Despite trade journal rumors suggesting his return was all-but official, word came Tuesday that Christopher Meloni is leaving his long-running role on NBC’s “Law & Order: SVU.”
Meloni’s departure will clear the way for a new male lead to join the show. Co-star Mariska Hargitay, meanwhile, is expected to return for the front thirteen episodes next year, although Deadline says her role could become a part-time deal for the back nine. That means a new female lead, with the name Jennifer Love Hewitt being rumored, is also expected to join the show next season.
— Whereas “Glee” has previously relied on humorous judging segments to fuel its “competition episodes,” the season two finale instead focused on getting its kicks from rival team names. While the New Directions, predictably, did not make the final ten at this year’s Nationals, the following teams did:
Portland Scale Blazers
Vocal Adrenaline (previously-known rivals)
The Waffletoots
Singaz Wit Attitude
Jefferson City Airplane
Twelve Steps
Vocal Chordz
Soundsplosion
Teenage Scream
Vocal Extreme