'Law & Order: Special Victims Unit' Season 18 spoilers news: Team recovers from its devastating loss, showrunner Warren Leight exits series
The 17th season of "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" wrapped up recently with a devastating loss for the team, as they will have to go on without one of their own — Sgt. Mike Dodds. However, changes are not only on-screen, as showrunner Warren Leight has been confirmed to leave the long-running police procedural drama.
Sgt. Mike Dodds (Andy Karl) was shot by a corrections officer who was accused of sexual assault. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, exiting showrunner Leight explained the death of one of the team's key members. "I'm keenly aware that some fans felt a lack of closure in other departures on this show so I tried very hard, whether it was Munch or Cragen or Amaro or now Dodds, to make sure that there's a real understanding of his arc out of the show," he said.
As for how its relates to his decision to bow out from the show, Leight clarified that he did not want to leave loose ends since it would be too hard on whoever will take over the series. "I didn't want a cliffhanger for the finale because it's not fair to the departing showrunner to take everybody to a cliff and then let the new team mop it up," the EP added.
The SVU team will still be recovering from their heartbreaking loss once season 18 airs, and it seems like Benson will take it the hardest. Being the team's leader, she has always felt responsible for the whole team. Benson's love interest Ed Tucker might give her the balance she needs in her life, and he will possibly help her move on from the tragic event. In an interview, the actress hinted that their romance will likely continue in the next season.
"Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" returns to the small screen for its 18th season this coming September.
