Alec Baldwin is taking on the media once again, this time in an episode of Law & Order: SVU. As E! News first revealed, Baldwin will guest star in the SVU episode directed by series star Mariska Hargitay.
In the episode, Baldwin will play Jimmy MacArthur, a "controversial" New York newspaper columnist who questions the SVU squad's motives during an investigation. Look for Hargitay's Sergeant Olivia Benson to go toe-to-toe with Baldwin's character. Katie Couric will appear as herself in the episode and interview Baldwin's character.
Baldwin recently made headlines for his New York cover story where he addressed several aspects of the media and his personal life.
"I'm thrilled to be directing," Hargitay said in a statement. "It's been a goal of mine for a long time, and it's quite an experience to see it realized. My respect for the process of making this show and telling these important stories deepens with every scene we shoot. I have always been so honored to work with this cast and crew, but never more so than now, as a director collaborating in a new way. And I've watched Alec on screen for so long and always hoped we would be able to work together some day. Having the opportunity to tell this story with him, having him bring his experience, depth, truthfulness, and fierce commitment, honestly feels too good to be true."
Head on over here to read E! News' interview with Hargitay where she opens up more about directing for the first time.
The episode, "Criminal Stories," is set to air on Wednesday, March 19 at 9 p.m.
"New York City has had a long history of high profile and controversial newspaper columnists, whose influence extends beyond the newsroom," Warren Leight, the SVU executive producer and showrunner, said in a statement. "In our story, ‘Jimmy Mac's' reporting interferes with the investigation, which has a ripple effect when the case goes to trial. We couldn't ask for a better actor for Mariska to work with in her directorial debut. Their chemistry on screen is palpable."
Law & Order: SVU airs Wednesdays, 9 p.m. on NBC.
(E! and NBC are both part of the NBCUniversal family).