Over sharing can be an awkward situation.

Suddenly in the middle of a conversation with a friend/co-worker/family member, they share too much information (or TMI as the kids say. Do the kids just say that or am I awkwardly trying to appear hip?). And you think to yourself, "You know what? I would have been fine living the rest of my life without knowing that."

That’s kind of how I felt watching this week’s episode of Law & Order (Wednesday at 10 p.m. on NBC). Jesse L. Martin. who has played Detective Ed Green for nine seasons, is departing the series this week.(By the way, doesn’t it seem like just yesterday that we learned that Ally McBeal’s boyfriend was going to be on Law & Order? TV time can really fly.)

Law & Order is not a show made for telling the viewers about the character’s personal lives. Therefore this episode, which throws the viewer into the deep end of Detective Green’s personal life, is jarring. It’s a little like add water, instant back story. It’s clunky and it doesn’t quite work.

That being said, I’m going to miss Martin’s smooth style on the series and I like the fact that his exit leaves the door open for him to return to the Law & Order franchise (hey Chris Noth eventually came back and I'm holding out hope that Martin will too). And I’m thrilled that Anthony Anderson is joining the cast as Detective Kevin Bernard. Anderson is easily one of my favorite actors. I’ve been particularly partial to him ever since he played the nefarious Antwon Mitchell on The Shield. I think he’s really one of the most versatile actors on TV today. And he was definitely the best thing about K-ville so I’m delighted that he’s so quickly reappeared after that show’s cancellation. He’s going to be a great addition to Law & Order.

Now let’s talk about the other changes in the 18th season of the series. I’ve heard from many of you who have not been happy with Sam Waterson’s reduced screen time now that his Jack McCoy is the District Attorney. I agree we see a lot less of him but I think we see just about as much of him as we have of the show’s previous District Attorneys. And how are you feeling about Linus Roache’s Michael Cutter? My friend, Nancy, still complains of his "with the times" style of constantly being on his blackberry. He’s definitely one of the more abrasive characters the show has had but I still kind of like him.

What do you think of Law & Order this season? Talk about it below. And after you watch this week’s episode, definitely let me know what you think.

Highlights of the Week Ahead

All times listed are Eastern Standard Time for April 21-27

Gossip Girl is back with new episodes Monday at 8 p.m. on the CW. When we last left Blair she had been seriously dethroned and now must begin her plot to regain her rightful spot in the Upper East Side hierarchy. Meanwhile Jenny does just about anything to be popular. In a rather odd move, the CW has pulled the streaming video of the episodes and now the only way you’ll be able to watch them is on TV. Thankfully, the episodes will repeat every Sunday at 6 p.m. and there will still be content on cwtv.com including post episode interviews with executive producer Josh Schwartz. Click here and here for a preview of this week's episode.

Come on everybody, let’s go to the mall. Robin let’s the gang know there is another Robin Sparkles video out there on How I Met Your Mother (Monday, CBS, 8:30 p.m.). James Van der Beek (that's Dawson to you and me) guest stars as Robin’s former boyfriend (pssst Robin, you should so totally choose Pacey). This series has been on a roll since returning from the strike so I have high hopes for this episode.

Steve and Tony are back on Reaper (Tuesday at 9 p.m. on the CW) and they have a plan to destroy the devil. Check out a preview here and here.

Patrick gets a job with Jane’s company and Cash is discharged from the hospital on Men in Trees (Wednesday at 10 p.m. on ABC). Fans of Men in Trees let me know about a really interesting campaign they did to show their support of the show. The Plant it Forward campaign donated 7,000 trees to impoverished countries through an organization called Trees for Life. Find out more about the campaign here.

Thursday nights have never been so stressful so you might want to sit down. We’ve got all new episodes over at NBC, all new episodes happening on CBS, the return of brand new episodes of Supernatural and all new episodes on ABC. So take a moment, breathe deeply and go ask your boss to take Friday off because you are going to need that day to catch up. The Winchester boys are the stars of a new reality show called "Ghostfacers" at 9 p.m. on the CW. Jayma Mays is back as Charlie on Ugly Betty (Thursday, ABC, 8 p.m.) and she’s ruining Betty’s 24th birthday. Derek is dating Rose on Grey’s Anatomy (Thursday, ABC, 9 p.m.). And Locke’s camp is under attack on Lost (Thursday, ABC, 10 p.m.). Like I said we’ve got a lot to deal with this week. You actually might want to take Wednesday off too just to prepare.

Don’t forget that Eric Winter, Robert’s brother Jason on Brothers & Sisters, begins his guest star turn as Assistant District Attorney Benjamin Talbot on a new episode of Moonlight Friday at 9 p.m. on CBS.

That's all for today. I'll be back on Wednesday with this week’s familiar faces (we all heart Richard Schiff) and much more. Have a question, seen a familiar face, want to nominate a quote of the week or a topic for discussion? Write me at amytvgal@zap2it.com.

Comments

Oh my gosh, Robin Sparkles is back. What's that about (pronounced the Canadian way)?

My TiVo is gonna be working over time on Thursday, 3 hours of double recording, maybe, I do have to take off on Friday.

Ritchie | Apr 21, 2008 12:47:22 PM | #

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Add Adam Beach to the list of former L&O actors who very much deserves his own show. I was disappointed in how little they used him on SVU. I really hope we see him again soon.

Kathy B | Apr 21, 2008 12:50:53 PM | #

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OMG - Thursday is going to be So stressful, especiallyy with teh return of Supernatural (which should have a tie-in with the new X-Files movie)

As far as L&O, I really like what Linus Roache has done this year as ADA, especially how his character seems conflicted at times on how best to get the bad guy. Any scene w/o Sam Waterson is a letdown on that show, but I have to say its nice to see his character have more authority when handling cases.
With as long as L&O has been on, its surprising how well they handle casting (They should probably handle casting for half the shows on TV). The three I did not like were Angie Harmon Dennis Farina and Dianne Wiest.
Jesse Martin's performance puts him, in my eyes, as one of the top three cops on that show, heck in the whole franchise. Chris Noth being number 1, and Jerry Orbach being number 2.

David | Apr 21, 2008 1:12:36 PM | #

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Anthony Anderson was awesome as the crazy fast food guy on Harold & Kumar go to White Castle!!

pam | Apr 21, 2008 1:25:57 PM | #

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I am sad about Jesse leaving.
He was my second favorite to only Lennie.(oh Jerry I miss you)

I guess I am not with you on liking Anthony Anderson, he drives me up the wall and I might have to stop watching. I will miss my Jack McCoy.

Danielle | Apr 21, 2008 1:32:29 PM | #

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See, Thursdays are so freaking easy for me. It's Monday's that I have a hard time with. Thursday I only watch Smallville, Supernatural, and Ugly Betty. But Mondays... I have Gossip Girl, One Tree Hill, HIMYM, 2 1/2 Men, Bones, Samantha Who, Greek, and then in the fall, add Heroes into the mix. Yikes!

As for Jesse L. Martin... get that dude back on Broadway. He's way too talented of a singer to be doing law shows.

Potch | Apr 21, 2008 1:35:01 PM | #

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what? what's this about Richard Schiff? what has he been on recently? i love him!

maria | Apr 21, 2008 1:45:47 PM | #

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Richard Schiff played the rabbi on Eli Stone last Thursday.

Jan | Apr 21, 2008 2:08:57 PM | #

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I'll miss Jesse Martin, although I do agree he's too talented to be on L&O only. As for the revolving door of characters on L&O, this is the only realistic aspect of these shows. ADA's, DA's,and Detectives move around quite a bit.

I look forward to someone replacing Adam Beach because I felt the Chester Lake character was kind of forced on us. I don't know if I will miss Diane Neal as much as I miss Stephanie March/Alex Cabot though.

E | Apr 21, 2008 2:19:36 PM | #

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How can you not mention that "Lost" is returning under "Highlights of the Week Ahead"?

Lauren B | Apr 21, 2008 3:14:28 PM | #

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So excited about GOSSIP GIRL!!!...and of course Lost and Ugly Betty

GOSSIP GIRL...OMFG..It's been a long three months!

Watch Live at 8PM

Kara | Apr 21, 2008 3:49:01 PM | #

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I'm disappointed that GG will only be shown on tv. I don't love watching shows on the computer, but it is a nice way to deal with the days when three things come on at the same time!

Mondays and Thursdays are the most jam-packed. And Tuesdays and Wednesdays (at least until Pushing Daisies and Dirty Sexy Money return next fall) are almost completely free of shows I enjoy. At least Reaper will be back tomorrow. I'm loving the new direction of the show--more mythology + less whining = a very good show.

Jen | Apr 21, 2008 3:53:39 PM | #

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There are like 7 worthy shows on Thursday nights. Do the networks hate us? My poor Tivo doesn't quite know what to do with itself to the point that I had to retell it to record Scrubs. Boo, networks!

Cat | Apr 21, 2008 4:10:59 PM | #

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I totally agree with you Jen.

I'm really looking forward to new episodes of Reaper on Tuesdays. The show has really begun to find it's footing. I hope the CW picks it up for another season!

I'm with Jen | Apr 21, 2008 4:11:41 PM | #

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I'm really going to miss the camaraderie that developed between Martin's Green and Jeremy Sisto's "Lupes," but I think that Anderson will be a good addition to an already strong cast. I'm loving the energy that Sisto and Linus Roache have brought to the show.

I can see how Roache's Cutter can be off putting, I find him really compelling and fun to watch. And speaking of delving into the personal lives of characters, I'm wondering if the L&O PTB are going to get a little soap opera on us and hook up Cutter and Rubirosa. The past few eps have hinted that he has a crush on her, and their interactions been very flirty IMO.

Laura | Apr 21, 2008 4:36:16 PM | #

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Nice episode of HIMYM, but Robin and Simon completely sounded Swedish at the beginning of the episode. Great twist at the end.

I just wish the video music had been catchier.

Tracy | Apr 21, 2008 6:04:35 PM | #

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loved the end of HIMYM ...
am i the only canadian who couldnt get gossip girl tonight?
anybody know where i can at least watch bits and pieces of it online? help

ms v | Apr 21, 2008 6:32:29 PM | #

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I have been a fan of Linus Roache for a long time and was excited when I heard he would be on L&O. I do like his character, and I think we still see Jack more than we did the previous DAs. However, it is Jeremy Sisto that I think has rejuvenated the show. He is like the young Mike Logan all over again!!! I'll definitely miss Jesse, but I think in general L&O is better than it's been since Jerry Orbach left. Hopefully that will continue once we lose Ed Green and his great banter with "Lupes."

Allie | Apr 21, 2008 7:23:59 PM | #

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L&O has been revived this year. I love the addition of both Sisto and Roache. I miss hearing McCoy's speeches. I am sad to see Jesse leave, but look forward to the remainder of the season and next.

JD | Apr 21, 2008 9:29:22 PM | #

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I haven't been this sad about a character leaving L&O since Lenny (Jerry Orbach) left.

Check out my L&O character flow chart! Now there's a way to keep track of why they left.
http://adayinthelifeofgoogle.vox.com/

Liz | Apr 21, 2008 10:09:32 PM | #

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Liz, I looked at your L&O flow-chart and am curious re: Claire. Did they ever confirm she was in a coma? I know they initially left her fate ambiguous in case Jill Hennessey ever wanted to return, but after awhile I thought they just wanted us to assume she had died in the accident. The most tragic departure after Lenny and Mike... I loved her and Jack!!!

Allie | Apr 21, 2008 10:37:12 PM | #

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Amy, am I wrong but didn't Anthony Anderson appear in a few episodes of L&O SVU as Eliot's partner when Mariska Hargitay was on maternity leave?

Sirius | Apr 22, 2008 2:21:02 AM | #

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I like Anthony Anderson, but I think they should have gotten the guy that played in Barber Shop 2, the gorgeous one. What I'm trying to say is they should have gone sexy.

Karen P | Apr 22, 2008 5:01:08 AM | #

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I love Lupo on L&O, he wasn't very good in the first episode, but I am really starting to like his character. I think he is going to remain a good fit for the show. I am not a big Linus Roache fan, at least when he plays Michael Cutter. I think that he just hasn't decided how his character is going to act. Because he is not as agressive or as risk taking as McCoy, and he has limits, example
"Executioner". I think that they should give McCoy more screen time, because let's face it many people have only watched the show, especially after Jerry Orbach passed, because he has been on it. I think that the "loyal" fanbase really wants to see more McCoy. I think that they are using Epatha Merkerson more this season, which is great because she is such a great actor. I agree they need to cool it on the whole Blackberry thing where people are saying that they are trying to make McCoy look old. I think that they need to remember that when they moved McCoy up that Cutter had some big shoes to fill and it is going to take a while for those shoes to get filled. And I think that they shouldn't force the audience to view McCoy as old, just because they have a young, new actor in his old spot. But I think everybody needs to give the new actors time to grow their characters, but overall a really good cast. I am really going to miss Jesse, but I am really looking forward to Anthony Anderson, I think he is one of those actors that is going to be GREAT on the show. I think that next season should be really good, with all of the new faces, and that should give all of the actors time to grow their characters.

Lindsay | Apr 22, 2008 5:13:28 AM | #

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I love Jesse Martin on L&O, but he probably wants to do other things and you can't knock him for that. He was too cool, he has that swagger...

Me | Apr 22, 2008 5:41:20 AM | #

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Actually Richard Schiff's character was married to a rabbi. He did not play a rabbi himself on Eli Stone. In fact, he wasn't even all that religious until just recently, on the show, that is.

Eli Stone almost made it seem like Dr. Chen was capable of entering people's minds this week.

HSDPpres | Apr 22, 2008 7:01:12 AM | #

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I love the second half of the show. I think Linus Roache and Alana De La Garza are a really energetic team with good chemistry. She has become a real asset to the show, my favorite ADA since Abbie Carmichael and Linus reminds me of a young Jack McCoy. I hope they keep the integrity of the second half until the mothership's end.

First half of the show, I'm going to give Anthony Anderson a chance certainly, but I'll definitely miss Jesse Martin. Good luck to him.

Raffy | Apr 22, 2008 7:18:42 AM | #

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I will miss Jesse terribly. Great actor, but I look forward to his portrayal of Marvin Gaye in "Sexual Healing."

Plus, he is in talks to star in the Broadway version of "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner."

Best of luck to him and THANK YOU for adding in your post that there is room for him to come back and that the door isn't closed - that will help watching Wednesday night.

Christine | Apr 22, 2008 8:00:41 AM | #

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Born and bred in Canada. Live in Toronto. Been from St. John's, NF, to Vancouver Island, BC. Never, ever heard the accents on HIMYM before.

Where in Canada is Robin supposed to be from, anyway?

Jamie | Apr 22, 2008 8:50:52 AM | #

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The best four-way combo in the revolving door of Law & Order:

Lennie Briscoe and Ed Green

Jack McCoy and Abbie Carmichael.

Tim | Apr 22, 2008 10:03:51 AM | #

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I have always loved HIMYM so when I watched this episode, I felt as if it didn't live up to my expectations. To me, the second Robin Sparkles video felt anticlimatic. Did it to you?

Anyways, HIMYM is still one of the best shows on tv!

Karen | Apr 22, 2008 10:11:14 AM | #

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Lost is coming back!

That said, I really like the new life that's been breathed into Law and Order. I think that Michael has great chemistry with his assistant and a great abrasive relationship with Jack. It's a very interesting show right now. I will miss Ed.

Amanda B. | Apr 22, 2008 10:39:09 AM | #

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Speaking of Law and Order... Diane Neal and another cast member are departing SVU this season as well, so two of the L&O franchises are losing some of their named stars this season.

I really enjoyed Jesse Martin's performances and will definitely miss him. I like Anthony Anderson, but I have my doubts regarding his ability to carry the "lead detective" banner. We'll see how it goes, I guess.

And, really, no mention of Lost on Thursday? Like, the first BRAND NEW Lost in five weeks? Not a blip, eh?

Is anyone else sort of looking forward to Scarlet on April 28? Or might it be just sort of another Alias/Dark Angel rip-off?

AdSlinger | Apr 22, 2008 10:48:52 AM | #

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Best episode of HIMYM ever! But I am Canadian and don't know a single one who speaks with an accent like that.

Tracey | Apr 22, 2008 1:36:46 PM | #

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FYI - at some point after it was discussed that Claire Kinkaid was comatose it was confirmed that she had since passed away("Sideshow")...
I agree w/Tim about the best 4 way combo being Lennie Briscoe and Ed Green / Jack McCoy and Abbie Carmichael!

s | Apr 22, 2008 1:40:28 PM | #

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I will miss Jesse L. Martin, but I am looking forward to Anthony Anderson. I think he will and Lupo will make a great team.

I also love Linus Roache. He is basically why I came back to Law & Order. He brings a whole new energy and I love the chemistry between him and Connie Rubirosa. Looking forward to the new episodes.

Connie | Apr 22, 2008 2:17:54 PM | #

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MARTIN'S DEPARTURE FROM THE IS A HUGH LET DOWN BUT THE ADDITION OF ANTHONY ANDERSON IS A GREAT CASTING MOVE.!!

michael t. | Apr 22, 2008 3:42:30 PM | #

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I too like Linus Roach, but it took a minute to "get" him. I will SOOO miss Jesse Martin, but he gonna be Marvin Gaye in the movie of Marvins life, so that'll ROCK! I dont like Jeremy Sisto, he still seems like the guy who slept with his sister on 6 ft under..ugh Love Gossip Girl..especially the narration..OTH seems too much toe same..& Lucas looks sorta ape/man like.no?? Happy Bettys coming back..I like Anthony A. but I too wish they'd gone "sexY"..To Tracy..
Im canadian.&.even after being raised in Ca. I still say "ouut" & aboout"..its genetic people..So, obviously I love Robin! Idid not know Claire Kincaid "died"..bummer..
Lennie Brisoe....RIP

lizouttavegas | Apr 22, 2008 3:53:33 PM | #

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TV IS BACK!!!!! TANK GOD FOR BEING STRESSED OUT AT PLOT LINES! YES!

MEEKS | Apr 22, 2008 5:36:06 PM | #

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TV IS BACK!!!!! TANK GOD FOR BEING STRESSED OUT AT PLOT LINES! YES!

MEEKS | Apr 22, 2008 5:37:25 PM | #

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Green leaving L&O isn't a big deal, because the revolving door is one of the reasons why the show has survived for so long. As long as it makes it to 20 I'll be happy, as I expect to only see Gunsmoke's record met once more (by a drama show; The Simpsons doesn't count) because I don't think there will ever be another series with such longevity. I don't think network TV has another 20 years left to it anyway.

Alex | Apr 22, 2008 7:19:36 PM | #

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I miss Jack. I like the new ADA well enough, but he isn't Jack.

I will be very sorry to see Green go, he's been marvelous on the show. I am not familiar with the actor replacing him, so I can but hope for the best.

c | Apr 22, 2008 7:25:04 PM | #

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I will miss Jesse L. Martin on "Law & Order," but who can blame him for wanting to do the Marvin Gay biopic? That should be cool.

I also like Linus Roache's Mike Cutter. Kind of miss not seeing as much of Jack McCoy, but not as much is better than not at all. And it does make sense for his character to be "promoted" after all these years.

The second Robin Sparkles video was supposed to be a dud.

meggins | Apr 22, 2008 8:12:43 PM | #

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Sisto & Roache cast changes made me tune in to L & O this season for the first time in a looong while, and I think they're both great characters. I will reallly miss the Green & Lupo chemistry because it was quite good but very short-lived, as we now know!

Crystal | Apr 22, 2008 10:40:52 PM | #

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Thursday is why I don't think I could live without my Tivos (2). Four satellite inputs, all in HD. Gonna need it this week. Thursday at 10pm is a good example. ABC has Lost, CBS has Without a Trace, and NBC has ER. I know I'm sick, but I can't break up with ER either. That means that with a single Tivo, I'd still be caught short. And my wife told me we'd never need 2 DVR's!

Eric | Apr 23, 2008 1:30:53 AM | #

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Am loving L&O this season and I haven't considered it "Must See TV" in a while! Linus Roache was the main reason I came back and I really like the the chemistry with Cutter and Connie. Will definitely miss Jesse Martin. I thought this year's cast really gelled.

BTW - I too am Canadian and have never met anyone that talks like that who hasn't lived in Nunavut! Cobie Smulders is Canadian and she got the "oot" down but Dawson
just freaked me out! Laughed hysterically at the opening "Canadian" digs though. That show has definitely become one of my faves but I missed the Britney ep.

AlexnNate | Apr 23, 2008 6:56:18 AM | #

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I'm Canadian as well. I know people all across the country and have never heard anyone say abooot or sound quite that harsh with an accent. Still it was a hilarious episode of HIMYM and I can enjoy with eye rolling those CAN digs. I love Barney! Oh and woo hoo... Supernatural is back tomorrow. I've missed it.

lostalias | Apr 23, 2008 11:12:02 AM | #

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I like that L&O:TOS keeps rotating characters in and out. Besides, it is not about the characters but the TRIAL OF THE WEEK! :-) But I don't get that on L&O:CI, Mike Logan has been through as many partners as seasons... what's up with that?

Jesse L Martin left for half a season to do the RENT movie, so maybe he'll be back.

Linus Roche rubbed me the wrong way in the first episode but he's grown on me. It is interesting to see Cutter being the ADA pushing the envelope and McCoy reining him in (or not). Cutter seems to be a better foil for Rubirosa. Still would be nice to see Claire (Hennessey) come back, although worse is the rumor that Thompson wants to act again.... [harump]

madbard | Apr 23, 2008 3:58:19 PM | #

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I heart Jeremy Sisto and Linus Roache. Jeremy was the reason I tuned into the season premiere, and he and Linus are the reason I keep tuning in every week. Don't get me wrong, I really like the rest of the cast, but they never made me feel compelled to make an effort to tune in. I'm sad to see Jesse and his Det. Green go, because, as others have mentioned, I love the chemistry between him and Lupo, but he's not the main reason I watch the show.

snarkycole | Apr 23, 2008 11:38:55 PM | #

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I will miss Jesse Martin. I'm so glad L&O is on in syndication so I can still see Det. Ed Green. I did't mind the personal stuff they threw in the episode - it told a story that I needed to hear so he could leave on a positive note. I was skeptical when I read about Anthony Mitchell was joining the cast, but after seeing the episode I know I was wrong. He's a great addition, as is Linus Roache and Jeremy Sisto. I love L&O. And finally, Anthony Mitchell did play on the SVU version but his character was very abrasive and I didn't like him.

Liz | Apr 24, 2008 8:51:24 AM | #

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Argh, why must Anthony Anderson join this show? I don't have time for a third L&O show, but he's just too good of an actor.

BobDob | Apr 26, 2008 10:27:51 AM | #

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I missed the final episode with Detective Green leaving. Please let me know if they will repeat it or not.Or,is it on line somewhere? I will miss Det. Green, he was one of my top 3, too.

Vicki | May 13, 2008 12:22:14 PM | #

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