drama is continuing its trend of losing stars over summer hiatuses without getting a proper goodbye in the previous finale, with another regular exiting. While Odelya Halevi might have seemed most likely to leave after Maroun was very heavily implied to have shot the man who murdered her sister, another one of the detectives is out: Mehcad Brooks as Jalen Shaw.
The news of Brooks' exit reminded me of my conversation with a Law & Order guest star who was very interested in reprising his NYPD role back in the spring, but first things first!
Mehcad Brooks Is Leaving Law & Order
Mehcad Brooks is not returning to Law & Order to reprise his series regular role as Detective Jalen Show in Season 25, according to Deadline. The decision reportedly has nothing to do with any bad blood, but a mutual call with the Supergirl alum exploring post-Law & Order opportunities. The rest of the cast is set to return, with Tony Goldwyn and Reid Scott renewing their contracts following Season 24 and Hugh Dancy, Odelya Halevi, and Maura Tierney on board.
Brooks leaving also means that Law & Order is continuing the trend of losing one series regular between each one of the revival seasons so far. Anthony Anderson left after Season 21 as Detective Kevin Bernard, followed by Jeffrey Donovan after Season 22 as Detective Frank Cosgrove. The exit after Season 23 was one my personal favorites: Camryn Manheim as Lieutenant Kate Dixon. The aftermath of Season 24 was evidently the time for Brooks – who filled Anderson's shoes when he arrived in Season 22 – to bow out as Jalen Shaw.
A replacement partner for Reid Scott's Detective Vincent Riley hasn't been cast yet, but I think I know of an actor who would be game to have a more prominent role on the NBC drama if he has the chance.
Jesse Metcalfe Would "Love" To Return
In a casting twist of fate, Desperate Housewives vet Jesse Metcalfe happened to guest star on Law & Order as Sergeant Danny DeLuca in an episode that didn't feature Mehcad Brooks' Jalen Shaw, so his scenes in his Season 24 episode were largely with Reid Scott as Detective Riley and/or Maura Tierney as Lieutenant Brady. When I spoke with Metcalfe ahead of his March episode, he shared that he would "love to see the character of Sergeant Danny DeLuca expanded" and "Maybe he could end up becoming a detective."
Having seen the episode, I asked Metcalfe what it was like for him to team up with Reid Scott to film an action-packed episode across Manhattan, and he shared:
It couldn't have been a better experience working with Reid. He was just so warm and welcoming and supportive. And I think he that he's a great actor, and a lot of people commented on set, including several of the producers, that we sort of had an instant rapport. And I think people are going to really see that on screen. The chemistry was great.
The episode, called "Folk Hero" and available streaming with a Peacock subscription now, had a "ripped from the headlines" style of story with an insurance CEO as the victim of the week and the citizens of New York deliberately getting in the cops' way of tracking the killer down. Riley and DeLuca were ultimately successful and the case was handed over to the legal team of DA Nick Baxter (Tony Goldwyn), ADA Nolan Price (Hugh Dancy), and ADA Samantha Maroun (Odelya Halevi).
So, would Jesse Metcalfe be interested in working with Reid Scott and the rest of the cast again if given the shot despite a slightly embarrassing moment while filming? He didn't need even a moment to think when he answered my question, saying:
Absolutely. I would love to reprise this role, and if given the opportunity, build out the character even more.
In a fun twist, Jesse Metcalfe was already only a couple degrees of separation from Law & Order even before he arrived as a guest star, going back to the days on a short-lived drama elsewhere on the network. He shared:
I'm definitely a fan of the original show, and all of the spinoffs as well… I have worked with Kelli Giddish, who was on Law and Order: SVU. We were on a short-lived procedural drama on NBC called Chase, about U.S. Marshals, so I would tune in to see some of her work from time to time. I'm just thrilled to be a part of such a storied franchise with a tradition of exceptional guest stars. And I really feel like Law & Order has one of the most talented and accomplished ensemble casts on television, so this is an incredible opportunity for me.
If you're not familiar with NBC's Chase, that's not too surprising! The procedural starred future TV powerhouses like Kelli Giddish in her pre-Law & Order: SVU days and Cole Hauser years before Yellowstone, but only ran for a grand total of 18 episodes over one season from 2010-2011. Giddish actually is returning to SVU as a series regular in the fall for the 2025-2026 TV schedule; could Metcalfe return to primetime for Law & Order as well?
All we can say for sure is that he enjoyed his experience as a guest star and would be very happy to return as Sergeant Danny DeLuca. I'm not sure how it would work for a Sergeant to partner with a Detective, but if I've been willing to overlook NYPD ranks when it comes to SVU with Benson (Mariska Hargitay), Fin (Ice-T), and Curry (Aimé Donna Kelly), it'd only be fair if I did the same for Law & Order.
Law & Order returns without Mehcad Brooks as a series regular this fall, and I'm already wondering if NBC will go big to celebrate the milestone of Season 25. I wouldn't count on NBC transforming Rockefeller Plaza in NYC like the celebration for SVU hitting 25 seasons, because Law & Order doesn't have a star like Mariska Hargitay who has been on board from the very beginning. For now, you can find both Law & Order and SVU streaming on Peacock.
Solve the daily Crossword
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Gospel karaoke brings community and praise to Camden, New Jersey streets
Gospel karaoke brings community and praise to Camden, New Jersey streets

CBS News

time30 minutes ago

  • CBS News

Gospel karaoke brings community and praise to Camden, New Jersey streets

It's not your typical karaoke night—there's no pop hits or rock ballads. Instead, the sound is all praise and worship, and the spirit is just as electric as any concert. In Camden, New Jersey, the growing monthly event is reimagining karaoke with a faith-filled twist, and people are taking notice. What started as a social media post is now a movement. The "Voices of Hope Open Mic" has grown to more than 10,000 followers in under a year. At the heart of it all is youth leader Charles Giddins III, who launched the event with one mission in mind: to create a safe space for Christians to gather, worship, and express themselves outside of church walls. "There's obviously a need in this space," Giddins said. Held at Victory Temple Community Church, where his father pastors and his mother serves as first lady, Giddins grew up surrounded by ministry and music. In fact, he was holding a microphone before he could even walk. Now, every fourth Friday, he channels that same early passion into hosting Voices of Hope Open Mic—an event that invites creatives to recite poetry, share testimony, and pass the mic for gospel classics. From seasoned vocalists to first-time singers, everyone is welcome. "It's no judgment," said Giddins. "You can get up there and sing—we're going to clap for you, say 'God bless you,' and we might even help you sing as a group." But it doesn't stop at the church doors. As interest grew, Giddins started taking the event outside—literally. He began shutting down a corner of North 2nd Street to bring gospel karaoke to the streets of Camden. "Going into local neighborhoods and showing what it is to be righteous in Christ—and still relatable," he said. Whether you're a believer or just looking for community, the open mic is a place where spirit meets soul and voices rise in unity. "See what God is doing in our communities… and in our lives," Giddins shared. Voices of Hope Open Mic is held on the last Friday of every month in Camden. It's a ticketed event, and seats go fast—proof that this unique blend of music and ministry is something the community didn't even know it needed.

Selena Gomez Celebrates 33rd Birthday with Launch of Rare Impact Fund's Giving Circle (Exclusive)
Selena Gomez Celebrates 33rd Birthday with Launch of Rare Impact Fund's Giving Circle (Exclusive)

Yahoo

time32 minutes ago

  • Yahoo

Selena Gomez Celebrates 33rd Birthday with Launch of Rare Impact Fund's Giving Circle (Exclusive)

Selena Gomez is continuing to make an impact as she celebrates another year around the sun. On July 22 the Only Murders in the Building star — who turned 33 on Tuesday — marked the launch of the Rare Impact Fund's Giving Circle (in partnership with Dollar Donation Club), which was "built to democratize giving and foster purpose-driven community," according to a release. Starting at $1 a month, members can receive monthly updates from the Fund's nonprofit partners, curated mental health content and ways to engage with the Rare Impact Fund community, adds the release. "When we started the Rare Impact Fund, we wanted to build a community that could make a real difference," Gomez — who founded Rare Beauty in 2020 — tells PEOPLE exclusively in a statement. "Five years in, I'm so proud of the impact we've all made together and excited for The Giving Circle and other initiatives we are planning.' The Rare Impact Fund recently hosted its first-ever global Grantee Capacity Building Workshop, bringing together nonprofit partners for hands-on programming focused on storytelling, fundraising and more. According to Rare Beauty, the Rare Impact Fund has mobilized over $20 million and supported 30 nonprofit organizations across five continents since its inception, reaching more than 2.2 million young people annually. Last year on World Mental Health Day, Gomez opened up to PEOPLE about advocating for increased access to mental health services and education around the world for young people. "We created the Rare Impact Fund before we created a single product, and it's so rewarding to see it being a resource for people when they actually come to our community and seek help," she said. "I'm just really grateful. This is why I do it." Read the original article on People

Jamie Lee Curtis Decries Stephen Colbert Cancellation
Jamie Lee Curtis Decries Stephen Colbert Cancellation

Yahoo

timean hour ago

  • Yahoo

Jamie Lee Curtis Decries Stephen Colbert Cancellation

Hot off another Emmy nomination for 'The Bear' and looking ahead to her upcoming Disney sequel, 'Freakier Friday,' Oscar-winner Jamie Lee Curtis is set to make her first ever-appearance on 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.' But, she will be among the show's last guests. The series is set to end in 2026, a decision that Curtis now calls 'awful.' 'It's bad,' Curtis told Variety of being interviewed by Colbert. 'I'm excited that I will get to be on his show in about two weeks. I've never been on his show. I really like him. He's smart and funny and a lovely human.' More from IndieWire This Year's Venice Lineup Looks a Lot Different Than Last Year's Adobe Firefly Now Lets You Sculpt Sound Effects with Your Own Voice Curtis is not the first star to voice her disappointment in the 'Late Show' ending. Ben Stiller wrote on X that CBS was axing 'one of the best shows they have,' while Adam Scott was even more blunt, saying 'This is absolute bullshit and I for one am looking forward to the next 10 months of shows.' Colbert's late night rival Jimmy Kimmel also wrote on an Instagram story, 'Love you, Stephen. Fuck you and all your Sheldons, CBS.' Speaking with NPR, Curtis expanded on her thoughts on the slew of politically-backed cancellations. 'They just cut NPR and, you know, public broadcasting — yes, they're trying to silence people, but that won't work. Won't work. We will just get louder,' she said. For more on 'The Late Show' cancellation, check out IndieWire's reporting and this think piece from our own Ben Travers. Curtis, meanwhile, is enjoying the string of successes in her career. Speaking with Variety about her role in 'The Bear,' she said, 'It's a beautiful show and I'm thrilled to be a part of it. I love it. I'm a fan of the show. I was a fan from the beginning and so I just love the stories they tell and the characters they create.' As for the forthcoming 'Freakier Friday,' out on August 8, she described it as 'a movie for today.' 'It is a happy, nostalgic, funny, sweet, heartfelt, Disney movie right at the end of the summer,' Curtis continued. 'There haven't been a lot of movies for women, and this is a love letter to every mother, grandma, sister, cousin and daughter.' Best of IndieWire Guillermo del Toro's Favorite Movies: 56 Films the Director Wants You to See 'Song of the South': 14 Things to Know About Disney's Most Controversial Movie Nicolas Winding Refn's Favorite Films: 37 Movies the Director Wants You to See Solve the daily Crossword

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store