As Law And Order Rips From Very Recent Headlines For The Next Big Murder, Here’s Why Guest Jesse Metcalfe Thinks It’ll Be ‘One Of The Most Popular Episodes’

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For decades, the “Law & Order” series has drawn inspiration from real-life news stories, even with the return of the original series in 2022. In the upcoming episode of Season 24, titled “Folk Hero,” scheduled for 2025, the storyline is based on recent events and features actor Jesse Metcalfe, well-known from “Desperate Housewives.” In a rare interview, he shared his thoughts on why this particular episode may generate a lot of buzz throughout the season.

On Thursday, March 20th at 8 p.m. Eastern Time, you can catch ‘Folk Hero’ on NBC. If you don’t have time to watch it live, a Peacock subscription will allow you to stream it the following day. In this series, Metcalfe steps away from his usual Hallmark roles and takes on a gritty character as Sgt. Danny DeLuca. Partnering with Det. Riley, he’ll be on the hunt for the murderer who took down the CEO of an insurance company. The trailer suggests that this story is based on real events, specifically the 2024 murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in New York City and the ensuing manhunt.

Jesse Metcalfe, who was previously known for his role in “John Tucker Must Die”, revealed that the episode they filmed with TopMob wrapped up shooting approximately a month before it airs on NBC. This implies that the series swiftly transformed the real-life story into an episode for Season 24 without any significant delay. When I queried Metcalfe about his experience joining the franchise for a ripped-from-the-headlines episode, he shared:

Without a doubt, I feel incredibly fortunate to have been involved in such an exceptional episode. I believe this installment will captivate our audience, igniting much debate and excitement among fans. Simply put, it was a fantastic opportunity to work on a memorable character and contribute to what promises to be one of the most talked-about episodes of the season.

The actor, who joined “Law & Order” being a devoted fan of both the original series and its spinoffs, had nothing but praise for the episode featuring Sgt. DeLuca, known as “Folk Hero”. This installment will also capitalize on filming in the bustling streets of New York City. Metcalfe continued:

For me, the first time I filmed in New York City was an exciting experience. This wasn’t just any ordinary production; we filmed all over Lower Manhattan for two weeks, even braving freezing temperatures as low as 20 degrees. It felt like more than acting – everything seemed incredibly real and intense. Filming in Manhattan definitely adds a touch of authenticity to the project.

Filming in New York City during February presents a challenge due to the harsh cold, but Metcalfe argued that it was worthwhile for this particular episode of Law & Order. He explained that he and Reid Scott spent long hours outdoors every day for over a week, which made their scenes feel authentic and generated excitement.

There’s a certain intensity added to a scene when characters shout and steam appears from their mouths. I decided to incorporate this element for a more dramatic impact on the moments and the overall scenes.

In the upcoming episode, “Folk Hero,” it seems undeniable that Riley and DeLuca will find themselves right in the middle of the excitement. To further confirm this, Jesse Metcalfe mentioned his enjoyment of the action-packed nature of the episode. He put it simply by saying: “I truly enjoyed the action in the episode.

I found this episode unique and memorable because it was packed with action in the first half, followed by a trial in the second. I wish we got to explore more of Sergeant Danny DeLuca’s character, and maybe he’ll even become a detective someday, given his ambitions.

It’s uncertain whether DeLuca will appear on Law & Order once more, but Metcalfe is ready and eager if given the chance. When I commented on how amazing it is that the series manages to deliver such action-packed scenes while being part of a regular network TV schedule, he agreed wholeheartedly.

Absolutely, I share your sentiments wholeheartedly! There’s hardly anything more to add other than it’s an exceptionally well-functioning mechanism. This grand spectacle set in Manhattan is nothing short of impressive. The team, cast, and crew are undeniably experts in their field, making the entire production seem effortless. I must acknowledge my friend and ex-actor, Carlos Bernard, who directed this episode. He’s truly skilled at his craft. A true director for actors, he managed to make even the most intricate action sequences appear simple. I believe the final output speaks volumes about his abilities.

The long-awaited premiere of “Folk Hero” is almost here! Tune in to NBC at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, March 20th. This gripping tale, inspired by real-life events and set within the Law & Order universe, promises to shed more light on its intriguing case, as teased in the recent promo. Check it out!

You can stream new episodes of NBC shows, including “Law & Order,” the day after they air on NBC via Peacock, and you’ll also find past episodes there. In the 2024-2025 TV schedule, “Law & Order: Organized Crime” moved from NBC to Peacock, but “SVU” still holds its 9 p.m. ET time slot. However, all three shows will air on the same night again when “Law & Order: Organized Crime” Season 5 has a special primetime premiere on April 17.

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2025-03-21 03:09