‘Law & Order’ Star Says SVU Crossover ‘Will Surprise A Lot Of People’

“I mean, listen, when the queen’s in the building, the queen’s in the building, you know what I mean?” he told RadioTimes.com.

“Every time Mariska is on set and in front of the camera, it’s magic – she’s a once-in-a-generation talent and a once-in-a-lifetime personality, so just her presence was a blessing to everyone. I hope he does more.”

As for the episode itself, Brooks – who returns as Detective Jalen Shaw – described “The Perfect Man” as “an incredible story about people who have experienced sexual trauma in the past.”

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Mariska Hargitay as Captain Olivia Benson in Law & Order: SVU. Ralph Bavaro/NBC

“They try to make sure that if they are targeted again, they will never feel like a victim again – and because of the structure of the episode, you really feel sorry for the person accused of murder. I really know I do.

“It was hard for (Jalen) because these things aren’t just black and white. I think this will surprise a lot of people.”

Before we get to the crossover episode, the season premiere will mark a major change in law and order as Golden Globe-winning actress Maura Tierney (“ER,” “The Affair”) joins the cast as Lt. Jessica Brady, replacing the departing Camryn Manheim, who played Lieutenant Kate Dixon.

According to Brooks, Tierney’s character will bring a new “dynamic” to the 27th Precinct, and the actor hinted at some tension between Brady and Shaw’s partner, Detective Vincent Riley (Reid Scott).

Pictured: (left) Reid Scott as Det. Vincent Riley, Mehcad Brooks as Det. Jalen Shaw, Maura Tierney as Lt. Jessica Brady, Odelya Halevi as ADA Samantha Maroun in Law & Order. Scott Gries/NBC

“She does things her own way, her character very much walks to the beat of her own drum and there is a certain tension there and a level of acceptance and evolution – life goes on and you have to evolve and you have to change… and Shaw is good at that, Shaw he might be better at it than Riley.

“But Maura is amazing, she’s amazing, like she’s always been there. Fits perfectly. When Reid and I first met, it was like we were long lost brothers – and I think we found a sister. He has this very weird sense of humor, the same as Reid and I, and we have very similar interests.

“She’s a consummate professional, she’s always thinking about the scene, how to make it better… it’s really great to have her there, we’re very happy.”

“Law & Order” returns to NBC tonight – Thursday, October 3.

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