It’s always a pleasant surprise when one of our favorites from the past returns on Law & Order.
We’ve seen so many great actors and characters come and go from the main show and its spinoffs, and every so often, we get to see one back in action for at least one episode.
Many times it’s just for a friendly visit, a casual consultation, or to provide some necessary information, and other times they’re more involved in the case.
There are many former characters that fans want to see return for a season, but I’d like to see these three specifically from the Law & Order franchise pop up again in a future episode.
Let’s Revisit Defense Attorney Paul Robinette
A serious blast from the past would be Paul Robinette (Richard Brooks) returning to the show after his hiatus.
I enjoyed ADA Robinette’s hard-nosed style alongside EADA Ben Stone (Michael Moriarty), seeing them bump heads, and doing everything possible to win cases.
Robinette was a regular for the first three seasons of the NBC drama and returned to the show in a guest star role as a defense attorney for Seasons 6, 16, and 17.
We haven’t seen Robinette since he took on then-executive assistant district attorney Jack McCoy, and it feels like time for him to return as a skilled defense attorney battling EADA Nolan Price (Hugh Dancy) or whoever is in the position when he’s there.
How About Former ADA Constance Rubirosa?
She’s a popular ADA that many fans wouldn’t mind seeing back, who appeared in Seasons 17 through 20, returned for the short-lived Law & Order: LA, and again for Law & Order: SVU in a Season 15 episode as an assistant U.S. attorney in the Southern District of New York.
After the drama between EADA Price and ADA Samantha Maroun (Odelya Halevi) in the Law & Order Season 24 finale, Constance Rubirosa might need to drop by the office to help with a case or two.
However, as of this writing, actress Alana de la Garza is currently starring as Isobel Castile on CBS’s FBI: International, another of the fabulous Dick Wolf’s creations.
Nonetheless, Reddit fans pointed out an interesting Easter Egg: Constance Rubirosa’s name is still listed on a directory inside the New York District Attorney’s office building, so maybe it’s a hint she’ll return in some capacity.
Detective Robert Goren Would Be a Major Surprise
I realize he’s from a canceled spinoff of the original series, but I believe he was one of the most intriguing detectives they ever brought into the L&O franchise.
Detective Goren had a unique nature regarding his crime-solving skills, particularly his brain’s extensive knowledge of information and an impressive ability to work his way into suspects’ minds, causing them to confess their crimes.
There may have been some missteps with his character’s story throughout the series, and actor Vincent D’Onofrio has now become larger-than-life as Marvel’s Kingpin in Daredevil: Born Again on Disney+ and in other movie roles.
While D’Onofrio is probably pricey to bring back, maybe Law & Order could find a way to write Goren in for a small part of an episode, perhaps as someone the detectives visit with briefly to discuss a cold case or potential suspect?
There Are Many Stars Who Fans Want to See Back on Law & Order
There are obviously plenty of other characters that could return from the many who appeared in the Law & Order franchise, and the three I mentioned above are personal picks.
Other fans might prefer to see Angie Harmon as ADA Abbie Carmichael, BD Wong as SVU’s Special Agent George Huang, Benjamin Bratt as Junior Detective Rey Curtis, Jesse L. Martin as former Senior Detective Ed Green, or another former character.
There was excitement with Law & Order’s revival, and it’s still an excellent live watch or binge for many fans, although criticisms persist.
While former characters don’t necessarily fix issues such as disliking the latest cast, the writing, or predictable cases, advertising a returning actor and character can ignite interest in watching the show.
Law & Order fans, who are your top three picks you’d like to see return for a guest appearance?
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