LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - Actor-playwright Eric Bogosian has joined the cast of NBC's "Law & Order: Criminal Intent" as the head of the NYPD's Major Case Squad.

The role was originated by Jamey Sheridan, who left the show in May after playing Capt. James Deakins for the drama's first five seasons.

The addition of Bogosian is part of a major casting reshuffle on the "Law & Order" spinoff. Julianne Nicholson is joining as Detective Megan Wheeler, the new partner of Detective Mike Logan (Chris Noth), and Nona Gaye will play Assistant District Attorney Patricia Kent.



Their respective predecessors were Annabella Sciorra, who had played Detective Carolyn Barek since 2005, and original cast member Courtney B. Vance, who played ADA Ron Carver.

Bogosian most recently co-starred on CBS' short-lived comedy-drama "Love Monkey." His feature credits include "Blade: Trinity," "Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle" and "Ararat."

His writing credits include the plays "Talk Radio" and "Suburbia," and the one-man shows "Drinking in America" and "Sex, Drugs, Rock & Roll."

Reuters/Hollywood Reporter

Two points -

1. Eric Bogosian has talent, but he isn't a good fit for the show. Period. Kind of like Dennis Hopper as a Pentagon insider military type in that show last fall (don't remember the name). Good actor, wrong role.

2. The L&O franchises have always been known for change, but this kind of mass cast upheaval is way more than even L&O usually has. Have to wonder what's going on behind the scenes.

Well, I do know that "CI's" ratings have slipped in the last couple of years. I guess they are trying to do everything in their power to retool.

I can't believe they brought this show back!! It seems so contrived to me!

Two points -

1. Eric Bogosian has talent, but he isn't a good fit for the show. Period. Kind of like Dennis Hopper as a Pentagon insider military type in that show last fall (don't remember the name). Good actor, wrong role.

2. The L&O franchises have always been known for change, but this kind of mass cast upheaval is way more than even L&O usually has. Have to wonder what's going on behind the scenes.

The season premier wasn't bad, but I will say I HATE :barf: Eric Bogosianpuke: as the new captain.
And BTW what is with hurting the cast for the season premiers.... first on CI, then on SVU and then on CSI (Las Vegas) {I know, different set of shows}. I thought they left that stuff for the season finales?!?!?!?