Law & Order (season 20)

Law & Order Season 20
The final season cast (2009–2010) of Law & Order; from left, S. Epatha Merkerson, Jeremy Sisto, Anthony Anderson, Sam Waterston, Alana de la Garza, and Linus Roache.
Country of origin	United States
No. of episodes	23
Broadcast
Original channel	NBC
Original run	September 25, 2009 (2009-09-25) – May 24, 2010 (2010-05-24)
Season chronology
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The following is a list of Law & Order episodes from the series' twentieth and final season (2009–2010).^[1] The long-running series entered its final season on September 25, 2009, for which it was moved from its previous time slot to air on Fridays at 8 p.m. ET for the NBC broadcast.^[2] L&O was moved to Monday nights on March 1, 2010 with a two-hour telecast at 9 p.m. ET, before settling into its new time slot at 10 p.m. the following week, March 8.^[3]

During the season, The Jay Leno Show in primetime was cancelled and Leno returned to the 11:35 pm Tonight Show because of affiliate dissatisfaction. Three more episodes of Law & Order were ordered to fill the primetime gap, increasing the number of episodes for the season to 23.^[4] On May 14, 2010, NBC cancelled Law & Order after 20 seasons on the air, tying it with Gunsmoke as American network television's longest-running, regularly scheduled primetime drama. The final episode aired on NBC May 24, 2010.^[5]

The late announcement of the cancellation resulted in Law & Order not having a "series finale" episode. Had the series continued, it would have been the last to feature S. Epatha Merkerson, who prior to the cancellation announcement had herself announced that she would not return for the 21st season.^[6]

Although NBC cancelled Law & Order, AMC Network investigated its revival;^[7] however, attempts to revive it failed, and according to series creator Dick Wolf, the series has now "moved to the history books."^[8]

Cast

Law

• Jeremy Sisto – Det. Cyrus Lupo
• Anthony Anderson - Det. Kevin Bernard
• S. Epatha Merkerson – Lt. Anita Van Buren

Order

• Linus Roache – Executive A.D.A. Michael Cutter
• Alana de la Garza – A.D.A. Connie Rubirosa
• Sam Waterston – D.A. Jack McCoy

Episodes

№	Ep	Title	Directed by	Written by	Airdate	Prod. code	Viewers (millions)
434	1	"Memo from the Dark Side"	Fred Berner	Keith Eisner, René Balcer	September 25, 2009 (2009-09-25)	20001	6.29[9]
The body of a young war veteran is found in a parking garage and the murder is connected to a law professor who used to work for the Department of Justice.
435	2	"Just a Girl in the World"	Marisol Torres	Richard Sweren, Christopher Ambrose	October 2, 2009 (2009-10-02)	20002	6.68[10]
A crime scene investigator is murdered in her apartment. Her fiance is suspected, but then a journalist is attacked and DNA is found at the scene that links this crime to the murder.
436	3	"Great Satan"	Michael Dinner	Luke Schelhaas, Ed Zuckerman	October 9, 2009 (2009-10-09)	20003	7.23[11]
Detectives Lupo and Bernard investigate when an aspiring musician is found dead. A bag of cash leads them to multiple suspects. Guest Star: Sean Nelson.
437	4	"Reality Bites"	Constantine Makris	Luke Schelhaas, Ed Zuckerman	October 16, 2009 (2009-10-16)	20004	7.60[12]
A mother of ten adopted special needs children is murdered. Guest Stars: Jim Gaffigan and Michael Showalter.
438	5	"Dignity"	Jim McKay	Julie Martin, Richard Sweren	October 23, 2009 (2009-10-23)	20005	7.17[13]
A doctor who performs late-term abortions is murdered in church.
439	6	"Human Flesh Search Engine"	Darnell Martin	Matthew McGough, Ed Zuckerman	October 30, 2009 (2009-10-30)	20006	7.00[14]
An investigation into the death of a fashion company owner leads to a threatening website. Guest Stars: Rob Corddry and Ernie Hudson. Carolyn McCormick returns as Dr. Elizabeth Olivet.
440	7	"Boy Gone Astray"	Rose Troche	Keith Eisner, René Balcer	November 6, 2009 (2009-11-06)	20007	7.99[15]
A young woman is murdered in her apartment. A security video from the lobby reveals a connection to a drug cartel.
441	8	"Doped"	Mario Van Peebles	Christopher Ambrose, Richard Sweren	November 6, 2009 (2009-11-06)	20008	8.41[16]
A nasal spray that can disorient its user is found at the scene of a terrible car crash and the detectives become suspicious of the victim's boss.
442	9	"For the Defense"	William Klayer	Luke Schelhaas, Ed Zuckerman	November 13, 2009 (2009-11-13)	20009	7.50[17]
After a key witness in a murder trial is found dead outside her hotel room, the detectives suspect that Marcus Woll, a former district attorney, may be involved in a series of murders of witnesses that may also implicate Connie Rubirosa.
443	10	"Shotgun"	Roger Young	Richard Sweren, Julie Martin	November 20, 2009 (2009-11-20)	20010	7.52[18]
A man defends his store from an armed robbery that may have been a scare tactic for a shakedown. Guest star: Elliott Gould
444	11	"Fed"	Alex Chapple	Keith Eisner, René Balcer	December 11, 2009 (2009-12-11)	20011	8.77[19]
A community organizer who was working on voter registration is found dead with the word "FED" written on his chest. The detectives initially suspect an anti-government motive for the murder, but the case gets more complicated when they learn that the victim was secretly gathering incriminating information about the organization he worked for. Special guest star: Benjamin Bratt, reprising his role as former Det. (and widower) Rey Curtis.
445	12	"Blackmail"	Marc Levin	Matthew McGough, Ed Zuckerman	January 15, 2010 (2010-01-15)	20012	7.32[20]
A freelance journalist is murdered. The detectives find a connection between her and a talk show host who has had a series of workplace affairs.
446	13	"Steel-Eyed Death"	Michael Pressman	Richard Sweren, Christopher Ambrose, Julie Martin	March 1, 2010 (2010-03-01)	20013	7.58[21]
A family of four is murdered in their home and both suspects have questionable mental states. Guest star: J. K. Simmons
447	14	"Boy on Fire"	Rose Troche	Douglas Shaluas, Matthew McGough, Ed Zuckerman	March 1, 2010 (2010-03-01)	20014	7.86[22]
The detectives investigate the death of a high school student, which leads them to questioning the adults in his life. Special Guest Star: Debra Winger
448	15	"Brilliant Disguise"	Alex Chapple	Keith Eisner & René Balcer	March 8, 2010 (2010-03-08)	20015	5.18[23]
A young woman is found murdered in a hotel and the evidence leads to a medical student. Guest stars: J. K. Simmons and Wayne Duvall
449	16	"Innocence"	Fred Berner	Richard Sweren, Julie Martin	March 15, 2010 (2010-03-15)	20016	6.90[24]
A man is convicted of a hate crime for allegedly killing a gay man, but a group called the Innocence Collective is determined to clear his name. Guest stars: Ernie Hudson, Amy Madigan and Cheyenne Jackson
450	17	"Four Cops Shot"	Jim McKay	Matt McGough, Luke Schelhaas, Ed Zuckerman	March 22, 2010 (2010-03-22)	20017	5.93[25]
Four police officers are shot in front of several witnesses. The case becomes more complex when it is discovered the victims may have known the shooter. Guest stars: Margaret Colin and Matt Servitto
451	18	"Brazil"	Jean de Segonzac	Keith Eisner, René Balcer	March 29, 2010 (2010-03-29)	20018	6.01[26]
The poisoning of an environmental scientist at a climate change conference is investigated. Guest star: Tony Hale
452	19	"Crashers"	Darnell Martin	Richard Sweren, Christopher Ambrose, Julie Martin	May 3, 2010 (2010-05-03)	20019	6.18[27]
When the body of a model is found burning in an alley, Detectives Lupo and Bernard search for her killer. Guest stars: Kathy Baker, Tony Roberts and Ernie Hudson.
453	20	"The Taxman Cometh"	Fred Berner	William N. Fordes, Ed Zuckerman	May 10, 2010 (2010-05-10)	20020	6.17[28]
When a young heiress dies of an apparent drug overdose, Detectives Lupo and Bernard begin to suspect her cousin, whose inheritance increased after her death. Guest Star Mark Linn-Baker and Clea DuVall.
454	21	"Immortal"	Jim McKay	Richard Sweren, Julie Martin	May 17, 2010 (2010-05-17)	20021	5.91[29]
A man is mysteriously left at a hospital with fatal stab wounds. Guest star: Doug E. Doug
455	22	"Love Eternal"	William Klayer	Ed Zuckerman	May 17, 2010 (2010-05-17)	20022	6.24[30]
A crew from a reality television show discovers a dead man's body locked in a dog cage. Guest Star: Ernie Hudson.
456	23	"Rubber Room"	René Balcer	René Balcer	May 24, 2010 (2010-05-24)	20023	7.60[32]
Detectives search for an anonymous blogger who has posted plans to blow up a school; Lt. Van Buren struggles to keep her personal issues private. Guest stars: J. K. Simmons and Ernie Hudson Special appearance: Lindsey Vonn[31]

Notes

• This was the fourth time in the series where there were no changes in the cast from the previous season.
• Benjamin Bratt returned for a guest appearance in "Fed" as former detective Rey Curtis.
• Carolyn McCormick returned for one guest appearance in episode six as Dr. Elizabeth Olivet.
• J. K. Simmons returned for guest appearances in "Steel-Eyed Death," "Brilliant Disguise," and "Rubber Room" as Dr. Emil Skoda.
• Olympic Skier Lindsey Vonn made a special appearance in "Rubber Room" as an administrative assistant with a vital clue in a case involving a terrorist. L&O has long been a favorite of the Olympic champion.^[31]
• "Rubber Room" was the only episode of the series directed by René Balcer, a frequent and long-time writer for the series.

References

1. ^ CNET Networks, Inc. (2009-2010). TV.com episode summary for Season 20. Retrieved January 23, 2010.
2. ^ http://www.nbc.com/news/2009/05/19/nbc-announces-2009-2010-primetime-schedule-bolstered-by-more-original-programming-than-ever-before/
3. ^ http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news.aspx?id=20100114nbc01
4. ^ http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news.aspx?id=8487
5. ^ http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/37140119/ns/today-entertainment/
6. ^ "Exclusive: S. Epatha Merkerson exits 'Law & Order'". ausiellofiles.ew.com. http://ausiellofiles.ew.com/2010/04/01/s-epatha-merkerson-departs-law-order/. Retrieved 2010-05-28. 
7. ^ AMC Investigates Reviving Law & Order -- Vulture (2010-07-06)
8. ^ "Law & Order is dead, says Wolf". The Spy Report (Media Spy). July 31, 2010. http://www.mediaspy.org/report/2010/07/31/us-law-order-is-dead-says-wolf/. Retrieved July 31, 2010. 
9. ^ Seidman, Robert (September 26, 2009). "Updated TV Ratings: Dollhouse, Brothers bomb on FOX; CBS wins night". TVbytheNumbers.com. The Nielsen Company. http://tvbythenumbers.com/2009/09/26/tv-ratings-dollhouse-brothers-bomb-on-fox-cbs-wins-night/28502. Retrieved March 21, 2010. 
10. ^ Seidman, Robert (October 03, 2009). "TV Ratings: Dollhouse dips to a new series low; Medium night’s strongest show on a slow Friday". TVbytheNumbers.com. The Nielsen Company. http://tvbythenumbers.com/2009/10/03/tv-ratings-dollhouse-dips-to-a-new-series-low/29376. Retrieved March 21, 2010. 
11. ^ Seidman, Robert (October 10, 2009). "TV Ratings: Dollhouse rises; Ghost Whisperer leads CBS to win". TVbytheNumbers.com. The Nielsen Company. http://tvbythenumbers.com/2009/10/10/tv-ratings-dollhouse-rises-ghost-whisperer-leads-cbs-to-win/30118. Retrieved March 21, 2010. 
12. ^ Seidman, Robert (October 17, 2009). "Updated: TV Ratings: Yankees win; Ugly Betty ratings ugly; Jay Leno hits lows". TVbytheNumbers.com. The Nielsen Company. http://tvbythenumbers.com/2009/10/17/tv-ratings-yankees-win-ugly-betty-ratings-muy-fea-jay-leno-hits-lows/30727. Retrieved March 21, 2010. 
13. ^ Seidman, Robert (October 24, 2009). "Updated TV Ratings: Dollhouse hits low note; Medium wins with adults 18-49". TVbytheNumbers.com. The Nielsen Company. http://tvbythenumbers.com/2009/10/24/tv-ratings-dollhouse/31404. Retrieved March 21, 2010. 
14. ^ Seidman, Robert (October 31, 2009). "TV Ratings: House repeat 62.5% better than a new Dollhouse; Ghost Whisperer wins". TVbytheNumbers.com. The Nielsen Company. http://tvbythenumbers.com/2009/10/31/tv-ratings-house-repeat-more-than-50-better-than-a-new-dollhouse-ghost-whisperer-wins/32152. Retrieved March 21, 2010. 
15. ^ Seidman, Robert (November 7, 2009). "Updated TV Ratings: Rihanna sings for ABC, 20/20 wins with youth; Smallville viewing rising". TVbytheNumbers.com. The Nielsen Company. http://tvbythenumbers.com/2009/11/07/tv-ratings-rihanna-sings-for-abc-2020-wins-with-youth-smallville-viewing-rising/32902. Retrieved March 21, 2010. 
16. ^ Seidman, Robert (November 7, 2009). "Updated TV Ratings: Rihanna sings for ABC, 20/20 wins with youth; Smallville viewing rising". TVbytheNumbers.com. The Nielsen Company. http://tvbythenumbers.com/2009/11/07/tv-ratings-rihanna-sings-for-abc-2020-wins-with-youth-smallville-viewing-rising/32902. Retrieved March 21, 2010. 
17. ^ Seidman, Robert (November 14, 2009). "TV Ratings: Ghost Whisperer leads night with 18-49; Smallville hits season high with viewers". TVbytheNumbers.com. The Nielsen Company. http://tvbythenumbers.com/2009/11/14/tv-ratingsghost-whisper-leads-night-with-18-49-smallville-hits-season-high-with-viewers/33655. Retrieved March 21, 2010. 
18. ^ Seidman, Robert (November 21, 2009). "TV Ratings: Ghost Whisperer leads night with adults 18-49; Shrek the Third helps ABC". TVbytheNumbers.com. The Nielsen Company. http://tvbythenumbers.com/2009/11/21/tv-ratingsghost-whisperer-leads-night-with-18-49-shrek-the-third-helps-abc/34250. Retrieved March 21, 2010. 
19. ^ Seidman, Robert (December 12, 2009). "TV Ratings: NBC Wins with Tiger Woods, Ugly Betty up again; Dollhouse up a tiny bit". TVbytheNumbers.com. The Nielsen Company. http://tvbythenumbers.com/2009/12/12/tv-ratings-ugly-betty-up-again-dollhouse-up-a-tiny-bit/36044. Retrieved March 21, 2010. 
20. ^ Seidman, Robert (January 16, 2010). "TV Ratings: CBS Wins; Supernanny and Shark Tank Improve". TVbytheNumbers.com. The Nielsen Company. http://tvbythenumbers.com/2010/01/16/tv-ratings-cbs-wins-supernanny-and-shark-tank-improve/39128. Retrieved March 21, 2010. 
21. ^ Seidman, Robert (March 2, 2010). "TV Ratings: Back to Fourth Place for NBC; Big Numbers for The Bachelor and The Big Bang Theory". TVbytheNumbers.com. The Nielsen Company. http://tvbythenumbers.com/2010/03/02/tv-ratings-back-to-fourth-place-for-nbc-big-numbers-for-the-bachelor-and-the-big-bang-theory/43503. Retrieved March 21, 2010. 
22. ^ Seidman, Robert (March 2, 2010). "TV Ratings: Back to Fourth Place for NBC; Big Numbers for The Bachelor and The Big Bang Theory". TVbytheNumbers.com. The Nielsen Company. http://tvbythenumbers.com/2010/03/02/tv-ratings-back-to-fourth-place-for-nbc-big-numbers-for-the-bachelor-and-the-big-bang-theory/43503. Retrieved March 21, 2010. 
23. ^ Seidman, Robert (March 09, 2010). "TV Ratings: Chuck Drops a Touch; Two and a Half Men Hits Highs; NBC Dead Last". TVbytheNumbers.com. The Nielsen Company. http://tvbythenumbers.com/2010/03/09/tv-ratings-chuck-drops-a-touch-two-and-a-half-men-hits-highs-nbc-dead-last/44300. Retrieved March 21, 2010. 
24. ^ Seidman, Robert (March 16, 2010). "TV Ratings: Chuck vs. Daylight Saving Time Drops Big". TVbytheNumbers.com. The Nielsen Company. http://tvbythenumbers.com/2010/03/16/tv-ratings-chuck-vs-daylight-savings-time-drops-big/45105. Retrieved March 21, 2010. 
25. ^ Seidman, Robert (March 23, 2010). "TV Ratings: “Dancing With The Stars” Has Record Debut; “Castle” Hits Highs; “Chuck” Stays Low". TVbytheNumbers.com. The Nielsen Company. http://tvbythenumbers.com/2010/03/23/tv-ratings-dancing-with-the-stars-chuckstable-at-low-levels/45782. Retrieved March 23, 2010. 
26. ^ http://tvbythenumbers.com/2010/03/23/tv-ratings-dancing-with-the-stars-chuckstable-at-low-levels/45782
27. ^ "Monday Broadcast Monday Finals: “House,” “Big Bang” Adjusted Up; “Romantically Challenged,” “Castle” Adjusted Down". TV By The Numbers. May 4, 2010. http://tvbythenumbers.com/2010/05/04/monday-finals-house-big-bang-adjusted-up-romantically-challenged-castle-adjusted-down/50540. Retrieved 2010-05-04. 
28. ^ http://tvbythenumbers.com/2010/05/11/tv-ratings-monday-chuck-flat-but-at-series-low-levels-big-bang-theory-tops-night/51017
29. ^ http://tvbythenumbers.com/2010/05/18/tv-ratings-house-finale-the-big-bang-theory-lead-night/51682
30. ^ http://tvbythenumbers.com/2010/05/18/tv-ratings-house-finale-the-big-bang-theory-lead-night/51682
31. ^ ^{a b} "Lindsey Vonn gets her `Law & Order' wish next week". news.yahoo.com. http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100331/ap_en_tv/us_tv_vonn_law___order. Retrieved March 31, 2010. ^{[dead link]}
32. ^ "TV Ratings: Jack Bauer, Law & Order Say Goodbye, Chuck Sees New Low". TV By The Numbers. May 25, 2010. http://tvbythenumbers.com/2010/05/25/tv-ratings-jack-bauer-law-order-say-goodbye-chuck-sees-new-low/52306. Retrieved 2010-05-28. 

External links

• Episode guide from NBC.com
• L&O Season 20 on the Law & Order Wiki

Preceded by Season Nineteen (2008-2009)

List of Law & Order seasons (1990-2010)

Succeeded by None