Maroun puts her job on the line in the Law and Order season 24 premiere teases Odelya Halevi

Law and Order season 24 is kicking off with a big case involving Samantha Maroun that puts her in a tough spot!

Since the procedural returned in 2022, it’s stuck to the classic formula of the iconic franchise: The first half focuses on the two male detectives and a female lieutenant investigating a murder. The second half then shows the male and female ADAs and their boss handling the prosecution.

For the female ADA, Odelya Halevi has been on the show since it returned as Samantha Maroun. Her first episode revealed her backstory as her sister was murdered, and the killer was never brought to justice. That’s pushed Maroun on, and she is willing to risk her career in some cases. 

Season 23 had both Maroun and Nolan Price (Hugh Dancy) getting used to Jack McCoy (Sam Waterston) resigning over political blowback and being replaced by Nicholas Baxter (Tony Goldwyn). Season 24 brings another change as Lt. Kate Dixon (Camryn Manheim) has left and been replaced by Jessica Grady (Maura Tierney). 

Speaking to TV Insider, Halevi previewed the season 24 premiere, which has a female prosecutor murdered in her Brooklyn home. Maroun knows the woman personally and takes part in the investigation, which brings up her past trauma. 

"And this episode is really diving into her past—she’s affected by it so much because of her sister’s death, the rape and murder of her sister and her inability to be there for her sister. So she is really desperate to win. And through sadness and frustration and anger, she’s determined to do what she has to do, even if it’s going to cost her her job. She’s determined to win this case and bring justice."

Halevi hints this is part of a wider plan for the show to shine a spotlight on the personal stories of the characters more than usual. That includes an upcoming episode where Riley (Reid Scott) handles a case involving his brother. That brings more intriguing dynamics to the show.

What does Maroun have to handle in Law and Order season 24?

Halevi shared more on how season 24 will have Maroun and Price still getting used to Baxter’s way of running cases and challenging her to be bolder in her work. 

"As we’ve seen with Maroun in previous episodes, she is determined to win. She’s playing to win and she keeps her own emotions to mostly herself. And she lives in a world filled with men. And so yes, she brings a lot of empathy, but she also has to stay strong and be quick and really do anything in order to win and prove a point. And that’s what she’s doing. In this episode, we’re going to see an arc with her emotions and decisions. Baxter keeps pushing Maroun to defy convention, to think outside of the norm. I think she needed that, that validation. And we’re going to hopefully see more of that throughout the season. Also Tony Goldwyn in real life, I feel like that’s who he is. Our personal relationship is very similar. He is very inspiring. He’s pushing me to be more, to want more, and I’m just so appreciative."

Halevi also praised Tierney and looked forward to working with her. While Law and Order is always about the cases first, the fact that it’s delving more into the personal lives of Maroun and others promises that season 24 will be even better for viewers to enjoy.

Law and Order season 24 premieres Thursday, Oct. 3 at 8/7c on NBC. Next day streaming will be available on Peacock. Stay tuned to Americans Undercover for coverage of the franchise including what we do (and don't) want to see on the flagship this year!

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