Imagine tuning into your favorite show, only to be hit with the gut-wrenching news of a beloved character’s death. That’s exactly what fans of Law & Order: SVU experienced when the show returned for its 27th season. But here’s where it gets emotional: the funeral wasn’t just a plot twist—it was a heartfelt goodbye to Captain Donald Cragen, played by the iconic Dann Florek, who left the show in 2014 when his character retired. While Dann is alive and well in real life, the episode left fans—and the cast—reeling, with Mariska Hargitay describing the experience as 'rough.'
During her appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show on October 15, Mariska opened up about the loss. When Kelly Clarkson remarked, 'Season 27 started with a big loss for your crew,' Mariska didn’t hold back: 'It did indeed, we lost Captain Cragen. That was a rough one!' And this is the part most people miss: the emotional weight of the scene wasn’t just acting—it was real. With the return of B.D. Wong, Dean Winters, and Christopher Meloni reprising their roles, the funeral felt like a reunion of old friends, honoring both the character and the actor who brought him to life.
'These scenes are so earned,' Mariska explained, her voice tinged with nostalgia. 'There’s just an ease and effortlessness to it because we lived it.' Her words hinted at the deeper layers of emotion, not just from Dann’s departure over a decade ago, but also from the real-life losses the cast has endured, like the passing of Richard Belzer in 2023. It’s a reminder that, for these actors, the show isn’t just a job—it’s a family.
But here’s where it gets controversial: Season 27 marks another significant change—the show’s first-ever female showrunner, Michele Fazekas. Mariska didn’t mince words about her excitement: 'I really wanted a female showrunner,' she said, beaming with pride. Fazekas, who previously worked on the show as a writer and co-executive producer, is no stranger to SVU’s DNA. 'She was so brilliant, and all my favorite episodes are hers,' Mariska gushed. 'The show feels like there’s this incredible renewal to it, and just that the women are running the show, literally.'
Speaking of women taking charge, the return of Kelli Giddish as Amanda Rollins only adds to the sense of fresh energy. Meanwhile, Fazekas is determined to bring the show back to its roots while injecting new life into it. In an interview with People, she teased what’s to come: 'We’re going back to what worked well in seasons three through seven, but with a twist.' And this is where it gets intriguing: Fazekas promises 'twisty' cases that keep viewers guessing, along with new challenges for Olivia Benson that will push her in ways we haven’t seen in years.
With a new producing director, updated cameras, and revamped sets, SVU is clearly evolving. But the question remains: can it strike the perfect balance between honoring its past and embracing its future? What do you think? Is this the revival SVU needs, or is it a risky move? Let us know in the comments—we’re all ears!
