Revolving door is spinning again

NBC is thrilled to announce that Elisabeth Rohm will return to "Law & Order" next season, making her the longest-running assistant district attorney in the history of the show.

And, oh yeah, she might leave shortly thereafter.

As Big Announcements go, this one seemed a little weird.

It's not like being the longest-running assistant district attorney in the history of "Law & Order" is that great an accomplishment. Rohm joined the cast in 2001, following in the footsteps of Richard Brooks (1990-93), Jill Hennessy (1993-96), Carey Lowell (1996-98) and Angie Harmon (1998-2001).

Whoo-hoo — Rohm is going to break the three-season barrier on a show that's about to start its 15th season.

Which is not to denigrate her work as ADA Serena Southerlyn. Although, personally, I preferred Rohm as sassy detective Kate Lockley on "Angel."

And what makes this Big Announcement sort of strange is that, while she loves being on the show and they just love having her on the show, she's apparently not staying much longer in order "to pursue other career opportunities." But, then again, she might . . .

According to executive producer Dick Wolf, Rohm "agreed to stay through the transition with Dennis" Farina replacing Jerry Orbach this coming season, and she'll be on board "for at least 13 episodes."

Orbach, who spent a dozen seasons on "Law & Order" — more than any other actor — "is expected to join the cast" of the upcoming "Law & Order: Trial by Jury," which is supposed to premiere on NBC as a midseason replacement in early 2005. (Which doesn't sound like a done deal, does it?)

As to who will eventually end up replacing Rohm, well, it really doesn't matter, does it? Again, not to denigrate any of the actors, but "Law & Order" has obviously proven it just keeps chugging right along no matter who the stars are.

There has never been a show this successful in which the plots, not the characters, are what matters.

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E-mail: pierce@desnews.com