News that Elisabeth Rohm, Assistant D.A. Serena Southerlyn on Law & Order, will probably leave the show after the first 13 episodes in the 2004-2005 seasons is a relief. Sure, it makes the show seem unstable, what with the departure of Jerry Orbach and introduction of Dennis Farina's world weary cop this fall, but, in Gothamist's own opinion, Southerlyn has been personalityless and, frankly, a pain in the ass. The best A.D.A's have been Richard Brooks, Carey Lowell, and, yes, even Angie Harmon, for having strongly etched personalities that could shine through, especially since the show rarely dwells on their personal lives. L&O producer Dick Wolf says, "Lis has done a terrific job...and she has been a consummate professional...[But] we knew she had other career interests and opportunities." Rohm herself says, "Sam Waterston has been a great teacher and friend who has taught me about taking risks, and it is time to put that knowledge into action." Yes, like filming Miss Congeniality 2. You go, girl! Anyway, though Rohm has improved since starting on the show in 2001, she puts the ill in shrill; Gothamist is more impressed by how good her hair has been looking. Now, we can spend a few months thinking about how she'll leave. In a body bag, like Jill Hennessy, or abruptly and almost gleefully, like Harmon? Or, how about an alien abduction? That'd be a sweeps event.
And we're psyched that Jesse L. Martin is looking to sign on for a few more seasons. He's now going to be the longest running "young, good-looking detective" in the formula.
