Lenny was the best character on L&O. The episodes dealing with his daughter's death were so sad. I agree if Van Buren dies on screen that will be
heartbreaking.
S. Epatha Merkerson leaving 'L&O'
Actress has longest tenure of current cast
April 1, 2010, 05:24 PM ET
Merkerson, who has been on the show longer than any other cast member of the veteran NBC series, has asked producers to be released after the current 20th season.
She made the request before the cop drama was to go into production on the final episode of season 20 so her character could be given an appropriate send-off.
Merkerson, Emmy winner for HBO's "Lackawanna Blues," has no deal for next season, which is still up in the air as a pickup by NBC hinges on the network's ability to ink an off-network deal with TNT.
The cable network has no obligation to pick up more seasons of "Law & Order" beyond season 20 while NBC has been looking to the license fee from TNT to offset the cost of production in order to be able to renew "Law & Order" for a record-setting 21st season.
The chances for that happening have increased now that TNT has made an offer to NBC.
Merkerson has spent 19 years on "Law & Order," appearing in almost 400 episodes of the venerable police procedural.
NBC, Wolf Films and Merkerson's reps at ICM and McGowan Management had no comment
