'Law and Order: SVU' Season 15 Cast Changes and Spoilers
With Capt. Cragen's last episode of "Law and Order: SVU" airing tonight, many fans are wondering who will take his place. There seems to be a great potential for Oliva to step up to the plate and lead the team, but is that the direction the show will go in? For showrunner Warren Leight's take on the situation, read on, but be cautious of spoilers.
Capt. Cragen will leave the show in tonight's episode. Leight spoke to TV Guide about the timing of his departure.
"In some ways, he's leaving at a horrible time for the squad. Olivia's now dealing with her PTSD from the trial, so she's pretty raw. Amaro has just shot a 14-year-old and becomes a target of the new mayor administration. ... He's falling apart. Rollins we all know has slipped, and then the captain leaves. It's horrible timing. Therefore, I think its good dramatic timing."
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The big question in many fans's minds is who will take his place. According to Leight, it seems like Olivia is the top contender. She will at least step into the role for the time being.
"Olivia will be stepping up. She's the highest ranking officer in that squad when Cragen leaves, so there's a transition for her from player to player-coach, or at least interim player-coach. Is there someone stepping in or is she going to be handed the reigns?" the showrunner said to TV Guide.
Leight continued by saying he thinks that, though there will be resistence to Olivia, it will ultimately be for the best.
"How will the squad react to it if it happens, even temporarily? It is very tough if you've been someone's partner, to suddenly be their boss. ... But sometimes, what you think is the last thing you need is something of a blessing," he said.
