Casting is currently under way for the newest "Law & Order" spinoff from NBC.
"Law & Order: Los Angeles" ("LOLA" for short) will debut this fall on Wednesday at 10 p.m., following "Law & Order: SVU."
No casting has been announced, so I’ve decided to make some suggestions of actors I think would be perfect for "LOLA."
What the "LOLA" people need NOT to do is try to find a new Det. Lenny Briscoe, played by the legendary Jerry Orbach.
Senior Detective: Liev Schreiber
Schreiber has been criminally underrated in Hollywood. You might remember him from "X-Men Origins: Wolverine," "The 
Manchurian Candidate" or "Defiance," or from his documentary narration, or his Broadway appearances. He’s done it all, from the independent scene to the big screen.
He’s also made some TV appearances, including a memorable stint on "CSI" as Michael Keppler, filling in during William Petersen's short hiatus. Keppler was an intriguing character with a mysterious past. Schreiber seemed to gel with the cast in his four episodes on the show.
But Keppler was killed off, unfortunately. Petersen came back, later to be replaced permanently by Lawrence Fishburne.
For me, as a longtime "CSI" fan, Fishburne’s addition hasn't worked. Schreiber was more interesting in four episodes than Fishburne has been in a season-plus.
Schreiber would make a perfect L.A. detective on "LOLA." He could play a character that's a mix of Det. Lupo (played by Jeremy Sisto) and Det. Joe Fontana (played by Dennis Farina).
Junior Detective: Annie Wersching
In 20 seasons, the original "L&O" had just one female detective. In its spinoffs, we’ve seen several, most notably Det. Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay).
I think "LOLA" should cast a female lead, and with "24" just ending, Annie Wersching should be at the top of anyone's list.
We know her as CTU agent Renee Walker. Wersching joined the cast of "24" last season and became an instant fan favorite. In the eighth and final season, we saw another side of Renee -- a much darker, unhinged character -- thanks to Wersching’s stellar performance.
Sadly, after consummating her relationship with Jack Bauer, Renee was killed. (It’s a tough gig to play Jack Bauer’s lover!)
Wersching’s character was a highlight of the iconic series' final season. Agent Walker will be one of "24's" most memorable characters, despite her relatively short time on the show.
We’ve seen that Wersching can play a wide range, from the by-the-book CTU agent to the ass-kicking female version of Jack Bauer.
"LOLA" creators should jump on her right away. She won’t be available for long, I have a feeling. And can you image her teamed up with my No. 1 pick?
Executive Assistant District Attorney – Elisabeth Rohm
Elisabeth Rohm? She sounds familiar, you’re saying? Of course she sounds familiar: She played assistant D.A. Serena Southerlyn on the original "L&O" from 2001 to 2005.
The last time we saw Serena Southerlyn on the show was when she was fired by D.A.
