LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – In the highly anticipated Season 23 premiere of “Law & Order,” viewers were introduced to Detective Vincent Riley, the new partner of Detective Jalen Shaw. Riley, portrayed by Reid Scott, joined the cast after the departure of Jeffrey Donovan’s character, Detective Frank Cosgrove. The absence of Cosgrove, who exited the show unexpectedly in the Season 22 finale, was finally addressed in the latest episode.
The explanation for Cosgrove’s absence came about a third of the way into the premiere when Riley inquired about him. Shaw revealed that Cosgrove was a great cop who got caught up in trouble for being too honest about sensitive topics. This revelation led to a conversation about the challenging times in which having an opinion can be detrimental.
News of Donovan’s exit from the show was announced in November 2023, after being part of the cast since the show’s return in 2022 for Season 21. Shortly after, it was revealed that Scott would be joining as a series regular in the role of the new detective.
According to Mehcad Brooks, who plays Detective Shaw, Riley’s character has a redemptive path that unfolds later in the season. This dynamic leads to some conflict but establishes a strong bond between the two detectives.
In addition to the introduction of Riley, the premiere also introduced Lieutenant Kate Dixon, played by Camryn Manheim. Dixon has known Riley for a long time and has been trying to get him on their team. The reasons for the challenge Dixon faced will be revealed in Episode 4 of the season.
The premiere gave viewers a glimpse of the new dynamic among the characters. Riley mentioned that the homicide case they were working on was his first in nearly 30 years. Later, Shaw intervened to disarm a man wielding a knife, prompting Riley to advise him against playing the hero. Dixon expressed her gratitude for Riley’s presence, and he reciprocated by appreciating her support.
The episode also featured a tense standoff where Shaw and Riley attempted to convince a man to drop his gun. When the man pointed the gun at Shaw, Riley made the split-second decision to shoot, resulting in the man’s death. This incident marked Riley’s first time shooting someone.
As fans eagerly tuned in to the premiere, reactions to the explanation for Cosgrove’s departure from the show varied. The new partnership between Shaw and Riley promises to bring exciting developments and challenges as “Law & Order” Season 23 continues.
“Law & Order” airs on Thursdays at 8/7c on NBC.