I Am A TV Junkie

Benson & Stabler Break Up? Meloni Out at SVU, Here's Five Shows That Should Call Him

Screw the Schwarzeneggers, this is the real big breakup news. Law & Order: SVU has decided not to bring Chris Meloni back, and no, I have no idea why they've decided to do something so incredibly stupid, esp. considering Wolf Films has already lost two hours to the ax. The original L&O ended last May, LOLA failed, pretty miserably and even Criminal Intent is in its last year with a returning D'Onofrio and Erbe.

One would think Wolf Films would want one of their revenue streams to remain unhampered by the various outside forces. I thought that. I thought wrong.

So, I've been making a list of shows that could be helped by casting Chris. Wanna see it? It's after the jump.

SVU: Meloni Leaving? Since The Source Of This Rumor Already Vanished, I'll Say No

When the paper of origin for a story on Christopher Meloni leaving the show is in Australia, I think you have to consider the question, "Really, the NY Post, whose Page Six probably has a makeup assistant from the show on their payroll (allegedly, I said allegedly) didn't get this story before some paper half a continent away?"

Really?

C'mon gang, it's like driving through NY's meat packing district for the eight millionth time and still being stunned by the pre-op trannies that aren't wearing anything under those faux furs. And though Meloni leaving the show would be ... you know ... upsetting in a very personal way for many of you, it's not like he'd disappear. He's an actor, he'll be asking you to stare at a moving image of him again really soon.

Again, paper in Australia breaking news about a US TV show. Based on .. what exactly?

Exactly. And if they're right, fine but, and this is really not too surprising ... the link to the article at the Australian paper from E! Online is already showing a Page Not Found.

It's gone folks, it's gone. Just act like it never happened.

Can't wait to see Kathy Griffin's guest spot on the show as a lesbian activist. She showed a clip on Wendy the other day (a clip to which I now have no access, sorry) and she's all teary and dramatic ... acting, you know. Should be good. The only preview of the episode doesn't have Kathy in it but you can watch it by clicking here.

Was this just a reason to post Chris Meloni pics? Well, I do like to give the people what they love.

And, finally, upcoming on SVU? Get this ... Ann-Margret, Jaclyn Smith, Susan Anton, Morgan Fairchild, it's like they opened up a Bob Hope special and emptied it into Dick Wolf's lap.

Before I go, Chris wanted to say something to you about managing your diabetes, so click here and watch it (or just tune him out and look at him, your call ... but your life hangs in the balance!)

The more you know. Indeed.

SVU News: Benson, Stabler Remain with Unit (Chris and Mariska Sign Deals!)

(BTW, there's a bonus clip after the jump. It's Meloni from the Conan show, it's funny and you gotta give it a look.)

Okay guys (and you straight gals, of course) we can all breathe now. Christopher Meloni will still be on your TV each week as Det. Elliot Stabler on Law & Order: SVU.

Whew! And I thought he might lose his job and not have the money to maintain all that sexy that he's carrying around. Am I relieved or what?

THR:

After lengthy negotiations, Mariska Hargitay and Christopher Meloni have inked new deals to continue on the crime procedural, which is coming back for an 11th season in the fall.

Additionally, Emmy winner Christine Lahti has signed on to play the ADA on the veteran series for the first four episodes. Stephanie March will then return, reprising her role as ADA Alexandra Cabot.

Sources said Hargitay and Meloni, who regularly negotiate their contracts together, have inked one-year deals with an option for a second year.

And, despite the congloms and particularly NBC Universal being in a cost-cutting mode, both Hargitay and Meloni are said to have received salary increases to their most recent paychecks of about $385,000 an episode.

HA! NBC had to give them both a raise anyway! Gonna have to dip into those I'm A Celebrity ... profits!

Yeah, as if.

Lahti is a great addition for this guest gig; you can expect an Emmy guest actor nod just for her showing up. There are very few people in television that can get me to turn on a show I wouldn't normally watch and Christine Lahti is one of them. She's why I watched Jack & Bobby for the short time it was on.

Of course I love Mariska too, she's great in the role, from what I've read a great gal with a good heart ... but Christopher Meloni is, well he's Christopher Meloni!

Now, click over for the clip. You won't be sorry.

NBC Trying to Dick (as in Wolf) Around With Mariska and Chris on SVU Pay Package

Big giant massive tool-like response from the network and Dick Wolf to Chris Meloni and Mariska Hargatay's pay demands.

News comes in a story at EW from Ausiello and Lynette Rice:

NBC cautioned that it may be forced to replace the MVPs -- a risky move considering how integral Hargitay and Meloni are to the show. Many feel the Peacock won't make good on its threat (reps for the network, studio and the actors would not comment for this story). "I don't think in this environment, there's any chance they could re-launch the show with both of them gone," says a high-ranking exec at a rival network. "It's a horrible time to retool a show. They already have to change the time-slot, because it's not going to be airing at 10 pm next season." At the same time, a Peacock insider says, "I can't imagine either actor walking away from over $7 million a year."

For now, Wolf is putting a positive face on the talks. Through his spokesman, he said, "It is my fondest hope that both Chris and Mariska will be back next season."

Harbinger of self-inflicted harm that will lead to the demise of the network? They think they can play fast and loose with the dramas because Leno's coming in at 10?

What happens when the Leno experiment fails? Burn bridges much?

It is not in the best interests of an entertainment company, especially in this environment, to go after the stars of one of their few successful shows.

NBC seems to be run by lab rats more interested in instant gratification than quality TV. Hit the button, Ben, maybe you'll get some more cheese.

Note to Lynette Rice at EW, my sis, Addie, sends her best!

Christopher Meloni "sizzle reel" from a fan and YouTube, after the jump, because. Yeah, just because.

Kim Kardashian Damn Near Sits on Daily Show Rob Riggle's Face

Great Daily Show feature by the soul-discarding Riggle with lotsa guest spots (including Brooke Shields, big ass Kim and SVU's Chris Meloni -- my personal favorite L&O player and former front desk guy at Chelsea Gym in what I remember to be the late 70s and early 80s. Everyone loved Chris, that beautiful straight guy who worked the desk. And why not? Just look above.

(And thank you, David Mixner, for posting this pic with I stole outright from you.)

Why didn't I have a Chelsea Gym membership? Because I was gawking at IFBB pros at Madison Avenue Muscle, which I don't believe is there anymore.)

Like I said, clip after the jump. Most important to see is the "values statement" the pap interviewed gives, it comes at about 3:30 in the clip.