Image Credit: Virginia Sherwood/NBCNow this is what I call a Law & Order twist: NBC is declining to comment on a Deadline report claiming the network has opted to not to renew the long-running procedural for what would have been a record-breaking 21st season. If true, it means Dick Wolf will have to settle for simply tying Gunsmoke‘s record as TV’s longest-running drama series. “It’s a fluid situation,” says a source close to the talks. “It’s not a done deal.” I’m told the L&O stalemate is not expected to have an impact on the likely renewal of Law & Order: SVU and imminent pickup of new spinoff Law & Order: Los Angeles. Meanwhile, don’t count on the mothership jumping to TNT. In a statement, the net — which has been home to L&O reruns for years — said  it “is not in ongoing discussions about picking up the series for first-run episodes.” Developing…

Image Credit: Virginia Sherwood/NBC It’s the end of an era. After 16 years on the job, Law & Order‘s S. Epatha Merkerson is turning in the badge she wore as BS-free Lt. Van Buren at the end of the season. The Emmy-winning actress just phoned to discuss her emotional decision and what it may mean for her cancer-stricken alter ego.

How did you arrive at this decision?
S. EPATHA MERKERSON: It’s a graceful way to go. It’s the end of my contract this year, and the storyline has been so perfect. I’ve given it my best for 16 years. It’s time to move on. I’m doing other things and this will be a great way to leave what has been an extraordinary gig. READ FULL STORY »