American actress and activist Stephanie March is well-known for her role as Assistant District Attorney ADA Alexandra Cabot in the hit TV series Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. She appeared on the show for several seasons, and her character’s appearances and frequent disappearances kept fans on their toes.
March first joined the Law & Order: SVU cast at the beginning of the show’s second season as ADA Alexandra Cabot. Her character was quickly beloved for her fierce dedication to justice and for pushing boundaries in the courtroom. March's portrayal of Cabot, a lawyer who often bent but never broke the law to seek justice, resonated with viewers.
This article explores March's journey on Law & Order: SVU, the reasons behind her departure, and her recurring returns over the years.
When did Stephanie March leave Law and Order: Special Victims Unit
March's character, Alexandra Cabot, exited the show in season five after being placed in the Witness Protection Program. This happened following a dangerous situation where she was targeted in a drive-by shooting by a drug lord whose case she was prosecuting. Before her departure, she was able to say her goodbyes to her SVU colleagues, including Detective Stabler and Detective Benson.
In an interview with TV Guide, March explained her decision to leave the show after three seasons.
"I want to emphasize that I have zero complaints about Law & Order. It was a fantastic work experience, and I miss the people a lot," she said.
However, she added that as an actress, she felt that her character had run its course and needed a break to avoid becoming too comfortable in the role. This break was not the end of her Law & Order journey, though.
March's recurring appearances in the show
In season 6, ADA Cabot returned to the show for the episode titled Ghost, when the man who had attempted to assassinate her was finally arrested. However, after the trial, her character had to return to the Witness Protection Program to stay safe. This brief reappearance was an emotional moment for fans, as it showed the enduring bond between Cabot and her SVU team.
Stephanie March's return to Law & Order: SVU did not stop at season six. She made recurring appearances in season 10 and was back again in season 11 for several episodes. Her return brought a wave of nostalgia for long-time fans of the show. In season 13, she reappeared, further proving that her character still had an important role in the SVU universe.
Cabot’s next departure was for a noble cause. After her time at the SVU, she left to join the International Criminal Court, where she could continue her fight for justice on a global scale. This storyline gave her character a dignified exit from the show and set up the potential for future appearances.
Stephanie March's last appearance as Alexandra Cabot occurred in season 19, in the episode titled Sunk Cost Fallacy. In this episode, her character was shown helping women escape their abusive situations, highlighting Cabot's continued commitment to justice and her personal growth. This final appearance provided a fitting conclusion to her journey on Law & Order: SVU.
Stephanie March left an indelible mark on Law & Order: SVU and its fans. Her portrayal of ADA Cabot was both inspiring and relatable, showing the struggles and triumphs of seeking justice in a flawed system.
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