Who thinks Meloni and Hargitay are going to leave SVU?
By Tesa
@xphile777 (426)
United States
January 1, 2007 11:01pm CST
Recently there's been a lot of buzz about rumors that Chris Meloni and Mariska Hargitay are demanding too high of a pay increase and that NBC and Richard (MyLot won't let me use the nickname that he goes by, which begins with a "D" and ends with an "ick":P) Wolf will let them go and replace them with new cast members.
I have a theory, gleaned from being a Chris Meloni fan and watching and reading interviews of his over the years, that he may have decided to purposely ask for a big pay increase that would force this issue. I know for a fact that he'd rather be doing film than television. Also, eight years on a TV drama for an actor is increasingly hard work with decreasing artistic satisfaction.
I believe Meloni views this as a win-win situation: He gets what he feels is appropriate compensation to justify remaining on the show; or, he's let go from the show and free to pursue doing what he prefers to being doing: film work.
If he's gone from SVU, I'll miss having the opportunity to view him weekly on TV. However, I've become disinterested in SVU over the past season and barely watch it anymore, so I'm not really seeing him weekly now, as it is.
(Whatever Mariska does is fine with me. I'm not a fan so I don't have an opinion regarding her.)
I hope he ditches SVU and does films that give him a chance to show his entire range of acting; something that SVU doesn't give him a chance to. (Alternating between being angry and being enraged is not his full range.)
What do you think?
3 people like this
18 responses
@coolcatzz (1587)
• Canada
2 Jan 07
Well I personally love this show and so does my son. We find that with all the different Law & Order's and all the different CSI's it's really the characters that keep you watching. For instance we wouldn't watch Law and Order Criminal Intent cause we couldn't stand the actor who was the lead. I can't remember his name. Same with CSI. Certain ones are better then others. But I for one will probably stop watching if either of them is replaced. I had a hard enough time when Olivia was off having her baby and they tried two different actors as a partner for Stabler. I just like it the way it is. Not to mention Munch and Ice T.
Love the whole cast.
4 people like this
@xphile777 (426)
• United States
2 Jan 07
I think NBC and Wolf are kidding themselves if they think ratings will stay the same if they let Meloni and Hargitay go.
They're on the only L&O that addresses the private lives of the lead characters. You could replace any of the other actors on the other L&Os (and they have before) and not affect those shows. But there will be a big blacklash from the viewers if Meloni and Hargitay walk.
There's a reason why SVU is one of NBC's rare hits, and it's those two.
BTW, the actor you don't like is named Vincent D'onofrio. (Unless you're talking about the actor who replaced him, Chris Noth).
2 people like this
@patgalca (18481)
• Orangeville, Ontario
2 Jan 07
Actually, Chris Noth and Vincent D'Onofrio were supposed to be splitting acting duties on a bi-weekly rotation. But the last episode that aired with D'Onofrio (Robert Gorem) he stormed out telling his captain to fire him if he had to. I was worried that he was leaving the show. I prefer D'Onofrio over Chris Noth. I will probably stop watching if D'Onofrio leaves.
2 people like this
@Melizzy (1381)
• United States
2 Jan 07
I think they aren't going anywhere. I think they will get close to what they are asking for and that will make meloni stay. He and Mariska will stick together on this. He may want to do films, but for a year or two of big payday's he'll stick around. Sure he's making money now, but wih a fatter paycheck, he can afford to produce some of his own projects. Personally, if you told me I could make X number of dollars for a year or two and that would allow me to do a few of my own projects, I'd do it.
2 people like this
@xphile777 (426)
• United States
5 Jan 07
He's been doing SVU for 8 years at a big salary. He probably already has enough to start his own production company. And, based on his responses to my questions and other fans, I don't think he wants to stay on the show. Also, in subtle ways, he's been hinting for 2 years that the show will be on the air longer than he will be on it.
If NBC capitulates and grants the raise, I'm sure he'll be happy with the dough. But what I think he'll do is to start his own production company while doing SVU and then, when he finds a project he wants to be in, along with producing, he'll jump the SVU ship for good.
Also, now that she has the baby, I don't think Mariska would mind waving bye-bye to SVU.
I'm hoping they'll leave the show, or at least Meloni. Whether his films will be commercially viable is one thing. I just hope they'll be artistically interesting. Of course, they can't be much worse than being stuck on another year of SVU.
@rosettaresearch (1285)
• United States
2 Jan 07
I don't think they are demanding a huge pay raise so much as they are entitled to it. The more years in a show, the more money they are entitled to on the union pay scale. NBC doesn't want to pay it because they are the last place network and losing money. Also, they have both won numerous awards. Of course, the perfect solution to this problem is to cut one of the shows that is actually getting ratings.
I hope they solve this problem, Mariska and Chris are one of the reasons I watch this show. Of course, I hope they don't ruin it by having their characters have a relationship. Stick to the crimes and leave the personal out of it.
2 people like this
@Withoutwings (6992)
• United States
2 Jan 07
I really love the show and will be sad to see them both go. I am a huge Mariska fan and I hated the episodes where she was off somewhere undercover and that blonde gung-ho girl took her place. I don't know if I will still watch if they leave - as in my opinion no one can replace them. I understand about them asking for more money - it all makes sense the way you described the possible motives. And why shouldn't they get more money? The show plays on at least 5 channels that I know of. Everyone I know watches it. And I know casts of other shows that ran less than this and got more money. I hope Wolf pays up.
2 people like this
@patgalca (18481)
• Orangeville, Ontario
2 Jan 07
This is the first I have heard that they might leave the show. I sure hope it doesn't happen. The show won't be the same without them. However, Law & Orders have made many cast changes and always seem to survive. They say it's in the writing. LOL!
I thought something was going to start between Olivia and Elliott after she saw him working with Danni and seemed jealous. I don't know whether I would like that or not because I am still upset that his marriage broke up. If Meloni leaves the show, they may write it into the script that it is the only way for him to get his family back, to quit his job.
Don't story lines really frustrate you sometimes?
@linda345 (2660)
• Canada
2 Jan 07
I for one hope that they don't leave SVU. I enjoy both their characters. I think if he leaves and goes into film he is going to be type cast anyway. I don't know if I would watch it any more with these two gone but I do like Ice T's character too.
1 person likes this
@xphile777 (426)
• United States
7 Jan 07
I don't think Meloni is going to be typecast for a few reasons:
1. He's already done a broad range of comedy and drama on film (in fact, his beginnings in the biz were in comedy); so he can show producers, directors and casting directors his comedic side;
2. I'm very sure that some of his future projects will be his own, therefore he'll be able to cast himself in interesting roles and steer clear of typecasting;
Also, I think he might do some more stage work and possibly some writing in addition to doing film work.
There are just so many things he can do if he says goodbye to TV, and not all that much he can do if he stays in it.
@sunrisekn (1466)
• United States
3 Jan 07
I certainly hope that they don't leave. I don't think that I'd watch it anymore. I saw Marisol (Horatio's wife from CSI Miami) is the new ADA on the regular Law and Order. I have to add that I did like Meloni in Runaway Bride. I saw it this weekend and laughed because he plays such a tough guy on SVU and he was trying to help Julia Roberts "find her center" in the movie.
@Signal20 (2281)
• United States
2 Jan 07
Actually, Chris Noth was one of the originals from the original Law & Order lol. I don't know, they've done pretty good over the years(saw one law & order from the late 80"s I think?)when they change cast members, look at all the ones that have been on Law & Order. Just got to adjust to them, and some are easier then others. Now, that one red head gal that was with Vincent D'Onofrio for awhile-oh so did not like her bad bad acting I thought. It'll be sad to see them go if they do, but I'll adjust. I love those shows, my fave is the original Law & Order, with Jerry Orbach-he was the best I think. I don't think Meloni will do very well on film though. Look at other tv actors that had long running series, they don't do well on the big screen(David Caruso). They get typecast, and I think Meloni will be typecast as that angry/enraged detective. Hard to picture him doing anything other then that :)
@Fishmomma (11658)
• United States
2 Jan 07
The original Law & Order is losing in the ratings to Numb3rs by quite a bit, so it certainly isn't doing well like Law & Order SVU, which wins its time spot. There is a reason Law & Order ended up on Friday with its cast changes so often and the storylines aren't as good to me.
I enjoyed Law & Order when Jerry Orback was on the show and he was my favorite.
@harsh1985 (593)
• India
3 Jan 07
chris and marisk must get paid accrdingly...as there show is highly popular.
if they leave this show; rating of the show will go down probably!!
1 person likes this
@misskatonic (3722)
• United States
3 Jan 07
chris Meloni is going to have a hard time breaking out of his role and moving on to film. Not to say he can't do it, but it's going to be difficult for him. He's been Elliot Stabler for so long that he's synonymous with SVU. So is Mariska.
I would be very sad to see them both go. I love Mariska Hargitay, she's the reason I started watching the show. I love Olivia. (I'm actually watching SVU right now!) If they both leave, I'll probably stop watching. Unless Richard Belzer becomes a lead. I love Munch.
1 person likes this
@tanaclark (570)
• United States
2 Jan 07
I hope not. I love this show. I love Mariska. Shes so emotional when it comes to cases she thinks she could have prevented. Like the one with the copycat RDK killer. Shes one tough woman. I wish I could be more like her. I think not only is she tough but she does it with class. And Meloni is awesome. If they leave the show would not be the same.
1 person likes this
@red158 (333)
• Canada
3 Jan 07
I think the writing is strong enough that they can survive without them. Everyone thought Law and Order was done, isn't it the longest running series now, and how many cops have come and gone. David Caruso thought NYPD couldn't last without him, we know that wasn't the case.
1 person likes this
@Lady_Vincy (1538)
• United States
10 Jan 07
I don't think that they will leave. SVU is such a successful show NBC would be idiots not to raise their pay. SVU is the highest rating law and order series. NBC would be making a big mistake if they let them go.
1 person likes this
@ElusiveButterfly (45941)
• United States
2 Jan 07
I doubt if these characters left the show that it would have much to offer. I do enjoy the show. It is one of my favorites. The current cast members do such a fine job in their roles and make the show the success it is.
1 person likes this
@jfeets726 (775)
• United States
2 Jan 07
I really hope that they both stay. I am a big fan of both Chris Meloni and Mariska Hargitay. I have heard the same rumor that you have. The only difference I think I heard is that they guy who is in charge of the show D. Wolf doesn't want them to go. I heard that he was trying to get them their extra money, but that NBC doesn't want to pay.
I am waiting for the new episodes to start; I actually think that there is one today. I too because I a little bit uninterested in SVU this past season, but I mostly think it was becuase Mariska Hargitay was away from a while. She is one of my favorite actresses, but her and Meloni work great as a team. I think that is one of the reasons why SVU is so popular, because of the cast. And, not just these two; the whole cast is great.
However, as you said, I think that both will be on to bigger and better things if NBC does decide to let them go.
@Fishmomma (11658)
• United States
2 Jan 07
I completely agree with your assessment of the situation with Chris and Mariska, as this is a highly rated show for NBC, so they should get paid well.
1 person likes this
@kfroman (86)
• United States
30 Mar 11
I love SVU too much to see Chris go. If he or Mariska ever leave the show, I won't watch it anymore. I'm sure it gets to be boring after what like, 12 years now of doing the same show, but it's the best show ever. I hope he gets the pay raise and stays on for 50 billion more seasons! lol
