‘Law & Order’ Season 23 Finale Does Not Address Camryn Manheim’s Exit

Camryn Manheim is leaving Law & Order, but you couldn’t have known that by watching the show’s season finale, which aired tonight.

Instead of a farewell, the focus centered on Tony Goldwyn’s DA Baxter, with Manheim’s character, Lt. Kate Dixon, barely featured. There was no indication during the show that she would be leaving.

Manheim joined the show as Lieutenant Kate Dixon in the Season 21 premiere, The Right Thing, though she had portrayed smaller roles in seasons 1, 3, and 4. Dixon is currently the commanding officer of the Manhattan North Homicide Squad’s 27th Precinct.

Earlier, a statement was issued to Deadline on Manheim’s imminent departure.

“I thank Camryn for her three wonderful seasons helping us relaunch Law & Order. She is a class act and I wish her nothing but the best for her next chapter,” shared series creator Dick Wolf in a statement.

There is no word on who will take over commanding officer duties for Dixon in Season 24. Before Dixon’s leadership, Anita Van Buren was top boss, she was played by S. Epatha Merkerson, who currently stars on the Wolf Entertainment and Universal Television series, Chicago Med.

Rosy Cordero contributed to this report.