"Law and Order": The Original Series Quiz

Answer: Dr. Melinda Warner

Dr. Melinda Warner, played by Tamara Tunie, was the medical expert on "Law and Order: SVU" from 2000 on. Prior to that, her most well-known role was that of Jessica Griffin (1987-2009) on the Soap Opera "As the World Turns". Psychologists Dr. Elizabeth Olivet and Dr. Emil Skoda were played by Carolyn McCormick and J.K. Simmons, respectively. Medical Examiner Elizabeth Rodgers, played by Leslie Hendrix, was the only character to appear from season two through the end of the show's final season.

Answer: Paul Sorvino

Paul Sorvino played Phil Cerreta and replaced George Dzundza (Max Greevey) in season two. Rounding out the original cast of six were Dann Florek as Captain Donald Cragen (who also appeared on "Law and Order: SVU"), Michael Moriarty as Executive Assistant District Attorney Ben Stone and Steven Hill as District Attorney Adam Schiff.

Answer: Anita Van Buren

Ms. Merkerson portrayed the tough but soft-hearted Lieutenant Anita Van Buren. She assayed the same role in the 1998 "Law and Order" movie "Exiled", as well as appearing on the spin offs "Criminal Intent" in 2002 and "Trial by Jury" in 2005. A.D.A Serena Southerlyn was played by Elisabeth Rohm, Alana de la Garza played Assistant D.A. Connie Rubirosa and Dianne Wiest was District Attorney Nora Lewin in the later years of the series.

Answer: Nina Cassady

In the revolving door of A.D.A.s on the show, Abbie Carmichael was played by Angie Harmon ("Rizzoli and Isles"), Claire Kincaid was Jill Hennessy ("Crossing Jordan") and Jamie Ross was Carey Lowell who later played Judge Jamie Ross on "Law and Order: Trial by Jury". Nina Cassady was a junior detective played by Milena Govich, not one of the more popular characters on the series.

Answer: Cyrus Lupo

Lennie Briscoe, wonderfully played by Jerry Orbach, was one of the longer-running characters on "Law and Order", partnering up with Mike Logan (Chris Noth), Ed Green (Jesse L. Martin) and Rey Curtis (Benjamin Bratt). Orbach left the show, succumbing to prostate cancer on December 28, 2004.

He was replaced by Dennis Farina as Detective Joe Fontana. Detective Cyrus Lupo, played by Jeremy Sisto, who was partnered with Kevin Bernard (Anthony Anderson).

Answer: Jack McCoy

John James "Jack" McCoy was originally Executive Assistant District Attorney and later promoted to D.A. His character first appeared in 1994 and he had the longest tenure of any character other than Lt. Van Buren. He was appointed by District Attorney Adam Schiff.

The incorrect answers were all on the "Order"/ legal side: with A.D.A Paul Robinette in season one; Arthur Branch, the D.A. played by former U.S. Senator Fred Dalton Thompson, and A.D.A. Michael Cutter, played by Linus Roache in the last seasons of the show.

Answer: New York

I figured it was time for a breather... "Law and Order" used the actual settings of the gritty city of New York for background and local color. If you are familiar with the city, you can see real shots filmed on the streets of Manhattan, but the actors and the plot were the real protagonists, with stories often taken from headline news stories. FYI, in 2004, a road leading to Pier 62 at Chelsea Piers was renamed "Law and Order Way".

Answer: Mayor David Dinkins

Although Mayor Dinkins was in office at the time the series began, I can find no evidence that he appeared on the show. In addition to William Kunstler, Jose Serrano and Michael Bloomberg, Rudy Giuliani also appeared as himself. The former Mrs. Giuliani, Donna Hanover, and author Fran Lebowitz also appeared in episodes in character roles as judges.

The writers used the culture and background of the city to give the show an even greater sense of realism.

Answer: Dick Wolf

Richard Anthony Wolf is an American television producer responsible for "Law and Order" and its spin offs, as well as "Miami Vice". He started as a staff writer for "Hill Street Blues" where he was nominated for his first Emmy Award. He also developed the show "Chicago Fire", a drama about the people who work for the Chicago Fire Department, and has penned two books: "Law and Order: Crime Scenes" and the novel "The Intercept".

Answer: Law and Order: SUV

Did I trick you? The first spin off was "Law and Order: SVU", i.e., Special Victims Unit, NOT Sports Utility Vehicle! I figured if you made it this far, you deserved a break. "SVU" began in September 1999; the first episode of "Criminal Intent" aired in September 2001. "Trial by Jury" began in March 2005, and "LA" debuted on September 29, 2010. FYI, the original "Law and Order" began on September 13, 1990 and completed its 20th and final season on May 24th 2010, making it the longest running crime show in television history when it concluded.