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Weds. TV Times

2006-02-14T22:17:00.000-08:00

TNT

L&O (7pm) "Floater"
The detectives attempt to identify a body which was found floating in the Hudson River.

L&O (8pm) "Darwinian"
A driver strikes a homeless man, then returns home with the victim still lodged in her windshield.

L&O (9pm) "Swept Away: A Very Special Episode"
When a murder happens on a reality television program, investigators try to identify the real culprits.

L&O (10pm) "Whose Monkey Is It Anyway"
The detectives screen animal-rights activists for suspects in the killing of an AIDS researcher.

L&O (11pm) Family Business"
Detectives become embroiled in a murder case involving family rivalry.

USA

SVU (7pm) "Stolen"
When a baby is kidnapped from a grocery store, detectives Benson and Stabler discover it is part of a black-marketing of infants.

CI (8pm) "Phantom"
The murder of an ex-convict triggers an investigation of his social-climbing sister and her beau, a man posing as a United Nations economist.

CI (9pm) "Seizure"
The detectives suspect a copy-cat murderer may be responsible for killing a bisexual woman.

CI (10pm) "Yesterday"
The body of a young woman missing for 20 years is found buried underneath an old family home.

Tuesday TV Times

2006-02-14T05:47:00.000-08:00

TNT

L&O (7pm) "Born Again"
A troubled girl suffocates when her adoptive mother and an unlicensed counselor resort to an extreme therapy simulating birth.

L&O (8pm) "Who Let the Dogs Out" Episode #E2208.
A woman jogging in Central Park is the victim of a vicious dog attack.

L&O 99pm) "Everybody Loves Raimondo's"
Detectives investigate a slain Hollywood producer's involvement with a mob movie to find a motive for his murder.

USA

CI (5pm) "Semi-Professional"
The detectives probe the murder of woman who was dating a married, high-profile judge.

SVU (7pm) "Counterfeit"
The detectives investigate the rape/murder of a woman whose car contains counterfeit narcotics.

Monday TV Times

2006-02-13T03:24:00.000-08:00

TNT

L&O (7pm) "Foul Play"
A coach, a youth-baseball player and a desperate father are the prime suspects in the murder of a private investigator.

L&O (8pm) "Payback"
Detectives investigate the murder of a mob informant who sent a kingpin to jail.

L&O (9pm) "License to Kill"
McCoy and Borgia target the unlikely hero who pursued a mass murderer through the streets of Manhattan in a deadly car chase that left one dead and one injured.

L&O (10pm) "Suicide Box"
A media-savvy attorney (Gregory Hines) defends a black teenager accused of shooting an off-duty police officer.

USA

CI (5pm) "Crazy"
The detectives investigate the murder of a prominent doctor at his son's bar mitzvah.

SVU (7pm) "Tangled"
An estranged son and a former patient are the prime suspects in the murder of a prominent doctor and the rape of his wife.

Sunday TV Times

2006-02-11T19:25:00.000-08:00

USA

SVU (7pm) "Repression" Episode #E2310.
A teen recalls childhood molestation by her father and reports it to the detectives.

CI (8pm) "Con-Text"
Detectives Goren and Eames suspect a self-improvement guru machinated the murders of two crime figures.

CI (9pm) "The Pardoner's Tale"
A gunman kills an investigative reporter and his fiancee.

SVU (10pm)

SVU (11pm) "Ripped"
After a high-school student is brutally attacked, detectives interview a suspect who becomes enraged and attacks Detective Fin.

BRAVO

CI (5pm) "The View From up Here"
The association president of a chic condominium tower is found murdered with an electrical saw, prompting an investigation in which Det. Eames is used as a decoy.

CI (6pm) "Inert Dwarf"
Radiation poisoning kills a tormented scientist, leading Goren and Eames to investigate the victim's collaborator, a famous physicist with a trophy wife.

CI (7pm) "Gone"
Goren matches wits with a murderous chess grand master (Robert Carradine) when a newly engaged woman is found dead in a garbage bin.

CI (10pm) "Collective"
The accidental shooting death of a toy collector leads detectives to a secret society obsessed with death and a conniving woman (Kim Director) who trolls the group's events in search of lonely men.

CI (11pm) "The View From up Here"
The association president of a chic condominium tower is found murdered with an electrical saw, prompting an investigation in which Det. Eames is used as a decoy.

Stephanie March's Wedding In In Style

2006-02-11T13:32:00.000-08:00

Stephanie March's Wedding to Bobby Flay in In Style

(click to enlarge)

Saturday TV Times

2006-02-11T04:02:00.000-08:00

USA

SVU (7pm) "Storm"
While searching for a child molester who has abducted three young children orphaned by Hurricane Katrina, detectives learn that the suspect also possesses a deadly strain of anthrax.

SVU (8pm) "Manhunt"
An abduction points to a serial killer who has eluded the detectives in the past.

SVU (9pm) "Scourge"
The detectives search for a serial killer who has murdered four times in 24 hours.

SVU (10pm)

CI (11pm) "Saving Face"
Detectives think the mutilated corpse of a med student links to Guatemalan drug trafficking, but the investigation leads them to a suspicious cosmetic surgeon on Park Avenue.

Friday TV Times

2006-02-10T04:51:00.000-08:00

USA

SVU (7pm) "Parasites"
When the detectives investigate the death of a Romanian immigrant, suspicions surface that she is alive and masquerading as her twin.

CI (8pm) "Homo Homini Lupis"
A loan shark kidnaps an embezzling executive's family as collateral for a huge debt.

SVU (9pm) "Folly"
A male escort (Eddie Cahill) is assaulted while at a hotel for a rendezvous with an older woman

Thursday TV Times

2006-02-09T04:32:00.000-08:00

USA

CI (6pm) "Enemy Within"
An arson fire engulfs a high-rise and kills an international banker.

SVU (7pm) "Paranoia"
A veteran police sergeant (Khandi Alexander) is raped while responding to a crime in progress.

CI (8pm) "The Third Horseman"
The detectives search for the killer of an abortion provider

AWARD WINNING ACTOR AND RAPPER CHRIS ‘LUDACRIS’ BRIDGES MAKES TV DEBUT ON NBC’S 'LAW & ORDER: SVU,' TUESDAY, MARCH 28, (10 P.M. ET/PT)

2006-02-08T08:11:00.000-08:00

(NBC Release)

NEW YORK –- February 7, 2006 –- Actor/rapper Chris 'Ludacris' Bridges will make his television debut as a guest-star on NBC's "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," episode "Venom" (Tuesday, March 28th at 10 PM ET/PT). 'Ludacris,' who picked up a SAG and Critics Choice Award for Best Ensemble cast in the Oscar-nominated "Crash," turns in a powerful performance as Darius, a family member of Detective Odafin "Fin" Tutuola (Ice-T).

In taking a role on SVU, Bridges said, "I have been a fan of Dick Wolf's 'Law & Order' for a long time. When I was approached to work on SVU and read the script there was no way that I could turn down this amazing opportunity. The character was so rich and the storyline so complex that I knew it was something I had to do. I am looking forward to working with the incredibly talented cast and crew at Law & Order: SVU in my continuing quest to learn and grow as an actor."

"We are thrilled to have Ludacris join us as Ice-T's nephew for a groundbreaking episode of SVU. His talent and charisma will guarantee a memorable show," said Executive Producer Neal Baer.

The complex storyline puts Det. Fin in a difficult position, which pits him against his colleagues who suspect his son Ken (Ernest Wadell) in a double homicide. Fin also finds himself in a showdown with his ex wife Terry Randall (Lisa Gay Hamilton), Ken's mother. The story takes an emotional and unexpected turn when Fin discovers a family secret that sheds some new light into his family's relationship with Darius.

In the role of Darius, Bridges continues to tackle projects that are challenging and complex. Viewers and critics alike have embraced his film performances. He is the only rap music star to have such a successful and immediate crossover from music into film. He won a Critics Choice Award – "Best Ensemble ("Crash"); a SAG Award - Best Ensemble ("Crash") and he was a nominee for his first NAACP Image acting award for Best Supporting Actor ("Crash"). "Crash" and "Hustle & Flow" are only Bridges' second and third films. His first was "2 Fast 2 Furious," the blockbuster sequel to "The Fast & The Furious."

Bridges is currently up for one Grammy Award being presented on Wednesday, February 8th for Best Rap Single and will be presenting an award on the Grammy telecast with "Crash" co-star Matt Dillon.

"Venom" was written by veteran writer/producer Judith McCreary who has worked on the show in its early years. In addition, McCreary has worked on various network series including: Dick Wolf's "New York Undercover," "413 Hope Street," "Lyon's Den" and "Threat Matrix," before landing on "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation" and the psychological drama entitled "Criminal Minds." This episode of "Law & Order: SVU marks of a homecoming for Ms. McCreary.

Mariska Hargitay, Chris Meloni, Dann Florek, Richard Belzer, B.D. Wong, Diane Neal and Tamara Tunie also star in "Law & Order: SVU."

L&O- Magnet

2006-02-07T21:35:00.000-08:00

MAGNET
10pm 2006-02-08 ALL NEW!
STRANGULATION SHOWS THAT CHEATERS NEVER PROSPER -- Kathleen Turner Guest Stars as High-Powered Attorney -- Detectives Fontana (Dennis Farina) and Green (Jesse L. Martin) investigate the strangling of a promising Hispanic student at a private magnet school. The men soon learn the victim was selling test answers and writing term papers for more privileged students -- including their prime suspect, Greg Loomis (guest star Jaime McAdams), a trouble-prone senior who would kill just to graduate. After Loomis' arrest, A.D.A. Sam McCoy (Sam Waterston) spurns any deal with his high-powered attorney Rebecca Shane (guest star Kathleen Turner) but has to overcome her vigorous defense that her client himself was a victim of medication side effects. Annie Parisse, S. Epatha Merkerson and Fred Dalton Thompson also star.

Weds. TV Times

2006-02-07T21:31:00.000-08:00

NBC

L&O (10pm) "Magnet"
Detectives investigate the strangling of a promising Hispanic student at a private magnet school.

TNT

L&O (7pm) "Burden"
Prosecutors question the motive of a suspect in the murder of a quadriplegic boy.

L&O (8pm) "DNR"
A judge maintains her husband's innocence after a botched murder attempt leaves her mortally wounded.

L&O (9pm) "Sideshow"
Discovery of a corpse in Battery Park reunites squads when the victim turns out to be a Baltimore official. (Concluding on ``Homicide: Life on the Street.'')

USA

SVU (7pm) "Pique"
A former security guard is the prime suspect in the rape/murder of a pregnant administrator

CI (8 & 11pm) "The Pardoner's Tale"
A gunman kills an investigative reporter and his fiancee.

CI (9pm) "The Good Doctor"
The philandering wife of an arrogant plastic surgeon disappears, and the detectives suspect his efforts to find her are insincere.

CI (10pm) "Enemy Within"
An arson fire engulfs a high-rise and kills an international banker.

SVU- Manipulated

2006-02-07T04:20:00.000-08:00

MANIPULATED
10pm 2006-02-07 ALL NEW!
TWO STRIPPERS ARE MURDERED, BUT WAS THE PRIME SUSPECT FRAMED? - Rebecca De Mornay, Chris Potter and Betty Buckley Guest Star - When the body of a young woman is found murdered in her apartment, Detectives Benson (Mariska Hargitay) and Stabler (Chris Meloni) discover she's a successful attorney - and stripper, which is apparently unknown to her fiancé and boss, Tessa McKellen (guest star Rebecca De Mornay). Later, tape from a student crew filming the night of the murder reveals the victim was with Linus McKellen (guest star Chris Potter), Tessa's husband - whose sperm was found in both the victim and her friend and fellow stripper, also found murdered. The investigation is further complicated when it's revealed the killer entered both apartments from outside windows, leading the detectives to suspect the crimes could also be tied to Tessa's corporate work. Dann Florek, Richard Belzer, Ice-T, B.D. Wong, Diane Neal, Tamara Tunie also star.

Tuesday TV Times

2006-02-07T04:17:00.000-08:00

NBC

SVU (10pm) "Manipulated"
Detectives discover that the body of a young woman, found murdered in her apartment, is that of a lawyer who secretly moonlights as a stripper.

TNT

L&O (7pm) "Open Season"
The acquittal of a cop-killer leads to the murder of a defense attorney

L&O (8pm) "Veteran's Day"
Detectives investigate the strangling of a peace activist who had a very confrontational approach

L&O (9pm) "In God We Trust"
Fontana and Falco (Michael Imperioli) make an arrest after a blaze kills a firefighter, and the discovery of a charred pistol leads them to reopen the investigation into an old murder

USA

CI (6pm) "The Insider"
Detectives investigate a nightclub owner in connection with the murder of a concerned father.

SVU (7pm) "Baby Killer"
Detectives probe the schoolyard shooting of a child by a fellow student.

Jesse L. Martin To Play Marvin Gaye

2006-02-07T04:15:00.000-08:00

"Law & Order" star tunes in to Marvin Gaye movie

Hot on the heels of hit films about Ray Charles and Johnny Cash, a project about the final years of Marvin Gaye is set to begin production in May.

"Sexual Healing," an independently financed drama starring "Law & Order" cop Jesse L. Martin as the late Motown icon, will shoot in Hungary and Germany. Lauren Goodman will direct from her own script.

The movie chronicles Gaye's self-imposed exile in Europe after years of battling drugs, domestic issues and label headaches. There, he was rescued by a promoter who helped Gaye record his biggest-selling album, "Midnight Love," which yielded the monster comeback hit, "Sexual Healing".

Gaye's life was cut short the day before his 45th birthday in 1984, when his father killed him.

"More than just being the voice of a generation, Marvin Gaye proved to be its very heartbeat," Goodman said. "As a filmmaker, I was drawn to tell the story of a human being who was never fully realized, one with faults and foibles and an uncommon grace expressed every time he picked up the microphone."

Various producers have spent years trying to make a movie about Gaye. Originally, the project was intended to cover a larger portion of his life but was refocused on his final years because of rights issues with his Motown-produced records.

Music biopics are a hot genre these days with the success of 2004's Oscar-winning "Ray" and 2005's Oscar-nominated Cash movie "Walk the Line."

Martin most recently starred in the feature adaptation of the hit musical "Rent."

Reuters/Hollywood Reporter

Yahoo

Monday TV Times

2006-02-06T03:59:00.000-08:00

TNT

L&O (7pm) "Oxymoron"
Deals complicate a murder investigation when a mob boss' son offers to incriminate his father, while the father counters with information.

L&O (8pm) "Under God"
A vigilante priest kills a drug dealer in the name of God.

L&O (9pm) "Married With Children"
A motivational speaker is pushed off a hotel balcony, then her daughter is abducted.

L&O (10pm) "Possession"
The detectives sort through a murdered tenant's long-running battle with her landlord in order to find a possible suspect.

USA

SVU (7pm) "Consent"
The detectives investigate the rape of a college student who cannot remember the event.

CI (8 & 11pm) "The Extra Man"
The detectives hunt for the person who killed a European con man who swindled investors.

Conviction is set for a March 3rd Debut

2006-02-05T03:58:00.000-08:00

The latest new legal drama series from Emmy Award winner Dick Wolf ("Law & Order"-brand series) and NBC Universal Television Studio, "Conviction" is a fast-paced, character-oriented story focusing on the lives of young Manhattan assistant district attorneys and the challenging, emotional cases they confront.

Said Wolf: "Since 'Conviction' will be a 'character-cedural,' we will be dealing extensively with characters' back stories and personal lives. I am delighted with the extraordinary cast we have assembled, which will give the show depth and emotional intensity. It's ‘like a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, he says, "two totally different tastes which, when combined, accentuate the best of both."

The ensemble cast includes Stephanie March (reprising her role as Assistant District Attorney Alexandra Cabot from NBC’s “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit”), Milena Govich (“Rescue Me”), Eric Balfour (“Six Feet Under,” “The O.C.”), Anson Mount (“In Her Shoes,” “Line of Fire”), J. August Richards (“Angel”), Jordan Bridges (“Mona Lisa Smile,” “Dawson’s Creek”) and Julianne Nicholson (“Kinsey,” “Ally McBeal”). The series was created by Wolf.

In the new drama, the complexities of the cases are matched by the personalities of those who prosecute them. Cool yet dedicated Alexandra Cabot (March) has returned to the New York City District Attorney’s office as a bureau chief after an extended stint in witness protection. Jim Steele (Mount) -- her Deputy District Attorney -- oversees the ambitious assistant district attorneys. They include Nick Potter (Bridges), who is from a wealthy family but abandons his cushy job at a private law firm to join the district attorney’s office in New York City – and he soon gets an eye-opening introduction to the chaos and danger pressing in on his fellow young prosecutors.

Also involved are: Billy Desmond (Richards), a street-smart but brilliant attorney who has big political aspirations; Sara Finn (Nicholson), an ambitious, wide-eyed attorney whose optimism and compassion sometimes leave her vulnerable to the rigors of the job; Brian Peluso (Balfour), whose bad-boy charm and active personal life sometimes spill over at work, and Jessica Rossi (Govich), who has risen from a working-class upbringing to become one of the office stars.

The pilot was written by Walon Green ("Law & Order") and Rick Eid (“Law & Order”, "The Guardian"). "Conviction is a Wolf Films production in association with NBC Universal Television Studio. Wolf, Green, Eid and Peter Jankowski are the executive producers.

FILM ACTOR CONNIE NIELSEN JOINS NBC'S "L&O: SVU" FOR SIX EPISODES

2006-02-05T03:56:00.000-08:00

Released by NBC

FILM ACTOR CONNIE NIELSEN JOINS NBC'S "L&O: SVU" FOR SIX EPISODES

CONNIE NIELSEN ('GLADIATOR') FILLS-IN FOR GOLDEN GLOBE WINNER MARISKA HARGITAY FOR SIX EPISODES WHILE ACTRESS TAKES MATERNITY LEAVE FROM NBC'S 'LAW & ORDER: SPECIAL VICTIMS UNIT'

"SVU" Episodes Mark First Small Screen Appearances for Acclaimed Actress

BURBANK - February 1, 2006 - Wolf Films and NBC Universal announced today that Connie Nielsen ("Gladiator," "The Ice Harvest") will fill-in for Golden Globe winner Mariska Hargitay on NBC's "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" (Tuesdays, 10-11 p.m. ET) as the actress goes on maternity leave. The six episode run marks Nielsen's first primetime appearance on American television in her extensive film career.

"This is an unremittingly positive situation for us," said Dick Wolf, creator and executive producer of the "Law & Order"-brand series. "I'm thrilled that Mariska is having a baby and thrilled that we have someone of Connie's obvious talent, beauty and stature to come in for these episodes. It doesn't get any better than this."

Nielsen's as yet unnamed character will be a multi-lingual warrants detective who comes from a specialized unit and is on a specific assignment to replace Detective Olivia Benson (Hargitay) who will be relocated "away from the building." Hargitay's pregnancy will not be written into the script.

Nielsen first gained international notice when she starred opposite Russell Crowe in the Oscar-winning Best Picture "Gladiator." The Danish actress most recently starred in the soon to be released film "The Situation" directed by Philip Haas; the acclaimed feature film "Brothers," where she was awarded the Best Actress prize at the San Sebastian Film Festival and won the Danish Oscar for Best Actress -- Newsweek's Best of the Year feature (12/19/05) hailed her "Brothers" performance as "one of the most emotionally eloquent performances of the year... it shows how Hollywood has just scratched the surface of her talent." Nielsen also starred in "The Ice Harvest."

In addition, Nielsen earlier earned positive notices for her performance as a heroin junkie in "Permanent Midnight;" the French film "Demonlover," "Basic," " The Hunted," "Mission to Mars," "One Hour Photo" and "The Great Raid."

"Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" is a Wolf Films production in association with NBC Universal Television Studio. Wolf is creator and executive producer; Ted Kotcheff ("Fun with Dick and Jane," "Weekend at Bernie's"), Neal Baer (NBC's "ER," "China Beach") and Peter Jankowski are executive producers.

Angie Harmon at "Fashion Week"

2006-02-05T03:53:00.000-08:00

More photos at Wireimage

Sunday TV Times

2006-02-05T03:46:00.000-08:00

NBC

CI (10pm) "Scared Crazy"
When detectives investigate the murder of a computer company employee, Goren believes a paranoid code-writer (DJ Qualls) is key to solving the case.

USA

SVU (11pm) "911"
When a 9-year-old girl calls for help, claiming to be held hostage in a strange room for four days, many believe it is a prank, but Detective Benson feels otherwise.

BRAVO

CI (4pm) "Great Barrier"
Goren has to interrogate his chameleonlike nemesis, Nicole Wallace, when she becomes a suspect in the slaying of a jewelry thief.

CI (5pm) "Eosphoros"
When a well-known atheist is kidnapped and murdered, Goren and Eames have no shortage of suspects, but the trail is hard to follow after two of the kidnappers are also found dead

CI (6pm) "In the Dark"
Goren and Eames scour abandoned subway tunnels to seek out the killer of several homeless men whose bodies were sold to medical labs, then they learn that each victim had been issued a credit card just before his death.

CI (7pm) "Silver Lining"
The murder of an antiques appraiser puts Goren and Eames on the trail of a highly organized, proficient thief, who taunts them as they try to link him to a long list of stolen valuables.

CI (8pm) "Great Barrier"
Goren has to interrogate his chameleonlike nemesis, Nicole Wallace, when she becomes a suspect in the slaying of a jewelry thief.

CI (11pm) "Eosphoros"
When a well-known atheist is kidnapped and murdered, Goren and Eames have no shortage of suspects, but the trail is hard to follow after two of the kidnappers are also found dead.

Saturday TV Times

2006-02-03T22:03:00.000-08:00

NBC

CI (8pm) "In the Wee Small Hours"
A media frenzy erupts when an Iowa teen disappears during her school trip, and the prime suspect is the son of a powerful judge.

L&O (10pm) "Red Ball"
McCoy and Borgia consider making a deal with an ex-convict in order to save an abducted 5-year-old girl

USA

SVU (7pm) "Rockabye"
When a runaway teenage girl is found badly beaten, doctors discover the beating killed her unborn child, and detectives begin to question the father

SVU (8pm) "Secrets"
A teacher's revealed promiscuity makes it difficult to convict a man for her rape/murder.

SVU (9pm) "Abuse"
The detectives investigate the celebrity parents of a boy who killed himself by running into oncoming traffic

SVU (10pm) "Pixies"
A world-renowned gymnastics coach is a suspect in the death of a student.

CI (11pm) "Watch"
When the latest in a series of prostitutes is found dead after falling from an airline wheel well, Logan and Barek suspect an airport worker is responsible.

SVU-Spoiler from TV Guide...

2006-02-03T08:31:00.000-08:00

Question: Do you have scoop on the Law & Order: SVU episode that will feature Benson and Stabler bonding while on a stakeout? — Megan

Ausiello: Save the date: The episode, titled "Fault," is slated to air April 4. In it, something happens that's so huge, it'll not only pave the way for Mariska Hargitay's impending maternity leave, its aftershocks will be felt all the way through next season. "You're going to see things that you didn't expect," teases exec producer Neal Baer. "There's a very surprising turn of events." Might said events involve the two sexually repressed detectives giving each other mouth-to-mouth? "I couldn't tell you that," Baer hedges. "You'll have to watch. I will say it's unexpected — and you know I don't bull---- you." Hey, watch the language, mister! This is a family column. (OMG, they're so gonna shag, it's not even funny.)

Ask Ausiello

Mariska's "SVU" Maternity Shakeup

2006-02-03T04:52:00.000-08:00

Mariska's "SVU" Maternity Shakeup
Thursday February 2 2:59 PM ET

By Gina Serpe

Mariska Hargitay's pregnant pause is Connie Nielsen's gain.

The former Gladiator babe is set to step in for Hargitay on Law & Order: SVU when the latter goes on maternity in the coming months.

Law & Order mastermind Dick Wolf told the New York Post that Nielsen, 40, will play a warrant detective who joins the Special Victims Unit when Hargitay's Detective Olivia Benson is sent off on "specific assignment."

"When we realized we weren't going to be able to get through the season without explaining [Hargitay's pregnancy] in some way, the best decision was to have her dispelled, and Connie's name surfaced internally," Wolf told the Post.

Nielsen will star in six episodes of the crime drama, the highest rated of the Law & Order, franchise, leading up to the season finale.

Hargitay, 41, is expecting her first child with actor husband Peter Hermann this spring, though the exact due date is unknown. The couple met in 2002 on the set of the prime-time procedural when Hermann, 38, joined the show as recurring attorney Trevor Langen. The camera-ready couple tied the knot in August 2004.

Nielsen's temp gig isn't the first time a ringer has been brought into a Law & Order series for an on-hiatus regular.

Last year, Sopranos mobster Michael Imperioli took over for Jesse L. Martin in the final episodes of the mothership's 15th season. Martin briefly bowed out of his detective duties for the big-screen adaptation of Rent, in which he played Tom Collins, the same character he originated on Broadway in the early '90s.

Similarly, Chris Noth, who made his name as a detective on the original series, was hired last year for Law & Order: Criminal Intent to tag-team with star Vincent D'Onofrio, after the latter battled exhaustion.

The rest of the SVU gang follows in Hargitay's break-taking shoes in April, when the show goes on summer hiatus. The entire crew, including the future mama, resumes filming in July.

Yahoo news

Friday TV Times

2006-02-02T19:05:00.000-08:00

TNT

L&O (7pm) "Under the Influence"
A hit-and-run death hits Detective Curtis close to home and spurs painful memories for McCoy.

USA

CI (6pm) "Smothered"
The son of a wealthy woman is the prime suspect in the killing of his pregnant girlfriend.

SVU (7pm) "Closure, Part II"
A victim (Tracy Pollan) helps the detectives track down a rapist.

CI (8pm) "The Faithful"
A Roman Catholic sexton is found murdered in a church sanctuary.

SVU (9pm) "Countdown"
When a 7-year-old girl escapes from her rapist, detectives Benson and Stabler begin an intensive search for the predator.

L&O~ Birthright

2006-01-31T20:41:00.000-08:00

BIRTHRIGHT
10pm 2006-02-01
WAS ABUSIVE MOTHER UNKNOWINGLY STERILIZED WITH ILLEGAL I.U.D.? FORMER 'LAW' MAN RICHARD BROOKS RETURNS TO GUEST-STAR -- When an abusive young mother and murder suspect suddenly dies in her prison cell, an autopsy tells Detectives Fontana (Dennis Farina) and Green (Jesse L. Martin) that the woman has died from an I.U.D. containing benecrine -- an illegal drug that sterilizes its users -- given by a nurse practitioner (guest star Stephanie Roth Haberle) with a social agenda. As A.D.A.s McCoy (Sam Waterston) and Borgia (Annie Parisse) consider filing second-degree manslaughter charges, they meet a former A.D.A. -- Paul Robinette (Richard Brooks) -- who is now defending the nurse and thinks he has a good case. S. Epatha Merkerson and Fred Dalton Thompson also star.

Weds. TV Times

2006-01-31T20:34:00.000-08:00

NBC

L&O (10pm) "Birthright"
A nurse practitioner with a social agenda faces charges when an abusive young mother accused of murder suddenly dies in her jail cell, and detectives learn she may have been sterilized, without knowing it.

YNT

L&O (7pm) Gaijin"
A female Japanese tourist is shot to death, prompting an investigation that leads the police to the victim's husband.

L&O (8pm) "Soldier of Fortune"
Millions of dollars in diamonds link to two murders and to civil strife in Sierra Leone.

L&O (9pm) "Surrender Dorothy"
A female graduate student is found dead in the trunk of a car.

USA

SVU (7pm) "Taken"
The detectives probe the backgrounds of the family of a 17-year-old girl who was raped during a hotel-opening gala.

CI (8pm) "My Good Name"
A murder investigation leads detectives to a friend (Michael Rispoli) of Capt. Deakins, and mounting evidence forces even the captain to question his friend's innocence.

CI (9pm) "False-Hearted Judges"
Detectives Goren and Eames suspect that a vagabond father with child custody issues is using his teenage son to help him kill judges and their families.

CI (10pm) "One"
Solutions to major cases play out from the perspectives of the criminals.