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Sometimes when shows run for a longer period of time, characters often become stale, due to lack of development and storyline. Something similar happened to Dick Wolf’s 1990 hit TV seriesLaw & Order,wherein Elisabeth Röhm and Angie Harmon felt that their respective characters, Serena Southerlyn and Abbie Carmichael had reached their ultimatum.
Well, that’s when Dick Wolf decided it was time for him to let them go. And quite unexpectedly the creator came up with a dramatic exit for Elisabeth Röhm’s Serena Southerlyn. Apparently, with a wink and a nudge to the audience, Wolf turned Serena gay, and let her go without explanation. But while this whole plan worked wonders in 2005, it surely would have gotten the show canceled, today.
Dick Wolf Helped Elisabeth Röhm LeaveLaw & OrderWith a Bang
Premiering in the 1990s,Dick Wolf’s created a TV phenomenon when he broughtLaw & Orderto NBC, that narrated the tale of unique investigations about a series of brutal crimes, and their attempt at apprehending the culprits. Introducing new characters throughout the show, Wolf not only witnessed success but also watched his iconic show give birth to six other police dramas and spin-offs.
“This was a beautiful way to go”: ‘Law & Order’ Veteran Sam Waterston Gets a New Lease on Life After Retiring From Show For the Last Time in 30 Years
But while the crime show witnessed a successful run, with a rather large cast portraying various detectives, police administrators, prosecutors, and defense attorneys, Dick Wolf also noticed stagnancy with a few roles. Take for example Elisabeth Röhm, who personally believed that her character, Serena Southerlyn, was getting stale over time. With a lack of growth and progress, Röhm toldTodayabout her urge to leave.
I didn’t have anything else that I could offer this character.
That’s when writer and producer Dick Wolf allowed Elisabeth Röhm to craft her own departure. According to the actress’ discussion withHuffPost, Röhm mentioned how Wolf had asked her if she would prefer a “splashy ending or a typical ‘Law & Order’ ending”. Well, if you’ve watched the show, then you’d know that Röhm chose the former and left the show by getting fired over her possible sexuality.
Dick Wolf’s Risky Decision Could Have Ended the Show in Today’s Climate
Appearing in the show from seasons 12 to 15, Elisabeth Röhm played the role of Serena Southerlyn, who was fired during the middle of season 15, in episodeAin’t No Love. Röhm’s departure turned out to be super unexpected, as the show saw District Attorney Arthur Branch (Fred Dalton Thompson) firing Southerlyn, saying she is too sympathetic to defendants.
“It’s been a helluva ride”: ‘Law & Order’ Fans in Shock as Show’s Longest-Running Cast Member Gets Written Off After 400 Episodes
However, in response to the firing, fans noticed Serena Southerlyn ask if she was fired because she is a lesbian—a fact that had not been hinted at in the scripts. Well, audiences were undoubtedly stunned to know that one of the longest-serving ADAs on the show had been gay all along. But while this dramatic exit served its purpose in 2005, it surely would have gotten the show canceled if it were today.
The unexpected nature of Serena Southerlyn’sdeparture fromLaw & Orderwas indeed a bold move by Dick Wolf as of 2005. But in today’s more socially conscious climate, considering how audiences have grown sensitive to such topics and portrayals in media, this plot twist may have caused immediate backlash and scrutiny. This plot twist may have gotten slammed as a cheap narrative trick, especially since Elisabeth Röhm isn’t lesbian in real life.
Considering how audiences have voiced their opinions about accurate representation of the LGBTQ+ community and of people of color, Elisabeth Röhm’s sudden revelation about being lesbian inLaw & Ordermight have gotten the show canceled in today’s world. So it seems that the approach, which worked in the early 2000s, now stands as a nostalgic memory of a time when storytelling boundaries were less defined and risk-taking was more common.
Law & Orderis currently available to watch on Prime Video.
Krittika Mukherjee
Senior Writer
Articles Published :3217
Krittika Mukherjee is a Senior Entertainment Writer at FandomWire, majorly focusing on films, TV shows, and celebrity news with over 3,000 articles published. With an educational background in Journalism, and a keen interest in filmmaking, Krittika blends factual precision with creative flair, when crafting her editorials, or dissecting fan theories.Her coverage often includes news and analyses of critically acclaimed films, celebrity news, and franchises like the Wizarding World, LOTR, DC, and MCU—particularly Harry Potter, Fantastic Beasts, Superheroes, and fan theories. As a Wizarding World aficionado, Krittika has spent countless hours exploring hidden backstories, unadapted book moments, spells, and trivias surrounding J.K. Rowling’s lore.An imaginative writer with a way with words, Krittika has worked as an entertainment journalist for the past two years and a web content writer for a year. She brought her experience and expertise to FandomWire to pursue her desire for sipping coffee while dissecting films and tracking celebrity drama.
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Dick WolfLaw & Order
